20 Tips for a Cool, Comfortable & Healthy Summer Pregnancy

As someone who was recently pregnant, I can attest that being pregnant has its highs and lows!

The highs are obviously the joy and excitement you feel when growing a literal life inside of you. I mean, nothing can replace the feeling you get when your baby starts to kick and shuffle around!

The lows include constantly feeling hot, and having zero control over what your body does (because quite simply, you don’t!)

Being heavily pregnant during the summer was difficult. But, there are lots of things I did to ensure that my comfort, health, and well-being were a top priority!

If you are expecting to deliver in the midst of summer, then read on.

These 20 tips and tricks made my last two trimesters much more enjoyable!

I was lucky enough to cool off in my parents’ pool, but on days when I didn’t feel like trekking it over there, I filled up a baby-sized pool that I purchased from my local dollar store!

It was amazing! I used it to soak in while I soaked up some sun.

Don’t have a pool? Take frequent, icy showers—same effect!

Before I went to bed, I would soak my feet in an ice bath by filling up a small basin.

It was miraculous how quickly it pulled my body temperature down!

I also filled my sink basin with ice and dipped my face in it when it felt hot and puffy from water retention!

A follow up to the tip above—after soaking your feet in ice, dry them off and slather on organic peppermint foot lotion.

Your feet not only sweat a lot in summer, but they take on a lot of pressure from your growing baby bump, so they can use the pampering.

Be sure to lock in that moisture by sliding on a pair of fuzzy socks—it will help prevent your heels from cracking.

Are you wearing the right clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable?

Many women think they should hang out in maxi dresses all summer.

While they are stretchy and flattering, the dress’ material doesn’t keep you as cool as you can be. Opt to invest in moisture wicking tops and shorts.

You’ll be amazed at how dry you feel and stay throughout the day.

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Heels in summer? Probably not the best idea. Flip flops? Um, very little support.

Sneakers are not the most attractive summer shoe, but they are the safest, and can be the most comfortable. Consider investing in a shoe that has a gel memory foam insert so it feels like you’re walking on a cloud all day!

I loved slip on sneakers because I didn’t have to bend over to do any lacing, either.

Now is the time to stock up on sleep. When the baby comes, you’re going to be exhausted!

One way to sleep well is to cuddle up with a pregnancy pillow.

They come in all kinds of sizes and shapes, and can help position you in a way that alleviates aches and pains, but also helps you fall asleep, and stay asleep.

And, make it a point to nap during the hottest time of the day (anywhere between 10 and 2). It will help you stay safe from the heat, and get the rest you need and deserve!

I loved wearing my belly band because it totally helped me keep all of my favorite pants in place, without having to fully zip or button them.

Maternity belts can do the same job, but in addition, they are ideal for women who need back and hip support—especially while exercising.

Think they’re a waste of money? I wore my belly band for weeks post-pregnancy, until I was able to exercise and get my body back into my pre-pregnancy pants!

I also ended up having a C-section, so the belt helped support my stitches and gave me the security and assurance I needed to move around.

Your hormones are going crazy and emotions are running high. And, unfortunately, the summer heat can intensify these feelings.

When you feel your blood about to boil, consider turning on some soothing background noise.

Go on Youtube to listen to rain falling, waterfalls flowing, or the ocean roaring. Or invest in a white noise machine, they do wonders!

These sounds also help you fall and remain asleep throughout the night.

I’ve never been a “yogi.” In fact, running always soothed me and was my go-to form of exercise.

But, I got to a stage in my pregnancy where running became painful.

So, I started to practice prenatal yoga. (Related: check out our top maternity leggings here).

Whether you stream a video online or purchase a DVD, there are lots of great poses that will keep you feeling strong, will control breathing, and will make you feel calm yet energized throughout your day.

Yoga is a form of exercise you can do inside, so pump up the air conditioning and stretch out.

Although I relied heavily on my belly band, I did give in and invest in a couple pairs of basic black stretch pants.

They were easy to get on and off, they could be dressed up or down, and best of all, they always fit! I also became quite the homebody for the first few weeks after my son was born, and I was so glad I had such comfortable duds on hand to lounge around in.

