10 Cool Ways Pregnant Women Can Beat the Heat
When summer temps sizzle, expecting moms look for ways to chill. CanCan Mom, mother of eight, shares ten cool ways pregnant women can beat the heat and enjoy their summer pregnancy.
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CanCan Mom’s creative routines and schedules make motherhood easier and more fun. Interact with love and laughter more often than impatience by incorporating my unique Quick Steps into your daily family life!
-CanCan Mom, Cheryl L. Butler
Moms Crushing It with CanCan Quick Steps#
- Drink—A Lot!
- Keep Cool in the Kiddie Pool
- Try an Ice-Cold Foot Bath
- Spray Yourself
- Ice, Ice, Baby!
- Use Cold Compresses
- Seek a Cooling Scent
- Keep the Bedroom Cool
- Find a Polar Jacuzzi
- Think Cool
How I Survived Summer Pregnancies#
Six of my pregnancies were spent during the beautiful summer months. Sure, it was nice to carry a growing belly around in the delightful sunshine rather than the icy, slippery days of winter, but the combination of me getting bigger and bigger and the temps outside getting hotter and hotter made for some extremely uncomfortable conditions.
I am sure you feel the same—so even though things are heating up, here is how you can still enjoy your pregnancy.
Tip 1: Drink—A Lot!#
When you’re expecting, you already spend much of your day and night heading to the bathroom. During the hot months, you should expect to keep that momentum going because you really need to stay extra-hydrated.
Drinking ice water (or your fave beverage, such as sparkling water or iced tea) will not only keep you cool and refreshed; it’s also super important for you and your growing baby.
Advent Health’s article, Summer Heat and Hydration During Pregnancy explains that by the time you actually feel thirsty, you’re already well past the point of dehydration. That’s why it’s important to drink water all day long. So keep your water bottle full and sip 6 to 8 glasses a day. This truly was one tip that kept me feeling cool and refreshed during those summer scorchers!
Tip 2: Keep Cool in the Kiddie Pool#
During my first pregnancy, we had a lovely, in-ground pool, so all I had to do to cool off was put on my maternity bathing suit and head to my backyard. The cold water felt great on my swollen ankles, and I could float away to my heart’s content.
When we moved to our current home, we had no pool. To remedy that, I invested in an extra-large blowup pool for the backyard. It was big enough to sit in comfortably, and my then one-year-old could play in it right beside me.
Tip 3: Try an Ice-Cold Foot Bath#
For a really quick fix in the heat, I would grab a large bucket and fill it with ice water. I would soak my feet a couple of times a day while watching TV, reading, or just waiting for dinner to finish cooking.
It was just enough to cool me down quickly and ease my swollen ankles, too!
– CanCan Mom, Cheryl L. Butler
Tip 4: Spray Yourself #
Misting yourself with cool water can refresh you instantly, especially if you’re outside in the heat of the day. Buy a spray bottle and fill it with water, then spritz it on your face regularly to cool down.
Look for a water bottle that has a fan on it. I went through several batteries, but it was worth it!
Tip 5: Ice, Ice, Baby!#
I didn’t have many cravings during my seven pregnancies, but one that I had with each one was the need for crushed ice. I worked in a dental practice for 20 years, so I knew better than to chew on ice, but I also needed to satisfy my craving.
Instead of noshing on ice, I created my own frozen delights, such as frozen lemonade, OJ, and other homemade pops. When I was feeling overheated or needed a fix, I’d head to the freezer and grab one of my frozen treats. They were tasty and took the edge off!
Tip 6: Use Cold Compresses #
When you’re hot and pregnant, your new best friend could easily become an everyday washcloth. Wet a few washcloths (I used to wet mine with a mixture of water and lemon juice—ahh!) and stick them in the freezer, then pull them out on a hot day, lay down, and place the compress on my forehead.
As a bonus, see if you can get your spouse or partner to rub your tired, pregnant feet at the same time. It’s an instant spa moment!
Tip 7: Seek a Cooling Scent #
Certain fragrances can help lower body temps.
“Mandarin and Neroli essential oils are known for their cooling properties—perfect when you’re feeling hot and bothered,” says Susan Curtis, Medicines Director, and natural homeopath at Neal’s Yard Remedies. “Simply add a few drops of either oil to witch hazel flower water and use as a spritz for your face, neck, and arms.”
Curtis also suggests adding a couple of drops of lavender oil to a foot bath to help soothe swollen ankles.
Tip 8: Keep the Bedroom Cool #
It can become increasingly more difficult to get a good night’s sleep as your pregnancy progresses, so making your bedroom comfy is key.
To help, keep your bedroom as cool as possible, keep the curtains drawn all day to prevent the sun from warming it up, and use a fan.
If you’re lucky to have a few moments to yourself on a hot summer’s day, sneak off into your bedroom for a power nap or just some quiet time. The cool, dark environment will help you relax and chill out.
Tip 9: Find a Polar Jacuzzi #
One of my favorite indulgences (pregnant or not) is soaking in my Jacuzzi tub. During the sizzling months of summer, I would fill it with cool water, put on my bathing suit, and soak away, jets and all.
If you don’t have a Jacuzzi, fill your tub, it’s still refreshing.
Bonus: I loved to listen to audiobooks when I had a cold soak because I could close my eyes and escape to a whole new world!
Tip 10: Think Cool #
Popular for years now, visualization is a technique in which one quiets the mind and focuses on a particular theme or idea that she wants to see come to fruition in her own life.
– CanCan Mom, Cheryl L. Butler
In Your Total Summer Pregnancy Guide, Kathy McManus, RD, the author, states that visualization “is the use of the imagination through pictures or mental imagery to create visions of what we want in our lives, and how to make them happen. Along with focus and emotion, it becomes a powerful, creative tool that helps us achieve what we want in life.” So with that in mind, here’s a link you can use to try this helpful technique for an instant escape to the beach. You’ll be relaxed and enjoying a cool ocean breeze in no time!
You might also enjoy How to Make the End of Your Pregnancy Meaningful
How do you stay cool in the heat of the summer? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comment selection below or email me at thecancanmom@gmail.com. You can also visit me on Instagram at CanCanMomCB or at Pinterest at theCanCanMom.
