Pregnant in summer and the first days with your newborn: A guide for the hot season

The summer months bring very specific challenges for expectant and new mothers. High temperatures, intense sun exposure, and oppressive heat strain the circulatory systems of pregnant women and newborns alike. As a midwife, I provide intensive support to families through this phase. This guide shows you what to pay special attention to before and after birth in summer to enjoy the warm season safely, comfortably, and happily.

<h2>1. Before Birth: Tips for Pregnant Women on Hot Days</h2>
During pregnancy, the female metabolism is already working at full speed, which slightly increases the core body temperature. Summer heat is therefore often perceived as twice as strenuous.

Stabilize circulation and regulate fluid balance
The most important basic rule in summer is: drink enough. Fluid requirements are increased in summer; on hot days, it should be at least 2.5 to 3 liters daily.
<ul>
<li>The right choice: Prefer tap water, still mineral water, unsweetened herbal teas (e.g., cooled peppermint or lemon balm tea), or heavily diluted fruit juices. Avoid ice-cold drinks, as the body has to expend additional energy to warm them up, which only further stimulates sweat production. </li>
<li>Nutrition: Opt for light, water-rich foods such as watermelons, cucumbers, tomatoes, and salads. This relieves the gastrointestinal tract and provides important electrolytes. </li>
</ul>

Help for heavy legs and water retention (edema)
Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, blood vessels dilate. Heat intensifies this effect, causing fluid to accumulate in the tissues – usually in the feet and ankles.
<ul>
<li>Movement in the shade: Avoid standing or sitting for long periods. Elevate your legs as often as possible to support venous return to the heart. </li>
<li>Compression and cooling: Wearing compression stockings, while uncomfortable in summer, is the most effective measure against edema. Cold foot baths, alternating showers, or gently stroking the legs upwards from the feet provide immediate relief. </li>
<li>Vein exercises: In the cooler morning or evening hours, vein exercises can be helpful to further stimulate venous return. For example, it is advisable to alternate standing on your tiptoes and on your heels for two minutes each. </li>
</ul>

Proper sun protection
The hormonal situation during pregnancy leads to increased melanin production. This makes the skin more susceptible to pigment spots (so-called chloasma), which appear butterfly-shaped in the area of the nose, forehead, and cheeks. These are significantly intensified by UV radiation.
<ul>
<li>Consistently use sun protection with a high sun protection factor (SPF 50) and completely avoid direct midday sun between 11 AM and 3 PM.</li>
</ul>

<h2>2. After Birth: Protecting the Newborn in Summer</h2>
Newborns and young infants cannot yet regulate their body temperature themselves. They hardly sweat and are therefore extremely susceptible to overheating (heat accumulation) and sunburn.

The stroller dilemma: Beware of heat buildup
A widespread and life-threatening mistake is covering the stroller with a thin cloth, muslin diaper, or towel to protect the baby from the sun.

Important warning: No air circulates under the cloth. A dangerous greenhouse effect occurs within a very short time, where temperatures inside the stroller can rise to over 40 °C. Instead, use only special sun sails or parasols that allow free air circulation.

The right clothing for summer babies
The rule of thumb is: dress your child in summer as you would dress yourself – ideally in one thin layer more.
<ul>
<li>Materials: Choose breathable natural fibers such as bodysuits and rompers made of pure cotton or a wool-silk blend. These materials wick away moisture well and prevent heat rash (miliaria). </li>
<li>Head protection: A light sun hat with neck protection and a wide brim is mandatory outdoors, even in the shade.</li>
<li>Neck test: Whether your baby is too warm or too cold is not felt on the hands or feet, but on the neck. This should feel warm and dry. If it is damp or hot, the child is dressed too warmly. </li>
</ul>

Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and fluid intake for babies
Bottle-feeding -> we have learned that in the field of care, the word "füttern" (feeding) is often viewed very critically and should be avoided because it equates humans with animals and can therefore be understood as derogatory. I have gotten used to saying, for example, "Flasche geben" (give a bottle)/"Verabreichen" (administer).

Infants do not need additional water or unsweetened tea in summer, as long as they are exclusively breastfed or fed with pre-formula.
<ul>
<li>Breast milk adapts: In hot weather, the composition of breast milk automatically changes – it becomes more watery at the beginning of a feeding to quench the baby's thirst. Breastfed babies often demand shorter, but more frequent, feedings in summer. </li>
<li>Caution against water intoxication: Giving additional water to newborns can overwhelm their sensitive kidneys and lead to a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance. If you are bottle-feeding, prepare it exactly according to instructions and offer it a little more frequently if needed. </li>
</ul>

<h2>Conclusion and Takeaway</h2>
Summer with a baby bump or newborn requires mindfulness, flexibility, and calm. For pregnant women, adequate fluid intake and elevating the legs are paramount. For newborns, it is crucial to strictly avoid direct sun, ensure air circulation in the stroller, and fully embrace the child's natural rhythm when bottle-feeding or breastfeeding. Move activities to the cooler morning or evening hours and allow yourself and your child ample rest periods.