Being heavily pregnant is no mean feat at any time of the year, but it’s even harder when the temperature soars. 

That is why although you might be busy rushing around buying things for the baby’s arrival and trying to set up the nursery, it’s important to take it easy so you don’t exert yourself too much in the heat. 

Thanks to having a faster heart rate when pregnant and a higher basal body temperature, pregnant women are prone to overheating, dehydration, lower blood pressure and dizziness. 

You could also suffer from cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke!

The best thing to do, therefore, is protect yourself against the heat. Wear light clothing, avoid the midday sun, take a break from exercising, go indoors regularly, and use sunscreen. 

Instead of hitting the shops or doing DIY, you can get prepared by packing your hospital bag or booking a baby photographer in Bristol for a newborn shoot. 

NCT recommends taking it easy until you get used to the heat. Having a cold bath, spraying yourself with water regularly, or running fresh water over wrists will cool you down too. 

To ease swollen ankles, an affliction that is made worse when it is boiling hot, it is important to rest your feet, avoid standing too much, and improve circulation through regular walks. Staying hydrated will also help the body to purge excess water.