What to do when you have a summer pregnancy.

Summer Pregnancies

It seems like every summer gets hotter and hotter. As a mother of six children—five of whom were born in Arizona—I know a thing or two about being pregnant in scorching heat. I've experienced every stage of pregnancy during an Arizona summer, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that surviving the heat while growing a tiny human deserves its own survival guide.

My hope is that this post validates what some of you are feeling and maybe gives you a few ideas that will help you stay a little more comfortable until the weather finally cools down. 

The first tip is probably obvious: hydrate. 

Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do during pregnancy, but for me, it has also been one of the hardest. I don't particularly enjoy drinking water unless it tastes like freshly melted snow. Arizona tap water, unfortunately, doesn't even come close. (I'm only half joking when I say I've occasionally wondered what all that sediment in the water filter actually is!) 

Utah is lucky to have pretty good-tasting tap water, although I still prefer using a filter. 

The good news is that water isn't your only source of hydration. Fruits and vegetables are full of water and can make a big difference. Of course, actually eating them during pregnancy can sometimes be easier said than done. If the sight or smell of something makes you nauseated, don't force it. But if you're craving watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, berries, or other fresh produce, listen to those cravings. 

I've always believed our bodies are incredibly wise. If we're willing to slow down and listen, they often tell us what we need. Pregnancy cravings aren't always logical, but sometimes they're your body's way of asking for something important. 

Nausea can make staying hydrated and well-nourished even more difficult, but there are a few things that may help. Some women find relief with essential oils, acupressure wristbands, peppermint, prescribed medications, or simply slowing down and practicing deep breathing. 

Each pregnancy is different. With every baby, you become a new version of yourself—a little wiser, a little stronger, and a little more experienced. As you get to know this new pregnancy, you'll discover the tricks that help your body feel its best. 

Another way to stay more comfortable is to think differently about what you wear. 

It may surprise you to learn that many people who work outdoors in Arizona's extreme heat wear loose, long-sleeved shirts. It seems backward, but there's actually good science behind it. Loose clothing shields your skin from direct sunlight while allowing air to circulate and sweat to evaporate, which can help your body stay cooler. 

People living in desert climates have dressed this way for centuries.

Now, I know pregnancy doesn't always cooperate with good ideas. Sometimes even the lightest fabric touching your skin makes you feel like you're crawling out of it. If you've experienced that, I completely understand. But on especially sunny days, loose, lightweight clothing is still something worth considering. There are plenty of other ways to beat the heat, too. Sometimes the best plan is simply staying indoors. As your family grows, though, that becomes less practical. Kids still want to swim, play at the park, and enjoy summer.



If you're heading to the pool, remember that all of the hydration advice still applies—maybe even more so. It's surprisingly easy to become dehydrated while spending hours in the water because you don't always notice how much you're sweating. I spend as much of my life as possible in the water, and I can tell you from experience that you can absolutely end up overheated, sun sick, and dehydrated without ever leaving the pool. It's one of those unfortunate—and frankly unfair—facts of life. 

So, if you remember only one thing from this post, let it be this: 

Drink the water. 

Most of these suggestions are simple to remember, yet surprisingly difficult to practice when you're exhausted, overheated, or nauseated. The beautiful thing is that pregnancy has an ending. This incredible, exhausting, miraculous season of life doesn't last forever. One day you'll hold your baby in your arms, and somehow the hardest moments begin to fade. The joy has a remarkable way of softening the memory of the discomfort. 

Years later, you may find yourself remembering the kicks, the anticipation, and the miracle of creating a life far more vividly than the heat, the nausea, or the swollen feet. And someday, you'll probably be the one encouraging another expectant mother through a hot summer, reminding her that she really can make it—and that she's stronger than she knows. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I stay hydrated during pregnancy in hot weather?

Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Water-rich foods such as watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, and berries can also contribute to your fluid intake.

What if drinking water makes me nauseated?

Try taking small, frequent sips instead of drinking a large amount at once. You can also experiment with filtered water, ice-cold water, fruit-infused water, or water-rich foods to find what works best for you.

Can pregnancy make the heat harder to tolerate?

Yes. Pregnancy can make you feel hotter and more uncomfortable, especially during the summer. Listen to your body, take breaks, stay hydrated, and move somewhere cool when you need to.

What should I wear when pregnant in extreme heat?

Loose, lightweight clothing can help protect your skin from direct sunlight while allowing air to circulate. Breathable fabrics and light colors may also help you stay more comfortable.

Can I swim while pregnant during the summer?

For many pregnant women, swimming can be a comfortable way to stay active and cool. However, you can still become dehydrated or overheated while spending time in the water, so continue drinking fluids and take breaks from the heat and sun.

What can I do if nausea makes it difficult to eat or drink?

Try small amounts of food and fluids throughout the day and pay attention to what your body tolerates. Some women find options such as peppermint, acupressure wristbands, deep breathing, or medications recommended by their healthcare provider helpful.

When should I be concerned about overheating or dehydration?

If you're feeling unusually weak, dizzy, confused, faint, or unable to keep fluids down, get out of the heat and seek medical advice. During pregnancy, it's always appropriate to contact your healthcare provider when you're concerned about your symptoms.

What is the most important summer pregnancy tip?

Drink the water! Staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most important things you can do to help your body through a hot summer pregnancy.