How to Survive the Heat of Charleston…Pregnant!

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Can I give a shout out to all of the pregnant mommies in Charleston!? It’s awfully hot for anyone, but add being pregnant and it becomes almost unbearable. That’s why we’ve come up with a few ideas to keep you cool, and safe, during the hottest season of the year!

*Please note-I am not a medical professional. Always consult with your doctor about any health concerns or questions you may have!

1. Drink, Drink, Drink!

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated in weather this hot, but it is especially important if you are pregnant. So make sure that you are drinking at least 8-10 cups of water each day. Add another cup if you work out. Add another cup if you are in the heat.

Don’t like water? Try adding sliced fruit and veggies like lemons, cucumber, or strawberries to add extra flavor and electrolytes. You can also ask your doctor for a pregnancy-approved electrolyte supplied (like a powder) to help keep you hydrated. Here are a few more tips on reaching your daily water intake:

    1. Keep a reusable water bottle with you. If it’s the same cup, you know how many ounces it holds which makes it easier to track your intake (and you are saving waste! #strawlesssummer)
    2. Join a Water Challenge! Get some friends together and download the app My Water. This app allows you set goals, and sends you friendly reminders to keep drinking. One less thing for you – busy mama – to think about. Plus, this is a great way to make getting your water fun!
    3. Drink 8 oz before you drink anything else in the morning (tea, coffee, etc). This has several health benefits, not just hydration.
    4. Skip the sugary drinks. Water replenishes the fluid you lose while you sweat, sugary drinks don’t do that. You also want to limit your sugar intake while pregnant anyway, so try and opt for low sugar options whenever possible.

2. Stay Inside

The hottest hours of the day are in the afternoon. So stay inside! You are growing a human being and being out in the heat, especially in direction sunlight, can dehydrate you very quickly and nobody has time for that! If you have to be outside, stay in the pool, the ocean, or at least in the shade.

3. Wear Loose, Light Colored Clothing

If you are like me, you like to show off the bump. I mean, we’re only pregnant for so long, right? Why not embrace it!? It’s super easy to embrace your bump without overheating. Try a loose sundress, or cute cut-off shorts with a tank in your favorite lighter colors. You’ll stay much, much cooler than if you were to wear dark, heavy fabrics.

4. Listen to Your Body

Don’t overdo it! The heat can take it out of you, quickly. Sit down. Stay inside and lift up your feet (this helps with swelling, too!). If there is ever a time to take it easy, now is that time.

5. Prioritize Your Schedule

The hottest time of the day is all day. Just kidding! The hottest time of the day is the afternoon. So if you have to be out, try to run your errands early in the morning, or late at night. Your schedule is about get a little wacky anyway once your new baby arrives, so might as well get used  to it now, right?!

Ultimately, we want all of our Charleston mamas to stay safe this summer, but especially if you are expecting. Make sure to take care of yourself and that sweet life that you are growing. If you get bored and need new ideas on what to do around town, check back with us! We are always adding new ideas and activities on what’s going on in our beloved Holy City. Taking a babymoon in Charleston? Check out our Babymooner’s Guide to Eating in Charleston for lots of great tips on where and what to eat (and what to avoid!).

What tips would you add to the list?

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Amy Kay
Amy grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Environmental Studies. Her dream was to make the world a better place by improving the environment for everyone. After getting her dream job in Texas, she met the love her of her life, Evan; they had a beautiful daughter in 2012 and moved to Mount Pleasant in 2013. Amy intended on continuing to work in the field of Sustainability (all things green and ecofriendly) but ended up being a SAHM. Although she found it a blessing to be able to stay home full time with her daughter, she struggled to find herself in her new identity. In 2014, her family expanded with a son and with his birth she began to be more confident as both a woman and a mother, and lover of the Lowcountry. She turned her love of family and the environment into a business (www.de-cluttered.com) that allows her to keep her family first while helping others. Through de-cluttered, Amy helps families deep clean their homes, taking the weight of clutter off of their shoulders and donating those extra items to local charities throughout Charleston. Amy also loves being at the beach, having an adventure, connecting with new people and is always looking to learn something new.