Beat the Heat: A Comfortable Pregnancy in the Summer
No pregnancy is a walk in the park, but expecting in the hot summer months, especially when the due date is quickly approaching, can be super tough to manage. Plus, there are a host of things off limits that you would normally do: scuba diving, riding roller coasters, rock climbing and happy hours at sunset. So we put our heads together and came up with five activities that let you enjoy the summer sun, without feeling the heat or feeling completely left out.
The Indoor Hammock
It’s tough to sit inside looking out at a sky lacking even a single cloud. But it’s also tough to sit in the yard, get overheated and then just feel uncomfortable. Luckily, hammock’s aren’t only for the backyard and not all of them require trees. This handy (and portable) hammock from Amazon can easily be set up inside close to your largest window. Rock the day away with a good book and a pitcher of lemonade.
Splash It Up
You obviously aren’t going to spend ALL day inside just because being outside is a bit uncomfortable. So when you do venture out considering joining friends and their kids (plus one of yours if this isn’t your first!) at a playground with a splash pad. You probably aren’t going to be taking on the water cannons or running through the extreme water, but it’s a nice place to dip your feet in some water and feel a little cooler. Plus, you might as well get used the splash pad scene … you’re going to be a regular soon enough.
Movie Night Day
Just like getting used to the splash pad, you might as well get current on the kids’ movie scene. It’s a great way to beat the heat and get a few songs stuck in your head. The folks over at Good Housekeeping put together a handy list of the top kids’ movies this year. It’s probably going to be a while before you take in a family movie night at your local theatre (or go to the movies at all, to be honest, so don’t get too excited over any of the previews) but pretty much everyone needs to know what’s up with Elsa!
A Dip at Dusk
Swimming is a great way to get a little exercise, let your body relax and stay cool. The feeling of weightlessness can be heavenly (much like a Tummy Cradle!). To avoid the scorching afternoon sun consider slipping into your pool, local watering hole or nearby lake late early in the evening. It’s a great way to wrap up what was most likely an exhausting day. Finding a place with superb views is a bonus. And you can take it one step further and prepare a picnic for you and a significant other or friend for after the swim.
Skip Town for a Spa Weekend
Not only are prenatal massages perfectly safe and wonderful, but they’re also a good way to indulge in an outdoor activity without worrying about overheating or exhaustion. There are plenty of lists of the best spa retreats, like this one from Town and Country, but you can also keep it simple. Grab some friends and embark on an adventure. Just remember to call ahead to make sure they have prenatal options!
