While the sweltering heat of summer looms over your head, don’t let your diet, fitness, or mental health get pushed to the back burner. Instead, actively participate in the #HealthySummerWithActivLiving campaign to thrive in different circumstances and lead a wholesome lifestyle.
Pregnancy can be an exciting yet challenging time. When you add the summer heat, things can get quite uncomfortable. Luckily, with a few lifestyle changes, you can not only stay cool this summer but also make sure that you are in good health while you keep up with Activ Living in Summer.Â
Here’s What You Need To Know:
- Lifestyle Changes for a Summer Pregnancy
- Nutrition when Pregnant During Summer
Lifestyle Changes for a Summer Pregnancy
Pregnant women experience changes in their bodies throughout the term of the pregnancy. From morning sickness, to bloating and indigestion, swollen feet, and fatigue. The wait for the bundle of joy can sometimes be not so joyful. Here are a few things you can do to ease the discomfort a bit:
- For morning sickness eat two cream cracker biscuits first thing in the morning.
- It is important to drink enough water even if you are feeling bloated. Water can flush out the gas and keep you hydrated during the hot summer.
- Take a walk every day. This might be difficult during the pandemic but try and be active around the house. Physical activity within a safe limit helps to reduce bloating and indigestion, keeps your muscles flexible and helps the baby descend more easily when closer to the due date.
- If you aren’t already, now is a good time to start doing yoga. It also helps prepare you for giving birth along with all the other benefits of being active.
- If your feet are swelling, then make sure to spend enough time lying down or sitting with your feet elevated. This helps the fluid to drain from your feet.
- Wear loose cotton clothes to keep you cool, prevent chaffing, and prevent excessive sweating.
- Take a cool shower if you start to feel too hot. Make sure that the water is not too cold but pleasant to the touch. Use a plastic chair or stool to sit on if you are too tired to stan in the shower.
These tips should help make summer a bit more comfortable for expectant mothers.
Nutrition when Pregnant During Summer The summer heat can often cause a loss of appetite in pregnant women. That combined with morning sickness can be a complete turn off from food. However, now, more than ever your body needs adequate nutrition as it nourishes the baby growing inside.Â
Here are a few foods you can include in your summer pregnancy diet to give you all the nutrition you need:
- Try having a cold soup of vegetables or clear chicken stock. If you prefer you can have the soup a little warm but not too hot. You can make a big batch of soup and have a small cup every few hours during the day.
- Make sure to add a salad with both lunch and dinner. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just chop tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots, add a squeeze of lemon and it’s ready. The lemon helps to reduce nausea.
- Some obstetricians will recommend that you have a nutrient drink twice a day. These nutrient powders are usually mixed with milk. If you can’t drink milk during your pregnancy, you could mix the powder with water or a non-dairy milk like almond milk. Avoid soya milk when pregnant.Â
These foods will not only ensure that you get your daily nutrients but also adequate water. Don’t forget to take all your supplements for a safe and healthy pregnancy.Â
For more posts on living your healthiest life, check out the Fitness and Nutrition section of the Activ Living Blog. You can also try the Menstrual Cycle Calculator to track your ovulation if you are trying to conceive. #ABHIKaro – stay active even when it’s summer!