How to enjoy your summer while pregnant?

Pregnancy is a wonderful experience for many women. However, depending on when you fall pregnant, you may find yourself going through the summer months. And that's when a few niggles can crop up! How do you enjoy your summer while pregnant? That's a question many mums and mums-to-be ask themselves. Ladies, sit down and put your feet up — it's time for a blog read!

How to enjoy your summer while pregnant? What's happening in our bodies?

First of all, why is summer such a challenging season for our lovely pregnant ladies? Well, quite simply, because of the heat — no surprises there. The heat can, in fact, be the cause of a few ailments — not necessarily dangerous, but ones that mostly cause discomfort. For example:

• Swelling of the limbs, particularly the legs, feet, and extremities in general;
• The pregnancy mask, which is a wonderful mix of sun exposure and hormones — absolutely delightful...
• Sweating worthy of a full workout session — except that, in this case, it's every single day!
• A higher risk of dehydration.

So, how do you enjoy your summer while pregnant?

Don't panic — the effects above affect many pregnant women, regardless of their physical condition. And, in fact, they can even occur outside of summer. Well, that's not exactly reassuring, we know, but it's only for a few months! The good news is that these uncomfortable moments can be greatly eased. Here are a few tips:

1. Wear cotton or linen clothing that lets your skin breathe;
2. Go for sandals or open shoes in a size larger than your usual size;
3. Keep yourself well hydrated — at least 2 litres a day in hot weather;
4. Remember to elevate your legs from time to time throughout the day. If you're comfortable in this position, you can even sleep this way!
5. Protect your skin with sun cream, and consider sunglasses and a hat for optimum protection;
6. A good swim, or failing that, a refreshing cold shower, will help improve circulation — which in turn will reduce the "heavy legs" effect.

How to enjoy your summer while pregnant? By following the advice of Maman et Bébé Nature, of course! And if you're currently pregnant, you might also enjoy our article on "The key appointments during pregnancy".