Pregnancy is a time when the body works harder. When temperatures rise, mums-to-be may feel the effects of the heat more quickly: heavy legs, fatigue, discomfort, swollen feet or even sleep disturbances. During a heatwave, however, a few simple habits can help preserve your well-being and make summer easier to manage.
Discover our practical tips for taking care of yourself when temperatures soar.
Why is heat harder to tolerate during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, blood volume increases, metabolism speeds up and body temperature is naturally higher. The body therefore has to work harder to cool itself down.
During a heatwave, this can lead to:
- Increased fatigue
- A feeling of heavy legs
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Increased sweating
- Difficulty sleeping
- More frequent shortness of breath
It is therefore essential to adopt a few suitable habits.
1. Stay hydrated regularly throughout the day
This is undoubtedly the most important advice.
Even if you do not feel thirsty, it is recommended to drink water regularly throughout the day. Good hydration helps the body regulate its temperature and can reduce some of the discomfort associated with heat.
A few tips:
- Keep a water bottle within easy reach
- Choose cool water rather than ice-cold water
- Eat water-rich fruits such as watermelon, melon or strawberries
- Avoid overly sugary drinks
During very hot weather, hydration needs naturally increase.
2. Choose lightweight and breathable clothing
The choice of fabrics plays an essential role when temperatures rise.
Natural fabrics such as cotton allow the skin to breathe more easily and provide greater everyday comfort. Discover our selection of maternity clothes designed for summer.
The Myriam maternity trousers in cotton gauze
If you want to keep your legs covered while staying comfortable, the Myriam maternity trousers are an excellent option.
Made from lightweight cotton gauze, they allow air to circulate naturally while adapting to your growing bump thanks to their pregnancy-friendly cut.
Cotton gauze is particularly appreciated during summer for its lightness, softness and ability to provide a pleasant feeling of freshness.
3. Avoid being outside during the hottest hours
Between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., the sun is generally at its strongest.
Whenever possible:
- Go for walks early in the morning or in the evening
- Look for shaded areas
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat
- Remember your sunglasses
If you do need to go out, try to limit physical exertion during these hours.
4. Make the most of the benefits of water
Swimming is often one of the best ways to relieve heat during pregnancy.
Water provides an immediate cooling sensation and can help reduce the feeling of heavy legs.
The maternity swimsuits Bloom and Dinard
To make the most of your time at the beach or pool, the Bloom and Dinard maternity swimsuits have been designed to accompany mums-to-be throughout pregnancy.
Their real advantage during summer?
They feature UPF50+ UV protection, which helps protect covered areas of the body from the sun’s rays.
This protection is particularly useful during pregnancy, when the skin can become more sensitive to external aggressors.
5. Cool your body down several times a day
A few simple actions can quickly reduce the feeling of heat:
- Place a damp cloth on the back of your neck
- Cool your wrists and ankles
- Use a facial or body mist spray
- Take lukewarm showers
- Sleep with a fan while maintaining good air circulation
The extremities of the body play an important role in temperature regulation. Cooling them can often help you feel comfortable again more quickly.
6. Adapt your diet
When the weather is very hot, large meals can be more difficult to digest.
Choose:
- Raw vegetables
- Seasonal vegetables
- Mixed salads
- Fresh fruit
- Light sources of protein
Lighter meals can help reduce feelings of heaviness and support digestive comfort.
7. Watch for certain warning signs
Heat can sometimes become difficult to tolerate.
It is important to seek medical advice promptly if you experience:
- Persistent headaches
- Severe dizziness
- Unusual contractions
- Sudden severe fatigue
- Feeling faint or unwell
- Reduced baby movements
These symptoms should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Discover our summer selections:
