Summer Pregnancy Checklist

Looking to make your summer pregnancy the best it can be? Today I’m going to share a few things to put on your checklist. Stuff to make you both comfortable and safe during your summer pregnancy.

As a labor nurse from Phoenix I’m basically a pro on these, I’m so glad you’re here!

Get Some Pool Time!

Have a pool at your house? Winning!(definitely time to figure out how you’re going to child-proof it when the time comes)

If not — start making mental lists of the people you know who have a pool. Pools have SO many benefits:

• Cooling Off
• Weightless — it’s one of the rare times that your body can feel free of the weight of the baby
• Increase Blood flow?

I worked with a doctor who swore that submerging yourself in water helped increase your amniotic fluids in your uterus…. in some ways it makes sense (and in some ways it doesn’t make sense).

Just be sure while you’re there:

• Wear a cover-up when not in the water that covers all your skin — more on that in a minute!
• Have a great beverage with you. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the hot sun but not notice it because you’re loving the pool.

Looking for more ways to be comfortable when pregnant check out these articles:

• How To Sit In An Office Chair During Pregnancy
• 10 Possible Ways To Increase Blood Flow To Baby During Pregnancy
• 6 Tips For Winter Pregnancies
• Painful Cervical Checks During Pregnancy: What to do if you’re scared.
• Travel During Pregnancy: 18 Tips to Trips in the Third Trimester

Cover Up!

Getting a sunburn pregnant is somehow even worse than it is when you’re not pregnant.

First of all, the skin healing can dehydrate you, and that baby is already doing a really nice job of doing it on their own.

Secondly, it’s just more effort your body has to put into itself!

SO, avoid sunburns at almost all costs:

• An adorable wide-brimmed hat
• Wear a rash guard when swimming
• Wear a cover-up that COVERS when you’re not swimming (or just keep the rash guard on).
• Apply sunscreen to any area that could get UV light….

Oh, and check out my podcast episode I did on sunscreen safety (it was an eye-opener for me):

Prepare for the A/C Bill

Now’s the time that your eyes may bug out of your head when you look at your electric bill.

The reality is that your zone of “tolerance” may be much lower than it was when you’re not pregnant.

For most people the height of summer isn’t too long (sorry Phoenix, you’re not most people). So, if you have to lower the AC a bit to stay comfortable, it is what it is.

Let me know if you need a nurse’s note for your partner. 😉

Speaking of partners, when they really get it — they’re much less freaked out by stuff like this. Help them get on your TEAM (instead of just a cheerleader) right here. It’s so easy, you’ll be be prepared before you know it!

Fan of Fans

While A/C is great, if you’re going to be in one spot in your house a fan can be so helpful. Or, even having one when you go out can make you more comfortable.

Here’s a few I like:

• This one is great for your room (I have it in mine)
• I love this one when it’s hot out and I have to be outside — love that it can charge your phone too!
• And I always have one of these in my bag because they can actually provide a good amount of air!

Hey, another great thing to have with you is ME — let me join you in your inbox to get you some of my best tips right when you need them:

Take that Prenatal Class At Home!

You don’t want to travel and you DEFINITELY don’t want to be stuck in a mostly-air-conditioned-classroom at the hospital in a hard chair trying to learn about your birth.

Come take this class online — it’s seriously even BETTER to do in the summer with your favorite beverage (and toilet) nearby!

So many people put-off that prenatal class til’ it’s almost too late! Get started on your class by about 20 weeks so you’re not kicking yourself that you didn’t do it! Seriously, this one is so easy you’ll be prepared before you know it!

How to Hydrate

Ok, now’s a good time to plan now you’re going to stay hydrated.

I’m sure that you’ve heard how important hydration is in pregnancy. I have a ton of articles I put here about it:

• Normal Daily Fetal Movement – Kick Counts
• IV During Labor – Do You NEED IV Fluids In Labor And Delivery?
• Diarrhea At 38 Weeks Pregnant:  Is It A Sign Of Labor?
• Can Pregnancy Cause Headaches?
• Can Women Drink Gatorade During Pregnancy? Can it prevent dehydration safely?
• Dehydration During Pregnancy: The importance of hydration while growing a human.

I drink a cup every morning right when I wake up (great to take your prenatal vitamin with). Then I add another cup after I’ve gotten going a bit.

Then I try to fill my water bottle up and put it by my desk. The key really is filling up that water bottle with ice and water.

Yes, I said water. I’d try to get over half your intake from water alone. Just water. If you can.

