When the weather’s getting warmer, you may find that being pregnant makes you feel hot and bothered. Here’s how to keep your cool from top to toe. You feel hotter when you’re pregnant because there’s more blood circulating around your body. So when the heat is on this summer, make sure you are doing the following for keeping cool:

Drink up

Even though you may feel that every time you have a sip of water you have to rush to the loo, it’s really important to drink lots when it’s hot to prevent yourself from becoming dehydrated, which can be dangerous.

• Try to drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day… and don’t stray too far from the nearest convenience.
• If you want a change from water, sip iced mint or camomile tea. And enjoy juicy, refreshing fruit such as melon, grapes and nectarines, straight from the fridge.
• Always carry a bottle of water with you if you’re out and about, especially on crowded public transport where you can get overheated quickly.
• Ice lollies are instant coolers (but steer clear of soft whipped ice cream from ice cream vans as it may contain salmonella).

Keep cool

Air conditioning comes into its own when you’re pregnant. Even working can seem like a pleasure if you’re in an air-conditioned building. But if not, ask for a fan – it’s your employer’s duty to ensure that you are safe and comfortable when you’re pregnant at work. And every time you go to the loo, splash your face with cold water from the tap and let it run over your wrists for a while – you’ll feel cooler instantly. Or try a facial mineral water spray.

Float on

Whenever you get the chance, take a dip in the local pool. Not only is swimming excellent exercise when you’re pregnant, it’s a lovely way to get cool when it’s hot out. ‘I’m no great swimmer,’ says mum Alicia Morgan, ‘but I was addicted to the pool when I was pregnant. I felt almost weightless and so refreshed – I could have lived in there!’ When you can’t get to the pool, simply slip into a tepid bath with a few drops of fragrant bath oil – go to www.mumstheword.com for bathtime treats for mums-to-be.

Stay shady

The feeling of the sun on your skin can make you feel revitalised. But if you’re tempted to kick back in your sun lounger, make sure it’s in the shade. Raising your body temperature when you’re pregnant can be risky to your unborn child, and because overheating makes you sweat more, your blood pressure can drop causing you to feel dizzy and lightheaded. Even though you sweat more when it’s hot, excess heat can also make you retain more fluid so your ankles and hands may swell. Don’t use sunbeds – if you want a bit of colour, try a self tanning lotion, but always do a skin patch test first. Go to www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk for more advice.

Protect yourself

Wear sun protection cream, especially on your face, even on cloudy days in the summer. Pregnant skin may react to the sun differently than usual, so you may find yourself more likely to burn, or develop pigment patches called chloasma.

Soothe your soles

Being on your feet in hot weather can make them puff up uncomfortably. So follow that wise old advice to put them up whenever you can. And wear flat shoes, preferably clogs or sandals, which look stylish and are heaven for swollen feet and ankles. ‘My feet were so swollen I actually couldn’t get anything but Birkenstock-style sandals on when I was pregnant,’ says mum Helen Lordan. ‘They looked pretty smart for work with loose trousers and long skirts – but I would have worn them even if they hadn’t.’ And for instantly soothed soles, spritz on some foot spray.

Loosen up

The upside of hot weather is that you can wear all those pretty, floaty maternity tops and dresses. They look gorgeous, are both flattering and comfortable, and help keep you cool every time a breeze flutters by. Try these online shops for some lovely maternity wear ranges- Blooming Marvellous, Next, and Grattan. Feature courtesy of Jump magazine.