1. Stay Hydrated! 

I know it sounds obvious but you’ll need to increase your water intake, a good way to judge your hydration level is by the colour of your pee, it should be clear and very pale yellow/straw colour, any darker or an offensive smell to it and you need to up your fluids and watch for any signs or symptoms of a urine infection. On the subject of water, plain water, moderate amount of fruit juice or squash are absolutely fine, avoid copious amounts of tea or coffee or fizzy drinks as they can actually make you more thirsty!

2. Keep Your Clothing Cool 

Its so lovely to show off your beautiful bump in figure hugging outfits, but during this kind of heat we’ve been experiencing wear cool, loosely fitting clothes that allow air to circulate close to your skin cooling you down. Try to wear light colours that reflect the heat, and fabrics like linens and cottons will draw moisture away from your skin compared to synthetic fibres. When you’re out and about wear a sun hat, sunglasses and factor 50 sun cream, and remember to keep reapplying it through the day. You may also find a spray water bottle or spray mist helpful through the day!

3. Adjust Your Exercise Plans 

It’s really good to continue exercising throughout your pregnancy, but during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy if your body temperature rises too high (>39.2C) too quickly there are potential impacts on baby. Therefore especially during a heatwave, you may want to consider your exercise routine to avoid over exerting yourself. This applies to all stages of pregnancy, you may want to reconsider the time of your workout and move it to the morning or late evening to avoid exercising in a hot and humid climate. Also remember to have plenty of water during and after your workout. 
 

4. Beat The Heat 

Avoid being in the sun for too long as this increases your risk of dehydration, if you do go out, make sure your prepared with your sun hat, sun glasses and sun cream, and try to sit in the shade during the warmest part of the day (between 11am-3pm) If you do feel unwell, perhaps too hot, or dizzy, please do sit or lie down, drink plenty of cold water, and if it continues, seek medical advice. 
 

5. Chill Out 

Put your feet up, try to relax, drink all the cold drinks, all the ice poles and ice cream to stay cool and enjoy the warm weather whilst staying safe. Pregnancy can be exhausting when it’s not hot outside, so try to rest often and listen to your body. Ankles, fingers and feet can all swell during pregnancy, and more so during hot weather, try to spend an hour a day with your feet elevated above the height of your heart to aid with any swelling. If you are in your third trimester and experience swelling of your hands or face that does not reduce, or you have swelling in one foot/leg and not the other, please seek advice from your health care professionals. 
 

I hope there are some tips here that help, please do not take this as medical advice and if you have any concerns, or pre existing medical conditions, do spreak to your health care provider! 
 

Stay safe x