Staying cool in summer

When you’re pregnant, you feel the heat more than normal, due to a combination of the increased volume of blood in your body and having a slightly higher temperature. Even on cooler summer days, you can feel overheated. Pamela Brooks suggests a few tricks on how keep yourself comfortable in the heat.

Water

• It’s easy to become dehydrated, so drink plenty of water; if you prefer hot drinks, try herbal tea or decaffeinated coffee to avoid the diuretic effect.
• If you’re travelling, or if you don’t have a fridge at work, fill a plastic bottle to around the three-quarters mark with water and freeze it overnight. Keep it next to your water bottle during the day so your drink stays cool, and when it melts you’ll have another supply of cold water.
• Hold your wrists in cold water for 30 seconds – it’ll cool you down.
• Spritz your face with water.
• Have a tepid (not cold) bath or shower as often as you can.

Clothes

• Looser styles let the air circulate, and natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk let your skin breathe better.
• Your feet get hotter in warm weather and may swell, so wear flat comfy shoes and use a cooling foot gel or spray.
• If your hair’s long, keep it off your face and shoulders to cool you down.

Travelling

• Leave plenty of time to get to big events (e.g. weddings) so you don’t have to rush and get hot.
• Ask your boss if you can work flexible hours so you can avoid being stuck in a hot car or bus in the rush hour. Visit Your flexible friend for tips on negotiating flexible hours.

Shopping

• Check out which supermarkets have air conditioning and try to shop at off-peak times.
• Use a home delivery service such as an internet supermarket to save you the hassle.

Fans

• If your office isn’t air-conditioned, ask your manager to provide a desk or floor-standing fan; they’re also good for home.

Toddlers

• If you already have a busy toddler, rushing around with him means you won’t get a chance to relax – organise reciprocal babysitting with friends to give yourself a break.
• At home, join in with your toddler’s paddling pool to cool your feet down; try to stay in the shade in the garden and invest in a large umbrella.
• Try cool food such as jelly and ice cream for hot days (though make sure the ice cream is pasteurised and doesn’t contain raw eggs).
• Use baby wipes on the back of your neck and your face to cool yourself down.

Relaxing

• Get organised so you won’t need to rush about – making lists can help you stay on top of what needs doing.
• Try to stop worrying – stress makes you hot!
• Try to put your feet up and rest, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Why not try a yoga class to help you relax – contact the British Wheel of Yoga or ring 01529 306859 for details of your nearest class.