Here's how you can remedy those all-too-common sins of summer.
Pack your bags
Stock your beach bag with these must-have essentials.
- A wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from the sun and heat.
- Body spritzer to keep skin moisturized and cool. We like California Baby I Love You Spritzer, made with ylang ylang and sweet orange.
- Sunglasses to keep your peepers covered.
- Bottles of water to stay hydrated.
- Lip balm with SPF. Choose a tinted formula for a burst of color.
- Sunscreen with high SPF. Try California Baby Everyday/Year-Round SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion, a non-chemical blend containing antioxidant green tea.
Problem: Swelling
Since your body produces and retains more fluid during pregnancy, you’re prone to swelling. Your uterus puts pressure on your veins, which slows blood circulation and causes even more fluid to build up.
Solution: Get off your feet—or elevate them—as much as possible. If your work requires you to sit or stand all day, walk around for five minutes each hour to improve circulation. Resting on your left side can also help increase circulation and reduce swelling. Lastly, stay cool! Heat makes the puffiness worse.
Problem: Prickly Heat
Otherwise known as heat rash or milaria, it’s an itchy rash that causes a stinging, prickling sensation.
Solution: Pat skin dry after bathing and wear breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Most importantly, limit your time in the sun—that means no sun bathing!
Problem: Skin discoloration
Melasma, a.k.a. “the mask of pregnancy” or chloasma, is a common condition marked by dark facial patches. It occurs when hormones boost the production of melanin, the pigmentation responsible for skin coloration.
Solution: Sun exposure worsens the condition, so don’t forget to wear broadband sunscreen every day. Melasma usually goes away after giving birth.
Problem: Fatigue
The summer heat saps you of energy, but when you’re already experiencing normal pregnancy fatigue, especially in your first and third trimesters, it can wipe you out.
Solution: Exercising may be the last thing you feel like doing, but moderate activity can actually energize you. Just make sure to exercise in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler. Eating healthy foods and getting plenty of rest will also help battle fatique.
Be cool
Pregnancy is hot, and we don’t just mean sexy. When you’re expecting, you have a slightly higher body temperature than normal, which means summer can feel brutally hot. We’ve got some ideas on how you can chill out.
Think Time Of Day Run errands, exercise and do other outdoor tasks in the afternoon or evening when it’s cooler. To be on the safe side, stay indoors with the air conditioning on when the temperature exceeds 90 degress. When you’re outside, seek shade. If you feel dizzy, weak or fatigued, head indoors as soon as possible, drink some water and rest. If your symptoms persist, call your doctor.
Take A Dip Swimming is one of the best ways to cool off, plus it helps reduce swelling. Try taking cool showers and baths, especially before bed.
Load Up On Liquids You know it’s important to stay hydrated during pregnancy, but it’s especially vital to drink plenty of water when it’s hot outside.
Dress Down Wear light-colored clothing in breathable fabrics like cotton and linen.Give In To Nap Time Hot weather can sap you of energy. Take the opportunity to rest and recharge whenever you can.
Reach Out It’s okay to ask for help if you’re too exhausted to cook, clean or do the laundry. It’s tough work making a baby!
Show off your belly in summery style
Having a hard time finding summery clothes that don’t make you feel uncomfortable, sweaty, and well, huge? These amazing maternity lines create breezy, well-cut clothing suited for hot days in the sun. Finding something to wear in the middle of a heat wave now seems effortlessly easy.
Chiarakruza: All of their pieces are gorgeous and well-cut, but their dresses are especially eye-catching. They provide just the right mix of cling and drape to flatter your figure and are made with super-soft fabrics. Chiarakruza.com
Schone: Beautifully clean, classy and sophisticated, Schone pieces are made with certified organic materials such as bamboo, organic cotton and hemp. Schonematernity.com
Maternal America: With a huge selection of maternity wear, there’s something for everyone. Think bold patterns, tops in rich jewel-toned hues and sexy swimwear you’ll actually want to wear. Maternalamerica.com
Liz Lange for Target: Great basics that won’t break the bank. Stock up on Bermuda shorts, cute dresses and sweet floral tops. Since empire waist blouses are hot right now, you can even get away with wearing non-maternity styles while your bump is still small. *Target is also the ideal place to create a baby shower registry. Target.com
*Don’t forget to register for California Baby products at Target.com. They’ll keep your baby’s skin soft and healthy without the worry of harsh chemicals and fragrances.