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Summer 2016: Pregnancy Hacks

Summer is a great time of the year; we can bask in the sun on the beach or enjoy a delicious family barbecue. However, summer can also be one of the hardest times to be pregnant. Read more below about cool new 2016 Pregnancy Hacks.

When you’re already dealing with pregnancy hot flashes and weight gain, the hot temperatures outside can seem unbearable.

It can feel as if you’re overheating and becoming dehydrated. On top of that, you may feel like you can’t exercise as usual and your queasiness limits your regular summer activities. For these reasons, you may feel the need to make excuses to avoid summer gatherings or patio dinners with friends. But hiding in a dark, air-conditioned room the whole summer isn’t a solution! Here are some summer pregnancy hacks to help you enjoy the season and make it the best summer yet:

Hack #1: Freezer Bra

Sometimes fans and air conditioners just aren’t enough in the summer — especially if you’re pregnant. On an unbearably hot day, pop your bra in the freezer. Once it’s frozen and stiff, take it out and put it on. You will feel instant relief.

Hack #2: Popsicles

Popsicles aren’t just for kids! These treats can be a great way to keep cool, get your daily vitamin C intake and fight off that queasiness. If you don’t want to consume the traditional sugary popsicles you used to as a kid, try this super quick and easy, but healthy recipe:

Real Fruit Popsicle

2 tablespoons diced kiwi
2 tablespoons diced strawberry
2 tablespoons diced pineapple
Orange juice

Combine all of the diced fruit in a small plastic cup. Pour in just enough orange juice to cover the fruit and insert the Popsicle stick. This treat is meant to be fruit dense, so pouring in too much juice will not allow the Popsicle stick to stay in place. Place the cup in the freezer for a few hours until it is completely frozen. When you’re really hot, simply run the cup under warm water for a few seconds to release the Popsicle and enjoy!

Hack #3: Bra Extenders

Buying new bras when you’re pregnant can be expensive. You may try to hold out until you absolutely need a maternity bra, but in the summer that can make your breasts even more uncomfortable and hot. You don’t have to try to squish into your bra anymore; we have a cheaper solution! Simply purchase a cheap sports bra, which will stretch to your size, or get some inexpensive bra extenders.

Hack #4: Gentle Yoga

You still want to get exercise when you’re pregnant, but with this hot weather, you’re not exactly up for running a marathon. Yoga can help you break a sweat without overdoing it and can also help you combat queasiness. If you don’t want to commit to taking expensive yoga classes every night, you can follow some free prenatal yoga on YouTube. Check out these videos:

Hack #5: Ice Chips

During pregnancy, there is an increased risk of dehydration. Not only do you need more water, but you’re also losing more fluids due to morning sickness. With hot temperatures, it’s even harder for you to stay hydrated. Drinking a cold glass of water is ideal, but some expectant mothers can’t stomach a full glass without feeling nauseous.

If you feel this way, ice chips can be a good alternative. To make ice chips, fill an aluminum tray with water and freeze. Once it is completely frozen, break the ice into chunks. If you want a little flavor, add fresh juice from a lemon or orange.

Hack #6: Frozen Watermelon Slices

Chop up a watermelon into little cubes and place in the freezer. Since watermelon is made up of 92% water, it will help to keep you hydrated. According to a 2009 study, it also contains salt, calcium and magnesium, making it great for re-hydration. It will also be a nice, healthy treat to cool you down when you feel like you’re overheating.

Hack #7: Coconut Water

Another way to keep hydrated during pregnancy is to drink coconut water since it contains electrolytes.

Not only can the hot weather make you tired, but the hormonal changes occurring in your body can also deplete your energy. Coconut water can also help with this by relieving fatigue.

Hack #8: Freeze Your Bedding

For the women that experience night sweats and hot flashes during pregnancy, this tip can be a lifesaver! Put some pillowcases and sheets into a bag and place in the freezer. When you’re really tired and can’t get to sleep, change out your hot sheets for the cool ones.

