If you are pregnant, you are probably anxiously looking forward to your baby’s arrival. You are preparing the nursery. You are having regular visits with your doctor. You are doing all you can to stay healthy.

Of course, being pregnant during the summer months has one big challenge –  the heat. The rising temperatures and humidity may make you feel tired and uncomfortable. Use these tips to help you beat the heat this summer!

• Wear Lightweight Fabrics: Of course, you’re not going to pull out your favorite wool sweaters to wear during the summer months, but have you thought about the fabrics of the clothes you do wear? Look for linen, ramie, and silk to help keep you cool.
• Avoid the Peak Sun: The sun is the most intense during the hours of 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. If you can avoid being outside during these hours, you will decrease your chance for sunburn and other heat-related illnesses.
• Head to the Pool: Summer is when everyone heads to the pool and so should you! Submerge yourself in the pool and enjoy the cooling effects. Additionally, time spent in the pool can help alleviate swelling and swimming makes for excellent exercise while pregnant as it is a whole-body workout that is gentle on the joints.
• Hydrate: Make sure you always have a water bottle with you during the summer months. When you are well-hydrated, your body does a better job of regulating your temperature. In order to release the heat that you may experience, your body needs to be able to sweat as sweating helps to cool your skin as it evaporates.
• Cooling Wraps: Do you own a cooling wrap? If not, you may want to purchase one. Cooling wraps are made of a spongey material which you soak in water and place around your neck to help alleviate the symptoms of heat stress. You can easily soak one in water and place in a Ziploc bag for use throughout a hot day. 
• Spend Time Indoors: As simple as it sounds, spend some time indoors. Enjoy the air conditioning and a cold drink!
• Shower Frequently: Showers can help to cool you down also. Avoid extremely cold showers as they can cause the blood vessels in your body to contract and your body to retain heat. Instead, go for lukewarm showers in order to provide some relief.
• Eat Cold Foods: Avoid hot foods this summer and seek out cooler options. Summer is the ideal time to fill your diet with fresh fruit and vegetables!
• Use a Fan: While a fan doesn’t cool you down, a fan does circulate the air and makes it easier for sweat to evaporate from your skin. Place fans in rooms where you frequently spend time so that you have a constant circulation of air.
• Cooling Pillow: Getting a good night’s rest is important, but it may seem difficult while pregnant. Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature while sleeping may help. Additionally, if you are constantly tossing and turning in hopes of finding the cool side of your pillow, consider buying a cooling pillow. There are many cooling pillows available, and you’ll probably use it long after the baby is born.

Don’t let the summer temperatures get you down this summer if you’re pregnant. Stay cool with these tips and have fun planning for the arrival of your little bundle of joy.