Summer Pregnancy Survival Kit

I used to think that I knew what it was like to be miserable in the summer heat, but then I got pregnant and discovered a whole new level of discomfort. I’ve truly enjoyed being pregnant and have been blessed with an uncomplicated and comfortable pregnancy; however, the sweltering summer weather isn’t exactly ideal when you’re only a few months away from your due date. Since I live in sunny Florida, it’s not an option to avoid the warm weather.

Instead of constantly complaining about the heat, I’ve made the best of my situation and created a survival list complete with summer pregnancy essentials that have helped me get through the hottest days of the year. With a little preparation, you can ensure that you and your baby will stay safe and comfortable on even the warmest days. 

Wear Lightweight And Loose-Fitting Clothing.

Without a doubt, my number one tip is to ditch the summer outfits you’ve worn in the past and opt for lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Shorts and t-shirts are a cute summer option, but honestly, you’ll want to take it off after five minutes outside. In my opinion, thin and stretchy sundresses are the way to go. Over the past few weeks, I’ve picked up a few non-maternity dresses with lots of stretch, and they’ve been a lifesaver. Plus, the stretchy material helps them fit me now at 8.5 months pregnant, but it will also drape nicely when I’m back to my normal size after baby arrives. 

Take Off Your Rings.

While every woman’s pregnancy symptoms vary, I think it’s fairly common for your hands to slightly swell – especially if you live in a warm climate. After seeking the advice of several friends and family members with children, I decided to stop wearing my rings on my hand the second they started to feel uncomfortable. I’ve heard too many horror stories from women who’ve had to get their rings cut off their fingers, so I’m 100% happy with my decision.

While my wedding rings aren’t displayed on my left hand, they are closer to my heart now – literally. I wear a cross necklace that used to be my mother’s every single day, so I simply added my wedding rings to the necklace. Now I have three of my most meaningful possessions close to my heart at all times, and my fingers are discomfort-free despite being slightly swollen.

Always Pack Melt-Proof Snacks.

Throughout my pregnancy, I’ve tried my best not to overindulge with food. Of course, my hunger levels are higher, and I am absolutely eating more than I normally would; however, I’m much more conscious about my eating habits than I was before. Instead of pushing through a long work day without eating and binging at night, I eat a variety of small meals throughout the day to keep nutrients running through my body and maintain my blood sugar levels. I’ve found that having a lot of small meals and snacks throughout the day makes me feel so much better!

I’m someone who’s pretty much always on the go, but I don’t let my busy schedule get in the way of my healthy eating habits. That’s why I make it a priority to have snacks on hand at all times, but at least half of my normal snacks are not on-the-go friendly this summer due to the heat. If I packed them in my purse. They’d melt or go bad in no time. Thankfully, the Special K Protein and Nourish Bites are the perfect fit for this problem, and I basically never leave the house without them anymore. They’re melt-proof, perfect to eat on the go, and seriously yummy. The protein keeps me satisfied, and the sweetness keeps my sweet tooth in control. If I’m ever feeling sluggish or hungry, a few of the Special K Protein and Nourish Bites are all I need to recover and feel like myself again.


I take the Special K Bites with me anytime I’ll be out of the house for an extended period of time. They’re perfect for afternoon walks around my neighborhood and running errands, but they’re also a great mid-day snack at the office. If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious snack, I’d highly recommend the Special K Protein and Nourish Bites in the Caramel Nut and Blueberry Almond Quinoa flavors!

Keep A Cooling Facial Mist Nearby.

An easy way to combat the discomfort of the summer heat is with a quick spritz of a cooling spray. Whether you prefer rosewater, tap water, or a fancy skincare mist, a few sprays will cool your face and give you instant relief. I keep a bottle of rosewater spray in my purse at all times, and I also keep a bottle in my refrigerator at home. That way, I can cool off quickly while I’m still in the heat and get an extra-cool spritz as soon as I get home. If you’ve never tried out a facial spray before, I encourage you to give it a try. It can make a world of difference in warm weather!

Always, Always, Always Keep Ice Water By Your Side.

This suggestion may seem obvious, but please always keep cold water by your side. While staying hydrated is important during all stages of life, you don’t want to mess around when you’re pregnant. I like to keep a BPA-free water bottle filled with ice and water at all times, and I fill it up whenever I’m near a water fountain. Staying hydrated in the heat will help you feel better, and it will help to replenish the water you’re losing in your sweat. If plain water isn’t your thing, go for flavored sparkling water or add a handful of your favorite fruit to your water before you leave the house. 

Keep Emergency Flip-Flops in Your Purse.

As soon as the temperatures started to rise in Florida, I began to understand the horror that is pregnancy-related swelling. I remember walking out of my house in a pair of fancy sandals that fit perfectly and within ten minutes of walking outdoors, my feet were so swollen that I could barely take my sandals off. My shoes were so uncomfortable I could barely walk, so I immediately sat down on the closest bench and ripped them off my feet. Thankfully, I was in a shopping center, so I was able to run to a shoe store in only a few minutes. I bought a cheap pair of rubber flip flops, and to this day, I don’t leave the house without them. 

It’s common for your legs and feet to swell during pregnancy, but the extreme summer heat will exacerbate swelling. Please learn from my mistakes and spend the $15 bucks (or less) on a cheap pair of flip flops. Your feet will thank you, and you can avoid a whole lot of blisters and discomfort!

Don’t Be A Hero. Go Inside If You Need To.

While the items I mentioned above will help you get through warm summer days, pregnancy is not the time to try to be a hero in the heat. If you’re getting overheated or don’t feel well, don’t try to suck it up. Go inside, enjoy the air conditioning, and cool down with a glass of cold water. There’s no use risking your health and safety for a few extra hours in the sun. To avoid a total summer meltdown, I try to take 15-minute breaks indoors each hour to cool down and regain my composure. These mini breaks make a long summer day so much more enjoyable!
   

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Overall, the key to surviving the summer when you’re pregnant is to plan ahead. It may seem like a simple thing to throw a healthy snack and a pair of flip flops in your purse (and it is), but in actuality – you’re taking ownership of your current health situation and making a better situation for yourself and your baby. By taking a few minutes to think about the challenges the day may pose, you can set yourself up for success and prevent or at least reduce quite a bit of discomfort in the heat. Your body is working miracles while you’re pregnant, so it’s definitely worth the extra five minutes of effort to prepare for the day! If you are currently pregnant or have been pregnant, I’d love to know your favorite ways to survive the summer heat. Leave your best tips, tricks, and hacks in the comment section below.

If you’d like to take a peek into my daily routine, check out this fun video I made with Special K. I’m sharing a glimpse into my work day along how I strategically take breaks throughout the day to maintain my energy and productivity levels!