Every pregnancy has its ups and downs: One day you’re glowing and full of energy and the next, you can hardly look at your meal without feeling nauseous. This rollercoaster ride is perfectly natural as your body accommodates the growing life inside you. But your ride can be a little more difficult when you throw in the brutal heat that’s often part of summer in Las Vegas.
Here at New Beginnings OB-GYN, we want to ensure your comfort every step of the way, which is why we’ve pulled together the following guide for surviving the summer while you’re pregnant.
Under any circumstances, pregnancy is a balancing act between looking after your own health and the health of your unborn child. Throw in the blazing Nevada heat in August, and you need to be more mindful about your fitness program.
We encourage our patients to continue their fitness regimens during pregnancy, with a few adjustments, of course, but that doesn’t mean you should grab your running shoes at high noon. Heat exhaustion is a clear and present danger for anyone who’s exercising or working outside in the high heat, but for a woman who is carrying a child, this danger is heightened.
We encourage you to stick to the indoors during the day, limiting your outdoor work or exercise to the early morning or evening hours. Or find a gym that offers a nice air-conditioned environment to keep you and your baby nice and cool as you work out.
Las Vegas is not only hot, it’s very, very dry, which makes vigilant hydration a necessity. Remember, you’re drinking for two, so increase your water intake throughout the day and always have a water bottle on hand.
If you want to hydrate your outsides, a plunge into a nice, cool pool will do wonders for your body temperature and your comfort level.
There’s a reason why people who live in the desert, both men and women, wear robes: Flowing clothes shield you from the sun and allow air to circulate around your body. During your pregnancy, put away those form-fitting outfits and opt for long flowing dresses that move with you, rather than stick to you.
Las Vegas is no longer just a gambler’s paradise. Spas are popping up everywhere in order to cater to family vacations. While you might not be a vacationer yourself, take advantage of these new spas and book yourself a day where you can get massaged and pampered, relieving your aching back and feet while tending to your skin.
And we mean this quite literally. Take frequent breaks and prop your feet up on the couch or bed. Swollen ankles are often part and parcel of pregnancy, especially in the summer heat, so help your body out by elevating your feet throughout the day. If you fall asleep, great! The more rest you get, the better you’ll feel.
Speaking of rest, you’ll need plenty of it while you’re pregnant, and this is especially true during the summer months when the heat has a way of zapping your energy. Make sure you turn the AC up and get at least eight or nine hours of good sleep each night to allow your body to quietly continue its work creating a new life inside you.
Lastly, don’t forget your all-important prenatal visits with us. These visits are terribly important in monitoring your health, as well as your baby’s, so we can make sure everything is on track. Your prenatal checks also provide you with a great opportunity to ask us any questions you may have as you progress through your pregnancy.
If you have more questions about getting through the summer during your pregnancy, please give us a call or request an appointment using the online scheduling tool on this website.
