Taking care of yourself during pregnancy can be difficult, even in the best conditions. During the summer in the United Arab Emirates, temperatures rise and can cause inconvenience to pregnant women. The best gynecologists in Abu Dhabi want to ensure you have the tips needed to have a smooth pregnancy, regardless of the weather.

Pregnancy is an interesting and exciting journey, which can sometimes become uncomfortable for the expectant mother. Heatstroke can be prevented with proper care and attention. As our gynecologist will explain the negative effects of summer heat and how it takes twice the normal time for a pregnant woman to cool down. However, to absorb a balanced amount of vitamin D, the body also needs minimal exposure to sunlight.

Tips for maintaining health and hydration this summer:

• Maintaining Hydration: Drink 8 oz of water (water or electrolyte replacement) every hour you spend outdoors on a hot summer day.

• Moisturize: Like your body, your skin needs to stay moisturized. Soothe your skin with cold-pressed coconut oil and always apply sunscreen before going out in the sun.

• Relaxation: Give your body a break from the anxiety of pregnancy, and take plenty of rest in a cool and comfortable room.

• Frequent showers: Take a shower several times a day to lower your body temperature.

• Light clothing: We recommend you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with breathable fabrics. Also, wear comfortable footwear to offset the swelling.

• Diet: Remember to include plenty of vegetables, greens, sprouted salads, and fruits (especially watermelon) in your diet. Curd (live yogurt) and buttermilk are especially effective in cooling. Avoid excessive oils, ghee, and masala when preparing meals.

• Reduce salty foods: Eating too much salt causes the body to become hydrated and most pregnant women's legs to swell. Reducing salt intake helps prevent water retention.

• Exercise: Physical activity is important for pregnant women and their unborn children. However, it can be difficult to move around in the heat of summer. For your safety, do not engage in intense outdoor activities when the sun's rays are strongest, from morning to late afternoon. Instead, exercise early in the morning or just before the sunsets. If the outside weather is not suitable for outdoor exercise, consider exercising indoors with air conditioning.

• Wellness and Swimming: Sign up for a pregnancy program at the gym or find an indoor class that suits your needs. You also have to make a choice when it comes to workout routines. Swimming is a good choice as it is a low-resistance, high-impact workout, not to mention the heat of the summer.

• Elevated Feet: Don't forget to put your feet on a pillow or cushion and lift your feet. This reduces water retention in the feet and legs.

• Cold- compress: Using a cold- compress on your palms and soles, helps in cooling down the body temperature.

• Sleep: The afternoon is the hottest time of the day, so take a nap for at least 30 minutes.

Follow these simple guidelines and have a cool, stress-free summer. By reducing the stress and effects of the summer heat on your body, you can keep all pregnant mothers, new mothers, and their babies healthy and fit.

Stay cool and enjoy your summer pregnancy

Don't forget to visit the best Indian gynecologists in Abu Dhabi and mention the unusual symptoms you may have noticed. If you experience excessive fatigue, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, or sweating, visit our department of gynecology in our Medical Center in Abu Dhabi. These can be symptoms of heatstroke.

Contact our Dr. Beena Abdul Kader, Specialist Obstetrics Gynecologist at Adam and Eve Specialized Medical Center in Abu Dhabi is dedicated to supporting you through your entire pregnancy. Schedule an appointment today!