Top Tips to Survive a Summer Pregnancy

So summer has arrived. Better late than never I guess. It took a long time for us to start a family, and almost as long to increase our number, so I am not ungrateful for being pregnant. However, the "lovely" British Summer that has just arrived with its humidity, lack of breeze, and 30° heat PLUS being pregnant and a mum, is exhausting.

Whoever first spoke of the pregnancy, "Glow" was either lying or hadn't seen a pregnant lady in summer. Although if we go by my first point maybe they had and we've misinterpreted the meaning of, "glow"! So, here are my top ten tips for surviving pregnancy during a hot British summer.

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Top ten tips for surviving a summer pregnancy

1. Beat the sweat

I didn't even know that you can sweat in some of the places I am doing so. Having a massive baby bump doesn't help. Unfortunately, there isn't a solution to sweat. However, you may find relief using a face cloth soaked in cold water wearing light, loose, cotton clothing, and staying in the shade.

2. Offer cooling entertainment to your other children

No matter how much juice, water, or milk I give her, Squidgy can be a little monster. She is whinging, whining and making noises that grate on my nerves. The best solution for this, I’ve found is blowing up the paddling pool, smothering her in sun cream and letting her crack on (supervised of course).

3. Use the paddling pool yourself

Having an irritable toddler, a summer cold (!), all the usual pregnancy "fun" and the heat means I have run out of patience. Everything is driving me crazy. Cracking out the maternity swimwear, sticking my feet in the paddling pool and supervising my toddler has helped.

4. Make easy, cold, healthy meals

You're hungry, but you don't want to eat. Cooking - and eating - are a hot business. No one wants to turn the oven on, or slave over a meal in this heat, then sit down to eat it, especially those who are pregnant.
Solution: Eat quick, cold, healthy meals. My favourite go-to in this weather is a salad topped with pre-cooked chicken. I love a bit of cucumber and tomato on the side. If I'm lucky, I get a bit of salad dressing too.

5. Make a mocktail

I have many fond memories of spending summer days with a cold G&T or cocktail enjoying the sunshine. Being pregnant means I’m alcohol-free, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy a drink. There are plenty of refreshing, delicious mocktail recipes to try.

6. Swap out your wardrobe

Walking around nearly naked is frowned upon unless you're two. If someone popped over unannounced and Squidgy is running around in her swimming costume, or even just her underwear, no one would bat an eyelid. They'd probably even mention how cute she looks, or how nice it must be for her. However, if I answered the door in my underwear, I'm pretty sure I'd cause the person outside to pass out from the shock. Instead, I opt for a light dress or cotton trousers and a tee.

7. Swap out your footwear

Your feet and ankles swell. This is almost inevitable, and not fun! My shoes no longer fit and my ankles look like something out of a horror movie. To deal with this I go barefoot as much as possible or wear flip-flops or wide-fit pumps.

8. Get help for personal grooming

If you don't want to have to wear trousers whenever you go out, which I certainly don't in this weather, self-grooming is kind of a must. If you trust them, get your partner to help you out. If you don't there are two options. You can use a mirror and learn some movements similar to contortion or you can take yourself down to a salon and get a professional to help. If you're brave enough.

9. Rest when you can

The heat makes me super lethargic, and sleep can be hard to find in the heat. I make sure I have a fan close by when I am planning to sleep, to ensure the sleep is as restful as possible. Afternoon naps can also help! It helps to know you’re not alone. My friend Jemma is a few weeks ahead of me and she is spending most of her time in front of her fan.

10. Change the sleeping arrangements

You've got a mini heater permanently on. When you're pregnant you can't get away from the permanent heat source that is your growing baby. The easiest way to ensure you get as much sleep as possible is to change up the sleeping arrangements. Use cool sheets and minimal blankets, and consider kicking your partner out to a spare bed until the temperature drops.

I love the summer and am glad for the time to get some good old vitamin D, but I can't wait until the leaves start to fall and Autumn starts to kick in. Bring on winter!