If there’s anything that can take all your wonderful pregnancy symptoms and magnify them- it’s HEAT.
Summers in Montreal are fabulous. If you’ve been around to see an entire year of weather pass through this city you’ll know that when the weather turns nice everything changes. People on the street start smiling at each other. Strangers hold doors open for you. A teenager might even give up their seat on the metro for you. I’m telling you- summer changes everything.
So what if all you’ve got is tonic and a berry?!
Unfortunately, it also makes almost every single pregnant woman whine, curse, moan and wish for the cold weather to return. Gone are the days of being snuggled up in your cozy sweater and boots. Leggings just don’t look good when they are plastered to your legs with sweat. And worst of all, your pregnancy woes seem to be amplified. Here’s how to survive:
1) Drink a ton of water. I’m not kidding. You should probably just find the fanciest 2 litre water bottle out there and get a holster and attach it to your hip. You’re going to need it. Being dehydrated is going to make you more tired, it’ll cause you to retain fluid, your skin will look parched and sad and it can even cause you to have early contractions. On hot days water is SO important. Drink up!
2) When you get tired of drinking water and watching all your friends with their fancy cocktails, then it’s time for the mocktails. Mix up some smoothies packed with fruit and, if you like, protein or super greens and cheers with your ladies on your terrace. Even sticking a couple of pieces of fruit into a sparkling water can make you feel just a little bit better about being left out of cocktail hour.
3)Get some cute and colorful maxi dresses. Wear them every single day. Feel awesome. Repeat.
4)Get ready for your feet to swell up and have a solution handy. I used to come home and fill a giant metal bowl with ice and water and stick my feet into it. Then I’d get my husband to massage my feet from toes towards my heart to get the blood flowing and swelling to go down. Putting your feet up higher than the rest of your body will help with that. Wearing comfortable shoes and making sure not to decide to take a city wide walk in your flip flops will also help avoid the swelling. Don’t ask how I know this, I just do.
5) When it’s really hot there is no other choice than to rock out with your glorious pregnant body to the most obnoxious summer jams. This year my favorite is Cheerleader by OMI. I’m pretty sure if my husband hears it one more time my itunes account will mysteriously be shut down.
There you have it. My tips for surviving the hot summer ahead. Good luck and stay cool!