Some people just HATE water, and I see you. If I’m in that zone I try to get a cup of water in and the reward myself with something else for my next cup. Just not wine. 😉 I’m also a big fan of a cup I like how it makes water taste (or not taste) — so it’s a worthy splurge for your pregnancy!

Check the Pee

Here’s another hot tip for you in the summer (see what I did there).

Just get in the habit of checking the color of your urine after you pee. Of course, this only works with white (or fairly white if you’re at my house) toilets. You want it to be a light color of yellow. You’re NOT looking for transparent, just a light yellow.

If it’s trending to a darker yellow go get some water right now, and make a note to drink more.

So many people ask “how much should I drink” — and your body has a built-in system for you! Aren’t bodies amazing?

Love quick tips like that — this is just full of them. I’m all about making pregnancy easier!

Outfit Check

Ok, what to wear?

While leggings and a T-shirt work a flowy summer dress can increase air flow (more on that coming, stay tuned) to that whole “area” to help you feel more comfortable.

I prefer a nice long one so I’m “covered” even if I’m getting out of a car. Plus there’s plenty of them that can be worn both during pregnancy and afterwards. That’s a huge win!

What do YOU like to wear in the summer? Tell us in the comments. I know that your clothing choices can really make a difference for how comfortable you are!

Interested in more on what to wear — check out these posts:

• Early Pregnancy Clothes: Where To Buy Maternity Clothes For The First Trimester And Beyond?
• Is Maternity Shapewear Safe? What Happens If You Wear Spanx While Pregnant?
• Can You Suck In Your Stomach When Pregnant?
• Your Guide On What To Wear In Labor & Delivery And Your Hospital Stay
• Habits of Happy Pregnant Women
• Pregnancy Freebies: Free baby stuff in 2023 for new moms

Car Safety

Make sure you’re putting up a shade in your car before you park it, so it doesn’t get as hot. Also, it can help to roll down the windows once you start it (even if you need to step out for a minute or two).

Frankly, I’m a HUGE fan of remote start. SOME cars will allow you to roll down the windows before even getting inside if you push the unlock button, and then push and hold it down. More details here.

Obviously, you need a key fob for that. Which, I never had when I was pregnant — so I usually just told my husband to go start the car before I got in. 🙂

Getting overheated in pregnancy can really be a huge issue — so I really want you to think about how you can AVOID situations it might happen in. Staying hydrated can help a lot!

Wondering what else to avoid in pregnancy:

• Pregnancy Prevention: 5 Things Moms Should Avoid During Pregnancy with Dr Samantha Radford from Evidence-based Mommy
• 5 Things to Avoid at the Hospital (in Labor and Delivery)
• Painful Cervical Checks During Pregnancy: What to do if you’re scared.
• Avoid Failing The Glucose Test During Pregnancy
• How To Avoid Pooping While Giving Birth: The 411 On This Dirty Secret

Better Flip Flops

If it’s your first pregnancy you may think that dollar store flip flops are your chosen footwear for the summer — and while I’m 100% on board with sandals I’d recommend upgrading your footwear into something a bit more supportive (aka, that’s not just flat and spongy).

I’m not saying you need to blow the bank. Just something with a little arch support as your body is adjusting to baby inside.

Maybe you’re thriving with the dollar store ones, but if you’re feeling achy sometimes shoes can be the answer!

Got pregnancy aches and pains — check out these posts:

• Diastasis Symphysis Pubis During Pregnancy: When Your Pelvis Splits
• 20+ Easy Pregnancy Hacks You NEED
• Can You Use a Microwave Heat Pack While Pregnant
• What Does Round Ligament Pain Feel Like
• Pain Between Your Legs During Pregnancy: Is It Pelvic Pain?

How’s The Lady Bits?

Ok, I saved the grosses part for the end. BUT when you’re sweaty and pregnant, sometimes the bacteria (and yeast) can thrive in your lady bits.

It’s just something to be aware of. Things you can do to help:

• Make sure to dry that area off extra when done showering
• Get out of a wet swimsuit as quick as you can
• Make sure to wear underwear that allows that area to “breathe”

If you’re having problematic symptoms like burning, itching or it hurts to pee, be sure to contact your provider. You might have vaginitis, a yeast infection or bladder infection — all of which are more common in pregnancy (and the summer).

Of course, taking a prenatal class from your couch allows that area to “breathe” more than a hard hospital chair. Honestly, taking the anxiety of birth and having a baby off your plate may just let ALL of your breathe easier — so, come join me in here!

And with that I want to know what YOUR tip is for surviving the summer being pregnant? Tell us in the comments! AND if you’re looking for some tips for AFTER baby is here, check out my friend Katie’s Summer Checklist for breastfeeding moms!