Pregnancy During the Summer: How to Beat the Heat

Summer time is officially here. While many minds are filled with visions of relaxing at the pool, going to the beach, and fun family barbecues, taking care of your body should be at the forefront, especially for pregnant women. Here are some tips for how to beat the heat during these sweltering summer months while pregnant:

• Hydration: According to Mayo Clinic “Pregnant people should drink at least 64 ounces of water daily”. Water and a variety of thirst quenching drinks, like healthy juices, can ensure you’re getting enough fluids in your system. Another option can be consuming hydrating fruits such as watermelon, oranges, and grapefruit. These can do the trick while doubling as a sweet treat to eat.

• Healthy Snacks: You can’t control what sort of cravings you may get during pregnancy, but you can control what you decide to eat. Loading your diet with healthy snacks such as carrots and celery, or cucumbers and hummus can give you enough energy throughout the day while giving you the proper nutrients. Be sure to stay away from processed foods and sugary snacks!

• Exercise: Being pregnant doesn’t require you to take a break from exercise. However, it does require you to recognize the changes your body is going through. When exercising  while pregnant, start slowly. Customize your workouts to match your changing body. If you happen to undergo any swelling, which is common, elevation can help diminish it.

It’s good to have fun in the summer, and when you take care of yourself, you are sure to look great and feel great.

At VAWFSC, we make sure our moms and their children are feeling great too. With our Maternal Health classes, we provide our moms with knowledge on how to take care of their bodies so that they and their babies can maintain a healthy lifestyle.

If you want to support our moms and their journeys, consider becoming a Cycle Breaker by donating as little as $20 a month, popping into our monthly Lunch and Learns, or attending our annual Every Child Deserves a Home Gala on September 6, 2025. To learn more about our mission visit us at www.vawfsc.org.