Heatwave and pregnant: 7 tips to beat the heat

Summer temperatures and pregnancy don't mix! Since you became pregnant, your average body temperature has already risen from 37.5°C to 37.8°C. So if the weather joins in too… the feeling of heat becomes a real ordeal! All the discomforts of pregnancy are multiplied tenfold. Heavy legs, breathlessness at the slightest effort, difficulty eating and getting dressed. It can even become dangerous if you don't take good enough care of yourself. So what are the right habits to adopt in hot weather or a heatwave when you're pregnant?

Tip no. 1: Stay hydrated!

The best way to cope with a heatwave is to drink water regularly throughout the day. So drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day, in small sips spread evenly over the day. And avoid fizzy drinks and other very sugary drinks, which don’t help rehydration. Of course, heatwave or not, don’t drink a single drop of alcohol during pregnancy! And suggest that your partner does the same, as alcohol doesn’t hydrate!

Tip no. 2: Dress light

Loose dresses and blouses will do you the world of good. Also, steer clear of synthetic fabrics: they stop your skin from breathing properly and will make you sweat! Go for natural fabrics such as cotton or linen.

Tip no. 3: Cool your home down

Easier said than done when the temperature outside is breaking records. So here are a few tips to keep your home cool:

During the day: keep your windows and shutters closed. If you thought leaving the window open while closing the shutters was a good idea, think again! Even if your shutters stay closed, the heat will fill your home if you've left the windows open.
Once night falls and until early morning, it's time to air your home! Open your windows wide (watch out for mosquitoes!) and try to create as many draughts as possible. This will help your home cool down faster.
If you have a fan, a handy trick is to put a bottle of iced or frozen water right in front of it. Guaranteed cooling effect!
Avoid sleeping with the fan on, especially if you're prone to allergies. If you really want to sleep with your fan on, don't point it at yourself: it can dry out your sinuses and throat. It could even give you headaches and cramps.
Dry your washing indoors: it will add a little moisture and help cool the room. You can even hang a damp sheet near your bed to enjoy that little cooling effect.

Tip no. 4: Cool yourself down!

A water mister is your best friend: it will give you a very pleasant feeling of freshness.
And to cool down even more, don’t hesitate to take a quick shower, several times a day if necessary. Beware of thermal shock, though! There’s no need to use ice-cold water; lukewarm water will do the trick. But you can still run cooler water over your legs to ease the feeling of heavy legs.

Tip no. 5: Eat light

Avoid very heavy meals. And very sugary foods and drinks are best avoided altogether.

Stock up on fruit full of water and minerals, such as watermelon or melon. And as for vegetables, load your salads with cucumber!

Tip no. 6: Rest!

When you're pregnant, you are not at greater risk of dehydration. However, a prolonged spell of hot weather encourages stress. And stress triggers the production of oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates contractions of the uterus. So to avoid this, take it easy! Avoid standing for too long and allow yourself a little nap once or twice a day. Give yourself quiet moments to do simple things. For example, you could start thinking about baby's hospital bag. And we're here to help you prepare it with complete peace of mind.

Tip no. 7: Stay out of the sun

Beware of pregnancy mask! Your skin is particularly sensitive and too much sun exposure could cause hyperpigmentation of your skin and bring out those famous brown patches on your face. And if you do decide to venture outside anyway, a hat and SPF 50+ sun cream are a must!

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.