6 Summer Must Have’s for Pregnancy!

Are you pregnant during the summer? If so, high five. It is NOT an easy season to manage the aches and pains of pregnancy, but with a few tips you’ll have a MUCH better summer and enjoy the time you have before baby comes!

How do I know so much about pregnancy? Hi, I’m Hilary — many people know me as The Pregnancy Nurse®. I’ve been a nurse since 1997 and I have 20 years of labor and delivery experience. I’ve also worked for many years in the Phoenix valley so I know a thing or two about being HOT during your pregnancy (and I really feel for desert mamas).

Before we get started though, are you ready for BIRTH? Grab my birth plan series right here, it’s totally free and is going to get you started preparing for your birth:

Water Bottle

I HAVE to say this one, coming from the valley of the sun (it seriously gets around 123 some summers in Phoenix — so, it’s HOT). People are DEHYDRATED. So, grab a great water bottle.

I know Stanley has been all the rage but I LOVE this kind. It comes in a few sizes. I like the option to sip or use the straw, and I love that it clips shut so there’s no chance of leakage (can’t say that much about other areas of your body — right).

Be mindful of whatever you’re going to need to get in the hydration. Would you prefer fruit-infused water, or water that stays cold? Be sure to use a water bottle that fits HOW you’re going to drink the water (not just one that’s popular — looking at you leaky Stanley).

Pro Tip: My biggest hurdle is filling my water bottle in the morning. I have a nice big one that sits on my desk and as long as I fill it up before I head into work I am going to get more fluids in than if I don’t. One choice influences the REST of my day!

Swim Suit

I know, I know — you feel REAL big and you’re not feeling the pools. But I can’t recommend getting in a pool any more!

Depending on how far along you are, your regular suit (or bikini) might fit, but there are a lot of really cute options out there!

SO, why is it worth the effort of getting your suit on? The pool is going to take away some of the weight of that baby (especially great in your 3rd trimester). It also can allow you to move your body without the added weight of your body to help stretch things out better.

It can also help you relax and just enjoy the moment. However, I don’t recommend hot tubs in pregnancy (here’s my post on hot baths for more reasonings on that).

Make SURE you stay as covered as you can, and sunscreen the rest (more coming up on that). Wear a hat when possible too…. the nurse in me has to say it. 🙂

Pro Tip: Be SURE to bring your water bottle to the pool with you, along with a healthy snack. I love some cold fruit in a cooler — great fiber and tastes SO good when you’re warm. Of course, if you’re diabetic check with your provider about what good options are!

BTW, not sure what to eat? Grab my safe eating guide here:

Sunscreen

Again — the nurse in me has to say it. Be SURE to sunscreen up!

I actually did a podcast on safe sunscreens that I’ll put right here if you’d like to listen…

Set a timer on your watch for when to reapply (or go in).

I really am a HUGE fan of a rash guard to just not have to think about putting it on my arms arms and shoulders, but I know that’s not an option for everyone.

WHY is sunscreen more important when you’re pregnant than other times?

Your body is already under stress trying to grow this new baby (surprise!). If you were to get a sunscreen on top of it, it’s just more healing & repair it needs to do. It may hurt more, and take longer to heal. You’ll also need lots more fluids to help replenish what you’ll lose from all of that.

It’s just MORE important when you’re pregnant to protect yourself. You’ll be glad you did!

Here’s a few more things to think about during pregnancy:

• Should You Drink Ensure While Pregnant?
• Is Maternity Shapewear Safe?
• What Deli Meats Are Safe To Eat During Pregnancy?
• Is Midwive’s Brew Safe?
• To The Mom Who Thinks She’ll Go Early.

Mosquito Repellant

I have heard a LOT of people say they just get eaten alive by mosquitos when they’re pregnant.

Mosquitos are attracted by blood flow, and you have EXTRA while you’re pregnant. SO, they may actually be extra attracted to you. I did find this article on what’s safest during pregnancy.

If you’re just out and about and don’t really want to apply it — I have also had luck with these.

Maybe you hadn’t even THOUGHT of all of this — come get prepared with a few more of my pro tips:

Dresses

This is something I have learned time and time again in Pheonix — dresses are your friend. Nice, long flowy ones. That way you can still do your regular activities without fear that you’re flashing anyone, but also lots of air flow.

I love me something like this — and you can even use that one for easy nursing after baby! Flowy dresses are a must have for AFTER baby — so it’s a great investment, and they’re not that pricey.

Prenatal Class at HOME

Take it from me, there’s nothing more miserable than an almost-air-conditioned hospital room after a long day of work trying to learn about how to have your baby.

Summer is a GREAT time to take that prenatal class at home. There’s so many benefits to it:

• No loading up in your hot car to try to find a parking spot that’s not 100 miles from the facility
• Take it in small snippets so you actually remember it
• Take it from your cool house, on your couch rather than a hot room on a hard chair.
• Get a quality instructor you know you’ll love!

I recommend The Online Prenatal Class for Couples. It really has all the benefits, plus it’s fun and engaging — you’ll be prepared before you know it! Use coupon code SUMMER to save 11% today — the coupon is already applied here. Works on either of my classes!

Did I miss anything? Any summer essential you’re just loving? Let me know in the comments!