Tips for Pregnancy Care in Summer

Summers are already hot and humid, but being pregnant during this summer season can make it seem altogether more hotter. Harsh heat and humidity during this season is sure to take a toll on pregnant women if proper care is not taken. Continue reading about Tips for Pregnancy Care in Summer

During pregnancy, the body temperature of the pregnant person is already higher by a little. Added to this, the summer heat and humidity makes pregnant women even more uncomfortable.

So, It is important for pregnant women to know the following tips which can help them in more than one way to keep themselves cool and comfortable.

The Following are the Tips for Pregnancy Care in Summer

Try to keep yourselves cool

• Swim your way out of heat! Swimming helps you cool off and also takes some weight off your sciatic nerve.
• Wear breathable fabrics which reduces perspiration (sweating), keeps you cool and also prevents heat rashes which are a common occurrence in summer-time pregnancies.
• Maintain a good breathing pattern, this lets you lose some heat. Make sure you do not breathe too fast or too slow.
• It is always better for pregnant women to avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Pregnant women are more prone to sunburns.
• Stay indoors and apply a cool and damp cloth to your forehead, back of the neck and also on your head, to keep your body temperature down.

Know the Signs of Dehydration

• Nausea
• Headache
• Muscle Cramps
• Dizziness
• Increase in body temperature

If you experience these signs when you are outside, try to get indoors or a relatively cooler place and drink ample water and rest.

Keep yourselves Hydrated

• During pregnancy, it is very important to stay hydrated, as dehydration can lead to preterm labour.
• When your perspire heavily , make sure you drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit juices etc to make up the water loss and avoid dehydration
• Make sure you do not drink too much water as it can lead to a condition called water intoxication, which can lead to cramps, fatigued muscles and rarely, unconsciousness.

Dealing with Swelling

• Though swelling is a normal part of pregnancy, it increases during summers. Know the difference between normal and abnormal swelling.
• Normal swelling goes away with ample rest, but if the swelling appears suddenly and doesn’t go away after rest, better check with your doctor.
• You should know that too little salt can also lead to swelling during pregnancies. Reduce the salt but do not totally avoid it.
• To control swelling, rest your feet on a level higher than your body level.

Know the Do’s and Don’ts of Pregnancy

• Get indoors if you feel the effects of dehydration mentioned above.
• Wear footwear which is comfortable. No ill fitting footwear please!
• Rest for a minimum of 60 hours a day and go for walks during early mornings or in the evenings.
• Always keep your legs slightly elevated when you sleep.
• Remove tight rings and bangles as a precaution towards swelling.
• Do not stand at one place for too long and also avoid taking diuretics.
• Wear comfortable and loose clothing.

The Follow these Tips for Pregnancy Care in Summer to avoid the discomfort of summer-time pregnancies and stay cool and of course happy!