Tips for Expectant Mothers During the Summer Months

Pregnancy is an exciting yet challenging time for expectant mothers! And if your pregnancy coincides with the summer months, you can expect it to be somewhat more difficult than usual. Okan University Hospital Obstetrics and Gynaecology Specialist Dr. Ferda Erbay shared important information about what expectant mothers should pay attention to during these days when excessive heat makes itself felt.

Expectant Mothers Can Navigate the Heat With These Recommendations

• Prefer loose, comfortable, cotton and lightweight clothing.
• Try to carry out activities you need to do outdoors during the generally cooler morning and evening hours. When going outside, make sure to use sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
• At temperatures higher than 32 degrees, stay in closed, cool environments, preferably air-conditioned spaces.
• Consume plenty of fluids. Your daily water intake should not fall below 2 litres.
• Almost every pregnant woman experiences some degree of oedema. The best way to combat the oedema that increases with heat is salt restriction. To further reduce oedema, it is necessary to consume plenty of fluids, do 30-minute walks 2-3 times a week, and rest with your feet elevated after walking.

Pay Attention to Your Diet

During the hot summer months, pregnant women should eat light, low-fat and low-spice foods as much as possible. Salads, seasonal fruits and vegetables and dairy products should be preferred. For snacks, light milk-based desserts, nuts such as almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts, dried fruits and fruit yoghurts are suitable. Meals should be consumed in small portions and frequently. Snacks between meals should not be skipped.

What Should You Pay Attention to When Travelling?

• The most suitable period for travelling during pregnancy is the second trimester, when nausea decreases and adaptation to pregnancy is at its best. During this period, pregnant women's energy and mood increase. Since body weight, oedema and abdominal size have not yet increased significantly, expectant mothers are more mobile and comfortable.
• The safest form of travel during pregnancy is air travel. Generally, there are no drawbacks to flights up to 28 weeks of pregnancy. Although it varies by airline, with a medical certificate, flights can be made up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. On long flights, it is necessary to walk around from time to time and stretch your legs to improve blood circulation.
• The second safest form of travel is by train.
• When travelling in your own vehicle, it is advisable to take a break every 3 hours and to take at least five-minute walks during these breaks.

Safe Water Sport During Pregnancy: Swimming

If you are swimming in the sea, swim for 30 minutes to 1 hour at a pace that will not strain you excessively, without jumping or diving. Since the frequency of muscle cramps increases during pregnancy, it is safer to swim in areas close to the shore. During pregnancy, water sports such as water skiing, jet-skiing, scuba diving and water slides are not appropriate.

Don't Stay in a Wet Swimsuit!

There is no drawback to swimming in pools that are well-monitored from a hygiene perspective. You can continue swimming until the end of pregnancy unless your doctor imposes a specific prohibition. Swimming reduces back and spine pain and is an excellent exercise for natural delivery. During pregnancy, it is generally advisable to prefer two-piece swimsuits, change out of them immediately upon leaving the water and avoid staying wet. Hot pools, thermal springs, saunas and jacuzzis with temperatures higher than 38 degrees should not be entered.

Sun Protection is Very Important

Before going out in the sun during pregnancy, it is necessary for the health of both mother and baby to use a sunscreen with a protection factor of 30 or higher, wear a wide-brimmed hat and glasses, sunbathe for a maximum of 45 minutes outside the hours 11:00 and 15:00 when the sun is at its peak, consume plenty of fluids and moisturise the skin with moisturising creams after sunbathing.