The ULTIMATE keeping cool guide for Mummies-to-be
A Keeping Cool Guide for Mummies-to-Be
Wow it’s hot! This weather is glorious but mummies-to-be I am feeling for you. I was pregnant myself in the mini heatwave last year and found it a tad uncomfortable, but with you ‘cooking’ your little one inside you, then it’s normal to feel even hotter than usual, and in this heat it’s not fun!
Getting too hot isn’t good for you or your baby. So here are some to help you beat the heat and stay safe and cool.
What should I wear to keep me cool?
- Choose natural fibre clothes, like cotton and linen, which enable you to stay cool and also don’t rub or chaf like man-made fabrics.
- Keep covered up. Not only will this help protect against sunburn, but you’ll feel cooler without direct sunlight on your skin. Wear long-sleeved tops in lightweight fabrics and loose, comfortable trousers or long dresses and skirts. Think floating and boho!
- Don’t forget your head! Wear a hat with a wide brim that will protect your face and neck from the sun, as well as helping you to stay cool. Alternatively, a light headscarf will help keep the sun off.
- Don’t forget your feet! Strappy sandals may feel cool, but they leave the tops of your feet vulnerable to sunburn. Slap on some sun lotion to protect them from the rays.
- Don’t forget your FACTOR! Ensure your skin is protected in the harsh sunshine. Get used to slapping it on, as this is exactly what you will be doing as a mummy!
How can I keep cool when I’m out and about?
- A fine water spray is the BEST thing in the world. You can use this when you are out and about or you can even use it to spray over yourself during the night when you are too hot. You can even add a drop of moisturiser to it, to help your skin.
- Buy a fan. Either a folding paper fan or a hand-held battery-operated one will work well. They’re particularly handy if you’re stuck on a crowded bus or train, or in a traffic jam on a hot day.
- Stay out of direct sunlight wherever possible. Stay in the shade to keep as cool as possible.
- Drink plenty of fluids. You can dehydrate easily when you’re pregnant, which can make you feel faint and tired. To help avoid this, carry a bottle of water and take regular sips throughout the day.
- Find time to go for a swim at your local pool or take a dip in the sea to help refresh you on a hot day. Swimming is also an excellent form of exercise in pregnancy and may help reduce any swelling in your lower legs and ankles. Buy a paddling pool and sit with your feet in it!
- Minimise your salt intake. This will help to combat water retention and make you feel more comfortable.
- For an instant cool down, put your wrists under a running cold tap or pour a little water from your bottle on to your face or the back of your neck. It really does work and it feels lovely!
What can I do to stay cool indoors?
- Fans and air conditioning are god sends. If you don’t have air con then a bucket of ice in front of a fan is wonderfully refreshing. Just remember that when you’re pregnant, it can take longer than normal for your body to adjust to any temperature changes. Try to reduce the heat gradually if possible, and give yourself time to adapt when moving from one environment to another.
- Consider a lukewarm shower or bath to give you some immediate relief from the heat. Don’t have the water too cold though. A cold shower may sound appealing, but can actually make you hotter as your body generates heat to make up for the sudden chill.
- Drape a cold flannel around your neck or wrap a cool, wet bandana or scarf loosely around your neck. It will help cool the major arteries in your neck and make you feel more comfortable.
- Pace yourself. Ask for help if you’re too tired to cook, clean, or run errands. Put your feet up whenever you can. Growing a baby is hard work and you need plenty of rest during the day. If it doesn’t absolutely need to be done now, or if someone else could handle it, don’t do it!
As much as I love the sun, I remember all too well those scorchers we had back in 2020, so I’m really feeling for you if you’ve come here looking for some new ideas. Hopefully these tips will be helpful for you – let me know if you try any of them out or have any others that I could add to this list!
Much love,
Laura x
