Keeping cool while pregnant

Feeling hot while heavily pregnant? Follow these easy tips to stay cool in hot weather and avoid overheating.

It is important to keep cool by avoiding places that are too hot. However, in a country like Singapore high temperatures are inescapable.

Try following these tips during the intense heat of the early afternoon:

Stay indoors during the hottest time of the day; between 10am-3pm
Keep cool with air conditioning or electric fans
Keep a spray bottle of water in the fridge to refresh your skin
Try to only go out during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning and late evening.

Minimise your activity

Only carry out necessary chores and duties. The exertion may be too strenuous on your body, which has to carry your baby too.

Carry out household chores during the cooler early mornings or late evenings.
Move around slowly and avoid rushing about.
Avoid movements that can lead to light-headedness, such as repetitive bending down or rushing up and down stairs.
Keep feet raised when sitting down to avoid swollen ankles.
Sit in the coolest room in the house and try to sit where there is a breeze.

Eat and drink smart to fight heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion can lead to fainting and heatstroke which can result in a fall. Although extreme heat can make you lose your appetite, it is important to eat enough food during the day to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Drink plenty of water to fight dehydration.
Eat foods that contain plenty of fluid, such as strawberries, celery, watermelon and cucumber.
Avoid hot drinks and eat salads and cold dishes rather than a hot meal.

Other ways to keep cool