A Guide To Keeping Cool When It’s HOT!!!
If you are anything like me, under normal circumstances you wouldn’t moan about the British weather resembling the feeling of being on a holiday in the Mediterranean but when you are pregnant, a particularly hot spell may not be so welcome.
I have experienced two pregnancies in the height of summer with 2 mid-September born bubbas (my third was perfectly timed as he was born during a harsh winter and acted as my own portable heater).
So, based on a bit of science and my personal experience, here is my guide to keeping cool and comfortable whilst pregnant when the summer decides to hit!
Water, Water, Water
I talk about this in every course that I teach, the importance of staying well hydrated during pregnancy really must not be overlooked. Drinking enough water can help you to stay healthy in your pregnancy and also work a treat at keeping some pregnancy complications at bay.
It is recommended that you drink at least 8 large glasses of water per day. When it’s hot, you will need to up the ante in order to keep on top of your hydration.
As well as helping with blood pressure, swelling, delivering nutrients around your body, preventing UTI’s, preventing constipation to name but a few things, water can help you to regulate your body temperature - especially important when you are heavily pregnant during a heat wave. Drinking enough water will enable you to sweat effectively and cool your body down (your own personal cooling mechanism - aren’t we clever?!).
Electrolytes
When we sweat we need to replace our lost electrolytes, these are the salts and minerals found in our blood, such as sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate. We can do this by eating specific foods and looking at what we drink.
Good sources of electrolytes include:
Coconut water
Bananas
Olives
Tomatoes
Lettuce
Spinach
Sweet potatoes
Watermelon
You can even make electrolyte drinks;
Here is a recipe for a delicious drink from a favourite book of mine The First Forty Days, the essential art of nourishing the new mother written by Heng Ou
This drink is a great drink for nausea, staying hydrated, labour and for the postpartum period too:
60ml raw honey
240ml hot water (to dissolve the honey)
720ml cold or room temperature water or sparkling mineral water
1 tsp of apple cider vinegar
120ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp fresh ginger pulp (use garlic press)
3 drops of ConcenTrace Mineral Drops
3 drops of Bach Rescue Remedy (optional)
1/4 tsp sea salt
Make up a jug and put it in the fridge, Please check with your doctor if you are unsure of any of the ingredients.
Paddling Pool
Connect with your inner child and invest in a paddling pool - it could be a bigger one if you fancy it or simply a small children’s one that you can dip your feet into.
This will not be a bad investment even if you end up only using it once during your pregnancy. Let’s face it if you live in England that’s highly likely! You can pack it away and take it out in a year or so when your little one will be over the moon to have a splash in the garden.
Ideally, position it in the shade or with a strategically positioned parasol - a great way to enjoy being outdoors when it’s warm whilst staying cool.
Iced Smoothies
A firm family favourite and an amazing treat whilst pregnant. Easily create this nice chilled snack by blending a combination of your favourite fruits (include bananas, they work really well) with natural yoghurt or if you would prefer to go dairy-free, you can use your favourite alternatives such as oat or coconut yoghurt. Fill some ice lolly containers and pop them in the freezer - ‘hey presto’ a wonderfully nutritious and cooling snack!
Frozen Fruit
Ever tried freezing fruit and using it as an alternative to ice cubes or a lovely melt in the mouth burst of flavour? Try freezing grapes, raspberries, pitted cherries, strawberries, blueberries or even melon - you name it, try it!
WaterMelon
A fabulously nutritious snack and as an added bonus it is full of water - did you know that watermelon can even help to regulate blood pressure?? Be sure to eat the seeds too as they are full of protein - if you have to watch your sugar, its always better to eat fruit whole rather than as a drink.
You can even freeze some individual slices too! Yummy!!
Wear Loose, Cool, Breathable Clothing
It’s best to opt for natural fibres such as cotton or linen as these are breathable and great for staying cool. I used to always treat myself and invest in some lovely baggy, ‘chuck on’ dresses which looked good but helped me to feel free and cool on those really hot days.
Frozen Flannels
Run a flannel under some water and wring out the excess water. Pop it in the freezer for 15 mins and wrap it round the the nape of your neck for a super quick body cooling hack! This is where the brainstem that runs through the neck is situated and it helps to regulate your body temperature.
You can also put something cold on your pulse points, wrists, temples, neck and chest.
Stay out of the heat and don’t push yourself
Follow your body’s lead, if you are not feeling up to it stay home, have good air circulation, draw the curtains and give yourself permission to watch your favourite box set and do very little if nothing at all - put your feet up and wait for the heatwave to pass - for you surely won’t have to wait long if you are living in the UK!!
For more tips and ideas for pregnancy and beyond, follow me on social media and get in touch if you want to find out more about how I can support you on your journey!
Yvette x
Source: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-first-forty-days/heng-ou/amely-greeven/9781617691836
