How to Stay Cool During Pregnancy (When Summer’s Not Done With You Yet) 🌬️

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Pregnant in August? You’ve basically earned superhero status. Between the bump, the heat, and whatever's swelling next — staying cool while pregnant in late summer is a full-time job. But don’t sweat it (literally). We’ve rounded up our favorite mom-tested, bump-approved ways to beat the heat while keeping things safe and stylish.

Hydration is Queen

You're drinking for two now — and in summer, you’re sweating for two, too. Keep a giant, insulated water bottle with you at all times. Add electrolytes, citrus, or cucumber for a little extra boost (and nausea relief).

Villie Tip: Got a cute water bottle? Good. Fill that sucker with coconut water. It’s packed with natural electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, which help you stay hydrated and feel more refreshed — especially when plain water just isn’t cutting it.

Find a Perfect Cooling Pregnancy Fit 👗

Forget stiff denim or leggings that cling like a second skin. This is your time to live in flowy cotton dresses, maternity jogger shorts, and breathable bralettes. Basically: if it feels like pajamas but looks like “I have my life together,” you’re winning.

Bonus points for anything that pulls double duty as postpartum loungewear — your future self will thank you.

Bump Favorites:

  • Cooling bamboo maternity underwear
  • Flowy cotton or jersey-knit maxi dresses
  • A lightweight robe you can literally toss in the freezer

Get a Personal Fan (or Four)

Handheld fans, neck fans, purse fans, clip-on fans… basically become the Beyoncé of breezes. Stash one by your bed, in your tote, and in the car — because you never know when the pregnancy heat will hit. Some even come with a built-in spritz feature for instant misting magic.

Villie Tip: Want to level up your fan game? Place a bowl of ice or a few frozen water bottles in front of a small fan — boom, you’ve got a DIY pregnancy-safe air conditioner.

Go for a Swim (and Other Water Tricks to Cool You Down)

When you're pregnant in peak summer, water isn't just relaxing — it's a lifesaver. Swimming gives your body a break from carrying the extra weight, relieves pelvic pressure, and can even help reduce swelling. Bonus: you’ll feel blissfully weightless for a few glorious minutes.

Villie Tip: Don’t have access to a pool? Kiddie pools totally count. Park one in the backyard, grab a mocktail, and call it hydrotherapy.

Other water-based cool-down ideas:

  • A lukewarm shower to lower your body temp (end with 30 seconds of cool water)
  • A foot soak with peppermint oil (great for swelling + relaxation)
  • Cold washcloths on pulse points (back of neck, wrists, behind the knees)

Freeze… Everything

Yes. You can put everythign in the freezer.

  • Wet washcloths or padsicles in the freezer
  • Aloe vera gel cubes for swollen feet
  • Frozen grapes or watermelon as snacks

Limit Outdoor Time (Especially 11–4pm)

If you have errands, schedule them early or late. And don’t be shy about claiming the front spot with your bump — you’ve got VIP status now.

Make a Cupa Tea to Cool Down

It sounds backwards, but sipping a warm drink (like herbal tea) can actually help your body cool itself more efficiently. Here’s how:

  • Warm liquids temporarily raise your internal temp, which signals your body to sweat more.
  • As sweat evaporates, it helps cool your skin down — a natural A/C system.

That said: it only works well in dry climates where sweat can evaporate easily. If you’re in a humid heatwave? Stick to cold drinks, shaded naps, and maybe a frozen grape or two.

Set Your Boundaries (and Stick to Them)

You’re growing a whole human — you absolutely don’t have to say yes to every BBQ, beach day, or park hang. Especially when it’s 90° and your ankles are doing their own thing.

Villie Reminder: It’s okay to say “Thanks, but I’ll catch you when there’s shade and snacks.” You don’t need a reason beyond “I’m pregnant and hot.”

Boundaries protect your peace and your energy — and saying no now is good practice for postpartum life, too.

Why You’re Always Hot When Pregnant (It’s Not Just You)

There’s actual science behind that constant summer sweat:

  • Higher blood volume: During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by up to 50%. That extra circulation means you feel warmer all the time.
  • Hormones: Progesterone affects your internal thermostat and can raise your body temp slightly.
  • Your baby is basically a tiny heater. Your growing uterus produces heat, and you're carrying it around 24/7.

🔥 The result? You’re like a cozy furnace wrapped in a heatwave — even when no one else is sweating.

While You Chill, Build Your Village

You’re on the couch, the fan’s blasting, your iced tea is sweating — now’s the perfect time to let Villie do some of the heavy lifting (while you do literally none).

Here’s what you can do from your phone, under a blanket, in 5 minutes or less:

Growing a baby is work. Growing your village? We make that part easy.

📚 References

  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Staying Healthy and Hydrated During Pregnancy
  2. Kenefick, R. W., & Cheuvront, S. N. (2012). Physiological responses to heat stress and dehydration during pregnancy. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 11(3), 109–113.

Stay Cool, Baby!

Summer pregnancy isn’t for the faint of heart — but with a little planning and a lot of hydration, you’ll stay cool enough to make it through. And remember: it’s totally okay to live in the A/C and say no to every BBQ that doesn’t involve a fan, a seat, and snacks.

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