Hot mamas - how to keep your cool!

Being pregnant in the summer has its advantages and disadvantages. You can float (if that's the right word!) around in feminine, floral clothes rather than being draped in the Chairman Mao-like black suits of winter. The longer evenings mean you can take relaxed strolls at a cooler time of day, and the sunny weather (we hope!) will add a nice colour to your pregnancy glow.

However, if you are quite far on in your pregnancy, the summer can prove to be a very uncomfortable time of year. That's why we have compiled a series of tips, with the help of some of our antenatal clubs, to help you make the most of the longer days and shorter nights.

At work

If you're fortunate enough to work in air-conditioned offices, work should be a welcome relief for you! If not, ask your manager to provide a desk or floor-standing fan. Make sure you keep your fluid levels up by drinking lots of cool water and fruit juices - these will keep dehydration at bay and leave you feeling more energised. Finally, moisturise from the outside by investing in a facial spritzer. These leave your skin cool and moisturised and leave you feeling more relaxed. You needn't opt for the expensive brand names either - you can buy empty plastic spray bottles from chemists and add either plain water or some cologne. Rosewater or lavender will leave you relaxed and smelling divine.Don't be tempted to rush around shopping for baby during your lunch hours - do put your feet up in the park or maybe in the staff rest room. Talk to your boss about flexing your hours so you don't have to travel in the rush-hour.
In a nutshell:

• 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.
• Negotiate flexible hours with your boss

Clothes - bare what you dare!

We all wear less clothes in the summer, and you'll particularly want to be in the bare essentials with a big bump. Clothes that will help you stay cool will be loose, flowing shirts and skirts, dresses and trousers. We're not talking clown pants here, just comfortable clothes made of natural fibres such as cotton and linen. These help your skin breathe and will feel more comfortable than man-made fibres, such as polyester, which can be sticky in the heat. High heels are a pregnant woman's enemy, especially when the heat makes your feet expand to the size of dinner plates. However, if you're worried about looking frumpy in flats, don't. The current 1950s style means that pretty pumps are coming in and leather sandals look and feel smart and comfortable.
In a nutshell:

• 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. Find out more about being pregnant at work.

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.

Salad days

Summer is an amazing time of year for fresh fruit and vegetables, making eating a delicious experience. Berries, melons, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber etc are all great for you and are in abundance in the shops. Just make sure you wash everything thoroughly - even ready-prepared salads - to remove any lingering bacteria or germs.

You also can't escape another great British summer experience - the BBQ. No doubt you'll be invited to loads, and may even consider hosting one yourself. BBQs can be brilliant fun but they also carry a risk with them of food poisoning from undercooked meat. Make sure that anything you eat from the BBQ has been cooked through thoroughly, even if you're partial to a rare piece of sirloin, and that it is piping hot throughout. If in doubt, leave it out. It's also wise to steer clear of food containing mayonnaise as it may contain raw eggs - a no-no for expectant mums. Finally, ice cream is a gorgeous treat to help you cool down and feel decadent! Just keep away from soft, whipped ice cream sold from vans or kiosks.

Find out more about what's safe to eat and what's not now you're expecting.

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).

Relaxing

Turn your home into a place of pampering! Add some cool water and a few drops of lavender oil to a shallow bath or bucket of water, and let your feet soak it up. Some chemists sell mini foot-spa packs which cost less than £5 but are designed to get your tootsies looking and feeling great. Buy a paddling pool, get a good book and laze in the water - bliss on really hot days!

Katie has a great tip for staying cool on hot nights she says " wet a sarong but not so that its dripping wet and then lay it over you when going to sleep. Simple but it works".

• 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.
• Have a tepid (not cold) bath or shower as often as you can.
• Stand in front of a fan and do a 'Marilyn Monroe'!
• Sign up for an aquanatal class - a perfect gentle exercise for you and your bump which will keep you cool too!
• If you are planning a water birth, (buy a birth pool-in-a-box)get your pool early, fill it and enjoy!
  

Where to next?

• Beach babies - the best British beaches for families
• Summertime:making the living easy. From avoiding summer mishaps to childpassports and great days out we've got summer sown up!