Surviving Summer In Pregnancy and Beyond

by Daniela Ginta
As published Summer 2010
urbanbaby &
toddler magazine

Everyone loves hot summer days in the sun, the beach. But if you are pregnant, summer days may come with minor discomforts. Have no fear: there is help for you and baby. Sun and heat. Here are suggestions to ease your discomforts (whether you’re pregnant or mom of a newborn): Go out for walks in the morning and at night when the air is cooler. It’s easier to breathe and the chances of you or your baby suffering from heat rashes are greatly diminished.

Go natural. Avoid synthetic materials during the summer advises Lisa Sutherland, registered midwife at Bloom Community Midwives in Vancouver. Choose clothing made of light, breathable materials, such as cotton and light colors if possible.

If you must be out during the day, make sure you are properly hydrated. Your reusable water bottle should become your best friend during pregnancy and nursing, as your water needs are increased significantly. Newborn babies can easily become dehydrated too. Newborn babies should be kept out of the sun advises Sutherland. That applies to indirect sun as well, since sun rays can bounce off of sand or white surfaces, and that can affect their skin and eyes, she explains. And no sunscreen until she is at least six months. Nursing your baby on demand Sutherland adds, will prevent dehydration and provide adequate nourishment. Offer water in a bottle if your baby is formula-fed.

If your baby becomes extremely fussy during hot days, help him become more comfortable by removing extra layers of clothing and offering plenty of water or breast milk to drink especially if he sweats a lot. Signs of dehydration in newborn babies include: fewer than four to six wet diapers a day, concentrated urine, dry mouth and extreme sleepiness and lethargy.

Skin rashes. Skin rashes happen when the skin is extra oily because of the pregnancy hormones, and also from moisture being trapped under tight clothing, says Sutherland. Here is what you can do. ”

Take short cool showers during the day. One of the best ways to avoid not only chlorine but also other chemicals easily absorbed through the skin is to install a shower filter. Make sure to properly pat your skin dry, but don’t rub, suggests Sutherland, especially in areas where skin surfaces come in contact. Apply good quality moisturizing skin lotion after your shower.

Swelling. You can’t see your feet during the last few weeks of pregnancy and they are so swollen that you can’t even put your shoes on properly. And you can’t wear your engagement ring or wedding band anymore. Swollen hands and feet happen because of the volume of blood becoming almost double during pregnancy. During the last trimester the weight of the uterus presses on the leg veins which makes the legs swell even more. The condition is temporary. But it might not go away completely until you have your baby. And the best news is that you can alleviate the condition. Here are some suggestions: Reduce salt consumption. Eat lots of green salads and fiber-rich foods to promote good intestinal health.

Lie down and put your feet up for a few minutes. Find a time in the day when you are rested with your feet elevated at your heart level Sutherland advises. At the same time, she adds, light exercise is also a good idea since that will improve circulation. Taking a fitness class for pregnant moms or going for regular walks will do just fine. Go for a swim or a water workout especially designed for pregnant moms.

Nourish your skin from the inside. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, supplement with omega-3 oils, and drink lots of water. If you notice a skin rash on your baby’s skin, especially in the diaper area, forgo the diaper occasionally. Letting the skin dry out prevents future serious rashes. Also if your baby has little red dots on her back and neck, she is most likely hot. Opt for very loose cotton clothing. Also, cloth diapers are known to keep the baby slightly cooler than disposable ones, and to keep the planet happier. Keep the baby hydrated by nursing them frequently. Nursing moms should supplement with omega oils and formula-fed baby can have a teaspoon of flax oil once a day added to their formula.

Drink plenty of water, advises Sutherland. Avoiding water will only make the swelling worse. Dandelion leaf tea is a very gentle diuretic for women who experience swelling during pregnancy, Sutherland suggests. Note: It is important that you talk to your family doctor or midwife if you experience headaches, occasional visual problems or dizziness, or if you have a history of high blood pressure before pregnancy. Additional tests will establish if you are at risk for preeclampsia, a condition characterized by swelling particularly in the hands and face, as well as high levels of protein in urine. Preeclampsia usually happens during the last four or five months of pregnancy.

Article Courtesy of Urbanbaby & Toddler Magazine