The post is brought to you by Lovelace Health System. We at ABQ Mom strive to work with businesses we feel will benefit our readers.
Warmer weather is just around the corner, and the New Mexico heat is not easy to deal with while pregnant.
Trust us, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable, agitated, and overheated. Your body is working overtime, and the dry heat doesn’t help. Because of these factors, it is important for pregnant women to prioritize taking steps to stay cool and comfortable. Overheating can lead to heat stroke and heat exhaustion. The most common symptoms of heat exhaustion (which can lead to heat stroke) include headache, dizziness, pale skin, profuse sweating, weakness, and fainting.
Beat the heat with these easy ways to stay cool, comfortable, and safe during pregnancy:
Hydrate
It is recommended that pregnant women drink about 10 eight-ounce cups of water each day. Make sure to increase that amount when it’s really warm out or if you’ve been doing any physical activity. To help prevent dehydration, you’ll also want to limit caffeine and salt intake. Find a water bottle that you love and always have it filled up, so you can drink water throughout the day. Need extra help? Check out this printable water intake chart.
Spray Away
Fill a spray bottle with ice water. Spritz your face several times a day to help cool the body down. Keep a travel-sized bottle in your purse for easy access. These smaller bottles are inexpensive and can be found at local pharmacies, dollar stores, or big-box retailers.
Enjoy Chilled Foods
Limit your hot meals on a hot day. Use this as a great excuse for why you aren’t going to cook dinner! Salads and refrigerated fruit and vegetables are great options. Homemade popsicles loaded with fruit can also do the trick.
Get Your Fan On
Did you know they make fans that plug into an iPhone? Pop a fan in your purse so you have it on-the-go when you tend to feel the hottest and most uncomfortable. If you want to get real fancy, you can get one of those fans with a spray bottle attached for the ultimate cooling mist. Ahhh!
Take a Cool Shower
Skip the hot shower and opt for a cool shower or bath. If you’re away from home, head to the bathroom and run cold water on your wrists or back of the neck. These pulse points or “quick cooling spots” can lower your body temperature quickly.
Stay in the Shade
Take a break from sunbathing or spending an extended amount of time in the sun. If you are outside, snag a spot under an umbrella. Try to schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or evening hours when it’s not so hot.
Get Wet
Show off your bump by taking an afternoon dip in the pool! Not only can swimming help lower your body temperature, but this low-impact workout is fun and can relieve those achy joints.
Go for Lightweight and Comfortable Clothes
Lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk are breathable. Shop for comfortable and loose maternity wear, especially during the warmer months.
Lovelace Labor of Love offers assistance finding a health care provider and insurance, as well as support accessing community resources before, during, or after your pregnancy. To learn more about Lovelace’s Labor of Love program, call 505.727.7677.
