Practical tips to prevent the pains and annoyances that come with being pregnant in the warm months of the year.
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Summer is often a real headache when awaiting a child. Should we rest more? Should we drink more water? Can we eat an ice cream? What exercises should we do? There’s still several weeks of summer left (not to mention warm temps we may get in early fall), so here are some tips that can help you make it through the next couple of months peacefully and in greater comfort …
Keep drinking that water!
Although this recommendation is valid throughout the year, it is even more important in the summer. During a heat wave, we dehydrate much more quickly. So it’s important to drink two liters of water a day during pregnancy to avoid any kind of urinary infection. For more efficiency, use sparkling water: the salt it contains rehydrates the body better than still water.
Protect yourself from the sun
The sun can be very harmful during pregnancy. You have to protect your face and body to prevent the appearance of the famous “sun mask,” spots on the skin that can be irreversible. On the beach, make sure you take along a hat, a T-shirt, and at least SPF 30 on your body.
Go for a swim
For you, it’s obviously out of the question to do rough or extreme sports. Even a bike ride can be risky. Indeed, it’s not the sport itself that is risky but the fall. From the fourth month of pregnancy onward, the body becomes less flexible. While tennis, rollerblading, judo, cycling, or horse riding are strongly discouraged, this is not the case for swimming, which is an ideal sport to build muscles gently. You can also practice walking in the water. It is a great way to reduce the feeling of heavy legs, a classic annoyance of pregnancy, and to stay toned.
Limit sugar in your diet
In summer, we are tempted to eat a lot of fruit. However, when we are pregnant, even if it is “good sugars,” going overboard with the fruits is as bad for the woman as it is for the baby. It is best to stick to a maximum of two fruits per day and cut back on ice cream, sugary drinks, and obviously, alcoholic beverages, as the latter are very dangerous for the fetus. The goal is to avoid developing “gestational diabetes” (or “pregnancy diabetes”), which usually appears during the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy. If you fall for a good chocolate ice cream, it’s not a huge deal, but always go for the “homemade” version.
Pay attention to the goodies at the farmers’ markets
While touring farmers’ markets is part of the pleasures of summer, the products on offer are not always good for you. Watch out for the cold cuts and cheeses on display, which can transmit listeriosis (a bacteria that is transmitted through cold cuts, pates, some raw milk cheeses, or poorly washed vegetables …) or toxoplasmosis (parasites that infest undercooked meat, raw vegetables that are badly washed, aromatic herbs …). The golden rule is to wash your vegetables carefully, to remove any soil deposits. You can also use the technique of “organic sterilization,” which involves cleaning your salad with white vinegar.
Listen to your body
It’s not just because it’s hot that you need more rest. It all depends on the needs of your body. The secret is to listen to your body and adapt your days according to your physical condition. Don’t try to keep up with every family activity if you just can’t. In case of extreme heat, avoid going out during the hottest hours. Stay in the shade and move slowly to avoid wasting energy. Be very attentive to your body and if necessary, do not forget to get help!
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