There’s hardly a “perfect” time to be pregnant, but it’s commonly thought that summer is the worst—it’s hot outside, you’re carrying extra weight, you’re extra sweaty, and extra irritable. While it sounds miserable to most, we have a few reasons to be happy if you’re carrying your little bundle of joy around all summer!
Outdoor Exercise
Both walking and swimming are a pregnant woman’s best friends. They’re low-impact and provide great cardio benefits. With the weather heating up, they’re perfect excuses to get outside and get some fresh air.
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise you can do during pregnancy, because it’s an activity that can be done by all women at any fitness level and in all stages of pregnancy! As weight-bearing exercise, research says walking delivers a multitude of health benefits to both mom and baby, including delivering more oxygen to mom’s muscles and tissues. This translates to a better-functioning placenta and more nutrients for your baby.
Make sure you wear comfortable, supportive shoes and drink plenty of water!
The great thing about swimming? It provides some much-needed relief from pregnancy weight gain, swelling, and pressure—not to mention relief from the summer heat. If running or walking isn’t comfortable, swimming is an amazing alternative. Enjoy feeling weightless (for once) and let the water rejuvenate you.
All the Fruits
Fruits and vegetables are absolutely packed with vitamins, fiber, and essential nutrients for both you and your baby. The hotter it is outside, the more you crave cold, refreshing food! Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant during the summer, right when you’ll be more likely to eat them. You can easily grow your own organic fruits, veggies, and herbs if you want to save money! You can cook and freeze them for your baby to enjoy when they’re old enough, too.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in pregnant women and has been linked to a higher risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and bacterial vaginosis. In fact, most prenatal vitamins don’t even supply enough vitamin D. Fortified milk and fatty fish can help with this deficiency, but you should supplement those with sunshine! It’s hard to get all that you need just from food. You can check with your doctor for specific recommendations.
Clothes
Maternity clothes have come a long, long way over the years. You have endless options for cute summer dresses, skirts, tank tops, and swimsuits to choose from! There are plenty of comfortable, affordable options out there for you. You can check consignment shops for great deals, too.
RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus is a highly contagious virus that causes a respiratory tract infection. This can be very serious for premature babies, or those who already have heart or lung problems, especially if they’re younger than six months. RSV season is October through May, so babies born in the summer months are less likely to get it.
Staying Hydrated
It is absolutely essential that you stay well-hydrated during your entire pregnancy, but this is a lot more important (but easier!) in the summer since you’re already in the mood for something cool and refreshing. Summer fruits contain tons of water, you can infuse water with fruits, not to mention, ice cold mocktails are always an option. Have fun with it, and get all the water you and your baby need!
Vacation
Summer is the perfect time to take a last-minute babymoon—take a little vacation with your partner to connect and spend some quality time together before you’re a family of three or more! Summer often offers vacation time away from work, which can be especially nice if you’re close to your due date and really feeling those physical symptoms. You can even start your maternity leave a little early if you’re close! Relax a bit, and get ready to meet your little one.
Pregnant this Summer?
We have programs for expecting mothers and have been designated the first baby-friendly hospital in the state of Alabama. If you find yourself pregnant this summer, contact the RMC team to get the assistance and support you need along your journey.