Summer Pregnancy Guide For You and your Baby
Being pregnant is hard enough, but add summer heat and it can be brutal. If you think it’s hot out there, just imagine how an expectant mama is handling the heat. Mamas-to-be can get hot, due to extra blood flow causing higher-than-normal body temperatures in addition to the extra pounds they are packing. But, there are simple ways women with child can cool off aside from turning on the air conditioner.
Ensure the safety of you and your baby and follow these tips to create a safe environment for your body:
Apply sunscreen
Melanin is more reactive when you’re pregnant, so apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before leaving the house. Use mineral blocks made with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, as these are safer for your skin and blood stream.Always opt for broad-spectrum sunscreens, which offer protection against UVA rays, in addition to UVB rays, both of which can cause skin cancer. Plus, UVA rays are infamous for causing discoloration (common during pregnancy), according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Also, make sure your sunscreen doesn't list oxybenzone on the back. The chemical, which readily absorbs into your skin, has been linked to low birth weights—a risk factor for future coronary heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases. It's also known to interfere with the body's hormones, which may cause developmental problems in unborn babies.
Use bug spray
If you're pregnant and wondering how you can protect yourself and your baby from mosquito bites during the ongoing Zika outbreak, the answer is simple: insect repellent. Not only is it safe to use certain kinds of bug sprays according to the instructions on the product label, it’s also a smart way to guard against Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Here's what you need to know about protecting yourself from mosquito bites.Look for repellants with non-chemical ingredients like citrus and citronella. Unfortunately, these won’t be as strong as a product that contains DEET. If you must use a stronger product, do so in small amounts.
Hydration
Experts recommend drinking at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water daily—especially in the summer months. Water is necessary to transport nutrition to your baby, flush waste from your system, and keep your skin soft. Being properly hydrated also helps your body keep cool, fight constipation, and decrease water retention. Three major benefits, considering being hot, puffy, and bound up are kind of the worst things about being pregnant.More than you normally would, be mindful of hydration to avoid overheating during pregnancy. Keep water with you at all times, and schedule outdoor activities for the morning and evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Body temperature regulation is key.
Pregnancies can be hard and torturing for many women. Especially during the summer months. Hot summer days, mosquito bites and a little additional weight only make it even more difficult. But, don’t worry. There are many things such as applying sunscreen, using bug spray and drinking a lot of water that can help you get through your pregnancy a little smoother. Follow these tips and make sure to enjoy your summer pregnancy.
