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Beat the heat this summer
Juliet Dream Paris Maternity Maxi Dress, $145.95, queenbee.com.au.
The warm summer months are wonderful when you have a new baby. The temperature makes middle-of-the-night feeding a (cool, relaxing) breeze rather than a shivering experience. And dressing Baby can be as simple as a jumpsuit and cotton wrap rather than layers of clothing. It makes nappy-changing a quicker process, too.
Those warm summer months aren’t quite so wonderful if you are still in the Mum-to-be stage though! The heat and – in some areas – humidity can sap your energy faster than you can replenish it. For your own health and comfort though, staying cool and hydrated is a must, so here are some expert tips to keep you comfortable and refreshed this year.
WHAT TO WEAR
Your clothes are an essential part of feeling cool and comfortable. Choosing the right fabric, fit and style can make a world of difference to how you feel. Trish Murray, a fashion stylist for Westfield, recommends the following items for a summer pregnancy:
Cotton bra and matching low-rise knicker set. Seek a professionally fitted bra to wear during your pregnancy that will be comfortable as your bust line expands. Beautiful lingerie helps you feel feminine, cool and elegant during this special time.
Extra long cotton singlet tops. Grab some inexpensive sorbet coloured tops to layer. Look for thicker straps to be able to wear a bra underneath.
Dark yoga pants. These can be dressed up or down and will grow with you. Look for the elasticised wide waist bands with no draw string.
Silver slide thongs. Buy a pair of dressy slides that have support and cushioning for your tired feet. These versatile thongs can be dressed up or down.
Maxi Dress. Loss fitting, elegant and sheer comfort. This wonderful dress is for all pregnancy stages and so cool in pure cotton.
WHAT TO EAT
What we feed our body and baby can make a big difference to how we feel. Julie Gilbert is the founder of Solutions Food Management and is the spokesperson for the Dietician’s Association of Australia and advises that during pregnancy our body temperature is slightly raised, so eating well is extra-important. She recommends the following tips to stay cool and healthy:
Remember your fluid intake needs. “There is no need to increase your fluid intake when you are pregnant,” says Julie. “But it’s extra-important to make sure that you are getting the two litres a day that is recommended to everyone.”
Eat plenty of fruit. A delicious way to help achieve your fluid intake is with some fresh fruit such as watermelon, grapes, oranges, mandarins, and mango. You can store them in the fridge for a cooling treat. Try frozen grapes – yum!
Make some ice blocks. You don’t need to buy sugary icypoles to keep cool – make your own from plain water. Or add little bit of cordial, fruit juice or vegetable juice.
However, if you have excessive thirst - consult your doctor as this can be a
sign of gestational diabetes.
EXERCISE & WELLBEING
No matter how energetic and busy you usually keep yourself, a summer pregnancy is a time to sit back and slow down.
Put your feet up. Literally! It helps to alleviate any swelling. Popping them into a tub of cool water now and then is also very soothing.
Do your outdoor exercise early or late. In summer the early morning is a beautiful time of day. So is later in the evening when the stars are out. An early morning or after-dinner walk is a much better option than being outdoors during the sun-filled hours. It can be a great way to spend some quality time with your partner, too.
Carry a spritzer bottle. A water-filled spritz bottle is a fantastic way to keep your skin hydrated – and cool you down – during the day.
Swim. Swimming is great exercise when you are pregnant and it is a lovely, natural way to cool your body down, too.
A cool and relaxed Mum-to-be is a happy Mum to be. So give the above tips a try, and have a wonderful Summer.
