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keep cool during pregnancy
In hot weather we all like to wear fewer layers, and you'll particularly want
to be in the 'bare essentials' with a big bump. The right clothing is essential
for keeping cool. Wear loose fitting clothes that will let the air circulate,
and avoid tight waistbands in particular as they may make you feel hot and
bothered. Natural fabrics such as cotton are best, as they will allow your skin
to breath. You may also need to buy some larger shoes, particularly if your feet
start to swell.
Any pregnant woman knows how important it is to stay well hydrated, not just in
hot weather. Despite the fact that pregnancy hormones and your rapidly-expanding
tummy may have you running to the loo twice an hour, drinking enough fluids is
absolutely essential to the health of your baby.
Even if you are still suffering from morning sickness, the normal recommendation is
eight to ten glasses of water daily, and during very hot and humid weather you may need
even more. If getting enough fluids is difficult for you, get a water bottle or
Thermos, and carry it with you all day, taking small sips every so often.
Becoming dehydrated will affect your blood pressure, which can be bad for your baby
as a foetus is very sensitive to changes in maternal blood pressure. When it drops,
there's less blood supply to the uterus, the placenta, and of course to your baby.
Pregnant women have up to a third extra blood in their system, which means they feel
the heat more, so keep out of the sun as much as possible. Make sure you use a high-factor sun screen as some women find their skin is extra sensitive when they are pregnant.
When you can, sit with your feet up and try not to cross your legs as this can reduce blood
flow. Pamper your feet at the end of a long day. Soak them in a basin of cool water before
using a foot scrub and finishing with a massage of your feet and legs - even better if you can
get your partner to do it for you! Swimming is an excellent source of exercise and relaxation
when you are pregnant and spending time in water will also help to cool you down. Consider the
bathtub your private pool, and take cool dips when you need to, even in the middle of the night.
Staying cool while you sleep may seem impossible, but air conditioning or fans, a cold water
bottle near the bed, a cold cloth on your neck and as few nightclothes as possible are all
great during summer pregnancies.
mother and baby
Like post-baby weight, post-baby heat takes some time to recede. The sweating can continue up
to six weeks after pregnancy, because you still have the hormones in your body, the higher blood
volume, additional fluid, and additional fat storage. During this time you will more than likely
want to keep up your regime of cold baths, showers and icy water.
Keeping your baby cool can be a worry for any mother, especially when you are struggling to keep
yourself cool at the same time.
Dress your baby with the same type of clothes that you need to feel comfortable - you might only
have them in a body and nappy. Dress babies lightly, but cover arms and legs if they are outside.
Breastfed babies may need extra feeds during hot weather, but they usually do not need extra drinks
of water. Bottle-fed babies may need extra formula or small drinks of cool boiled water if they seem
thirsty.
A tepid bath can help keep your baby cool on a very hot day. The water needs to be warm enough to be
comfortable, but cool or cold water should not be used.
If you're travelling with your baby, make sure you leave the house properly prepared for hot
weather. Prams can be hot and airless, so remember to attach a sunshade to the pram and keep an eye
on your baby if they fall asleep. If you're travelling by car make sure the vehicle is well aerated.
Toddlers will want to be on the go even in hot weather. Paddling pools are a great way of keeping
them cool, you could even get in the paddling pool yourself, and your toddler will love the company.
At night your baby will sleep most comfortably in a room between 16ºC and 20ºC. However, during hot
periods the temperature in your baby's room may be hotter than this. To keep your baby cool and
comfortable while they sleep, remove unnecessary bedding. If your baby is still hot they could just
sleep in a vest or even just a nappy.
Remove any padding around baby's cot to allow the air to circulate. Open windows in several rooms to
create a through-breeze. Fans are great for keeping a room cool, but make sure you don't direct them
on your baby. Turn the fan on before your baby's bedtime to allow the room time to cool down. If
you're still stuck for ways to keep the room cool, why not hang wet towels over chairs or windows to
cool the air; the evaporating water will cause air to cool. If you use a waterproof sheet, consider
removing it while the weather is hot or cover it with several layers of tightly wrapped cotton
sheets to absorb perspiration. Keeping curtains drawn during the day will help prevent the room from
overheating.
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