Summer Pregnancy Survival Guide

When people ask what my due date is and I respond "Sept 6" they all cringe and say "Ooo you have a long hot summer ahead of you." Actually- they are all wrong. I have really enjoyed being pregnant this season! Some people just hate the heat (I live in Cleveland haha no pun intended.. most people who live here like the weather changes and mostly cool temperatures that Lake Erie brings) but not me! I LOVE summer and I LOVE the heat! Yes- being pregnant makes me "hotter" than usual and more susceptible to sunburn, so here are my tips to surviving your last months, or even beginning months of pregnancy in the hot months of Summer! 

Go outside and enjoy that vitamin D!

• Do outdoor tasks & exercise in the morning or evening when sun is lower and temperatures are cooler
• Carry a water-filled squirt bottle so that you can mist yourself when you start to feel warm
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 20 minutes before going into sun. Reapply throughout the day
• When sitting at the beach or poolside, put feet up to alleviate swelling
• Swim. Not only does swimming cool you off, it helps to take some of the weight off your sciatic nerve 

 What to wear

• Wear breathable fabrics so you won't sweat; this will keep you cooler and help prevent heat rash under boobs and abdomen.
• SPF!!! 
• Wear light colored clothing. Everyone knows that black attracts heat. 
• BIKINI! work that body! 
• Wear comfortable shoes and, if possible, wear one pair of shoes that are a half size larger than your normal size

 What to eat & drink

• Sip a cold "mocktail," like this Pina Colada Smoothie: Combine 6 ounces frozen coconut yogurt, 1/2 a frozen banana, 1/2 of a 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, and 1 cup milk; blend until smooth
• Drink one eight-ounce glass of water or electrolyte replacement liquid for each hour you are outside
• Drink plenty of liquids to remain hydrated
• Minimize salt intake, which will combat water retention
• Beware of typical barbecue foods, such as potato salad and coleslaw that, when left out in the sun, can sour and cause an upset stomach
• Drink orange juice, milk, and sports drinks to replace electrolytes that have been sweated away 

And look on the bright side...!

• You don't have to purchase a LARGE winter coat
• Fresh and healthy fruits and veggies are in season
• Wear a bikini and you don't have to "suck it in"
• MATERNITY SUN DRESSES!!!!
• You don't have to spend lots of $$ on shoes/boots if your feet swell, flip flops are cheap and cute
• You won't have to ask for help putting shoes on because flip fops slip on and off without hands
• You don't have to worry about slipping on ice or risk a bad fall due to slippery steps, walkways, parking lots
• Since most of us are trying to cut back on coffee, lemonade and smoothies are great in the morning instead of something hot
• Family picnics and grad parties with lots of great food 
• You have ALL WINTER to lose the baby weight!!