These stretchy pants come in handy when summer nights get cool, or you want to shield your legs from pesky mosquitoes (because the Zika virus is a serious concern for pregnant women).

I love water and can’t get enough of it. But, many of my girlfriends developed a sort of aversion to it during their pregnancies.

But, once I suggested they get an infuser, that totally resolved their taste issues!

Purchase a huge pitcher and/or a small portable infuser water bottle so you can place fruits like berries and watermelon, or veggies like cucumbers, in it.

Your water will have more flavor and downing your 8 to 10 cups a day will be no problem!

I always made sure I drank enough throughout the summer, but I noticed that your body gets dehydrated more quickly when pregnant, and especially in the heat.

So, when I started to feel a headache coming on, or felt dull and sleepy, I knew it was time for me to start eating more water based foods. Munch on cucumber, watermelon, celery, and zucchini.

It’s just another way to ensure you stay hydrated, but also provide something healthy and full of nutrients to your growing fetus.

Once you become a mom, your child’s needs and wants generally come before your own.

So, until your baby is born, be sure to treat yourself while you can.

Schedule regular prenatal massages, get facials, buy a cute hand bag—do whatever makes you happy.

When you are able to take care of yourself and allow yourself to indulge, you are ensuring your own happiness and well-being is being satisfied.

Summer is the prime time to do something just for you!

I can’t stress enough how important sleep is! And, many expecting mommies lack this the most.

Consider buying new bedding.

In addition to my body pillow, I tossed my flannel sheets and got a high thread count, Egyptian cotton sheet set, and a plush, new comforter that was light enough for summer.

Sometimes the littlest things make the biggest difference!

Silk pajamas also became my best friend at bedtime in the summer.

They were so soft and luxurious, and they helped prevent me from sweating over night.

There are even pairs you can buy (expensive, but worth it) that boast moisture wicking qualities, ensuring your coolness and comfort.

...But there’s so much to do! This was always running through my mind when I was told to sit down and put my feet up.

However, when I stopped being able to tell my ankles and legs apart, I realized I needed to listen to my doctor and slow down.

Your legs and feet tend to swell up in the heat, and the only thing that helps is keeping them elevated.

So, catch up on your Netflix, and take a break from nesting!

Yes, you can obviously not partake in summer drink fests with your friends. But, you can enjoy mocktails!

Don’t shy away from social summer events just because you’re with child. Now more than ever you should want to spend time with your friends before a baby comes and changes everything.

Spend time with those you love, doing things that you love to promote happiness and well-being!

Yes, you are carrying another human being your body. But, you only need an extra 200 calories or so per day.

If you eat some extra helpings of veggies, fruit, yogurt, or grilled chicken, you’ll be able to manage the heat a lot easier than you would if you feel weighed down from pizza, fries, or other sweets.

Always gravitate toward grilled entrees, rather than fried, and if you do choose to consume BBQ’d meats, always check their temperature to ensure they are fully cooked through.

You’re pregnant and already uncomfortable enough. Don’t toss a nasty case of sunburn into the mix!

When it comes to choosing a sunscreen when pregnant, hands down, go organic when possible.

Choose a formula that has an SPF of 50, and select something that contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. The FDA feels they are the best choices on the market-especially for expecting mommies.

Be sure to reapply regularly, because even though they are considered “waterproof” the protection factor fades when in and out of the pool.

I used to love lounging around with a cool washcloth on my forehead, shoulders, and/or knees.

It felt amazing and it was much more convenient than constantly jumping in the shower or traveling to a pool. In fact, I kept a bunch of wet washcloths in a sealed, quart sized bag in my fridge.

When I started to overheat, I’d grab one and place it on my body for instant cooling and comfort!

Want to get ultra-creative?

Toss a few in an insulated lunch bag so you can access them when driving in the car, or when you need one and you’re away from home!

Being pregnant, especially during the summer time, is so uncomfortable!

However, the 20 tips and tricks listed above are tried and true ways to maintain your physical, mental, and emotional happiness and well-being.

In addition to keeping cool, safe, and happy in the summer, remain positive and keep telling yourself you won’t feel this way forever.

Soon, you’ll have a beautiful bundle of joy that will erase all of your aches, pains, and complaints away!