Summer pregnancy tips for women

Sunita Dube, Radiologist

Pregnancy is an interesting and exciting journey, which can sometimes become uncomfortable for the expectant mother. In summers, in most parts of the country temperatures soar, which can cause some inconvenience to a pregnant woman. During pregnancy, your metabolic rate - the number of calories you burn while your body is at rest - increases 20 percent in the third trimester. Carrying twin’s ads and extra 10 percent. 

Your body can deploy a few natural defenses as the mercury rises. When you are pregnant, sweating alone may not be enough to keep you cool and comfortable. The hormone progesterone during pregnancy, raises the body temperatures and rapid changes in mood. This further leads to hormonal fluctuations, increases blood volume, and cardiovascular output. Sunita Dube, MD, Radiologist shared a few tips for pregnant women to beat summer. 

* Hydration 

Keeping yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water during pregnancy it is very important for both the mother and the baby. Dizziness, nausea, dry lips and mouth, less urine and yellow colored urine and overheating due to the hot weather all signal that you are dehydrated. Summer heat tends to cause dehydration so it is recommended to drink 6-8 glass of water to stay hydrated. Make sure you always carry a bottle of water when you are out. 

* Healthy meal 

With so much sweating and extra exertion, eating healthy foods is extremely important. Fruits such as melons and cucumbers should be included in the diet. Dietary changes involving more addition of liquids such as coconut water and exemption of salty and spicy foods should be done. Sunita also added that chips, crackers and spicy foods contain preservatives that can be unhealthy, and can lead to rapid water loss as well. 

*  Elevated legs 

Remember to elevate your feet by placing them on pillows or cushions as this reduces the water retention in feet and legs. Because swelling is a common problem. You can also try hydrotherapy in a bathtub or a pool where you submerge your entire abdomen in the water for 20-30 minutes daily. 

* Meditation and Yoga 

"Physical exercise is unquestionably beneficial in the early phases. However, it puts a load on our muscles and can raise our body temperature. Meditation is the best way to cool down your body internally." Sunita added that meditation, besides relaxing the mind, also help in relaxing the muscles, which helps in baby's growth. 

* Wear bright clothes 

Dark clothes, especially red or black, increase heat absorption making pregnant women feel hotter. Therefore, on hot sunny days, you should select bright clothes such as white, beige to reflect the sun rays. Remember to wear sunglasses, sun proof vest and use sunblock when going out. 

* Avoid salty foods

Salty foods will make you lose water quickly and make you thirstier on hot days. Therefore, keep away from those foods such as potato chips, cookies, crackers and pasta during summer days. 

* Proper rest and sleep 

Sleep and rest is very important factor for mothers. Sleeping helps to eliminate stress. Summer heat can make you more tired. Take time for yourself. Relax by reading a book, listening to music. Rest is very important during pregnancy.