Hack #9: Spray Bottle

Purchase a cheap spray bottle at the dollar store, fill it with water and place it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. When you’re sitting on the couch having a pregnancy hot flash, pull the bottle out for instant relief!

Hack #10: Cucumbers

Cucumbers actually have two uses: they can cool you down and hydrate you!

When it’s too warm outside, slice off a piece of cucumber and place it on your forehead. Lie down and just relax in the coolness. It will be like you’re at the spa — without the expensive cost!

Secondly, cucumbers are great to eat while pregnant because of their high water content.

The vegetable can produce the same hydration levels as twice the volume of water, according to a 2009 study. Not only will this provide hydration, but it may also be an ideal food when your queasy stomach is reacting to heavy foods. But don’t worry —you can spice up a boring cucumber in some interesting ways! Try these two recipes below:

Cucumber & Tomato Salad

1 cucumber peeled and quartered
1 tomato diced
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and serve.

Cucumber Sub

1 cucumber
Sandwich meat
Your favorite sandwich toppings (cream cheese, mustard, etc.)

Peel the cucumber and cut it lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and fill with your sandwich meat and favorite toppings. This recipe is perfect for expectant mothers who need hydration but want a meal a bit heavier than a salad.

Hack #11: Frozen Fruits

Just because you’re overheating doesn’t mean you have to eat a whole tub of ice cream or go out for unhealthy frozen yogurt. Instead, buy some frozen fruits such as raspberries or blackberries. Whenever you’re hot and have a sweet craving, open the bag and enjoy them melt on your tongue. You can also add the fruits to plain yogurt for a healthy alternative to frozen yogurt.

Hack #12: Mocktails

One of your favorite parts of summer is probably relaxing in your backyard or on your balcony with a few friends, cooling off with a cocktail. Since you’re pregnant, you can’t enjoy the summery alcoholic cocktails that your friends are. Fortunately, you can still beat the heat with a few tasty mocktails. Here are a few ideas:

Virgin Mojito

2 lime slices
1 mint sprig
1 teaspoon sugar
Club soda
Limeade

Place lime slices, mint, sugar and two tablespoons of club soda in a tall glass and muddle. Fill the glass with ice. Pour in limeade and top with a bit of club soda.

Super Healthy & Fresh Fruit Mocktail

2 tablespoons raspberries (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon blackberries (fresh or frozen)
Half of a lemon
Water or club soda

Place the berries in a tall glass. Juice half of a lemon and pour over berries and muddle. Fill the glass with ice and top with cold water or club soda.

Hack #13: Recline to Reduce Swelling

Edema is normal during pregnancy, but can be worse during summer months, causing your feet and ankles to swell. To prevent this, kick up your feet! You can elevate your feet while on the couch by placing them on a chair or coffee table. If swelling is getting bothersome, consider investing in a chair that will not allow your feet to touch the floor such as a recliner or hammock chair.

Hack #14: Swim to Beat the Heat

Swimming is a great activity to do while you’re pregnant for several reasons. First off, you can take a break from worrying about your “bikini body.” You can now proudly show off your beautiful belly to the world and finally feel comfortable in your skin. Swimming is also a great way to cool off and relieve you from any pregnancy hot flashes. It’s a great form of exercise that allows you to keep active without worrying about your body getting even warmer.

Hack #15: Sunscreen

When you’re pregnant, the skin cells that produce pigment are more reactive to sunlight. For this reason, you could get chloasma, also referred to as “the mask of pregnancy.” This basically appears as dark brown spots on your skin. For this reason, wearing sunscreen during pregnancy is very important. Use physical sunscreens as opposed to chemical sunscreens. The difference? Physical sunscreens deflect the sun’s rays while chemical ones absorb the rays. Remember to use sunscreen even when you’re just stepping out to run errands; every little bit helps. If you’re outside for extended periods of time, remember to frequently reapply the lotion.

Hope this helps, if you have any suggestions please feel free to comment below.