Keeping Cool While Preggo This Summer

This is one hot summer for all of us, and its SUPER important for you to stay cool especially if you are pregnant with twins. In reality is important to stay cool in general but if you are pregnant there are a lot of additional risks that come with “overheating.”I realize that all of this may sound only semi serious but consider this: if your body temperature goes above 102°F (38.9°C) for more than 10 minutes, the elevated heat can actually cause problems for your two little fetuses.I am not saying this as a scare tactic. I am saying to make sure you don’t push yourself as we mom’s tend to do. If I could add my last piece of advice it is to please please please get a great air conditioner intact.If you have one and its just not working well then you need to make the effort to replace it. There are companies that will come to your house and make repairing your air condition seamless- for example: Air Conditioning Repair DenverThere are a few things you should look out for if you are pregnant in this heat

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water can cause pre-term labor, so its vital that you pay attention to the amount of water you intake. In this summer heat you should be drinking 8oz for every hour you are in the heat. If you are struggling with getting enough water in you can use an app to help you keep track, or you can also substitute Gatorade for water. Gatorade will help add electrolytes which will help keep your body hydrated.

Gestational Diabetes

Being exposed to hot outdoor temperatures the month before giving birth can increase your chances of gestational diabetes. The obvious thing to do is to stay inside as much as possible, but lets be honest – you can’t keep yourself cooped up for 9 months, and life is still happening. You should try to take cool showers more than once a day. Being able to bring your body temperature down after being outside is important for your health as well as the babies you are carrying.

Swelling

Edema is increased in this hot weather. That means uncomfortable bloating and swelling in your legs, ankles, and other areas of the body. So in addition to your usual preggo discomforts you are now also subject to your body adding EXTRA discomfort… and its not pretty. Try to keep your legs up whenever you can—even in the office. If your swelling persists, eat foods that have added fluid: watercress, celery, citrus fruits or small bits of parsley, which will help pass water through. The goal of staying cool is not only to keep you comfortable but to keep your babies as healthy as possible before they are born. Make sure you take care of yourself and know that its not just about you anymore.