I have always been the type of person who would rather be hot than cold. I was the person who was constantly cold.

But things have changed since getting pregnant.

I am a literal incubator. And have a base level of heat that I have never had before.

I used to sleep in pants and a sweater almost year round, now I sleep in my underwear and bra or tank top.

I used to always bring a warm layer with me, even in the summer, and now I’m sharing that with someone else who’s cold and doesn’t have a sweater because I’m too warm to need it.

Today I wanted to talk about ways to stay cool and comfortable while pregnant in the summer.

Officially we’ve just entered into summer on the 21st but it’s been pretty steamy here in Iowa for springtime so I feel like I’ve had good practice heading into summer.

Early on I ordered myself a mini misting fan, and it’s like a glorious handheld AC machine. It has been great to have if I ever have to be outside for extended periods of time or if I get a hot flash inside.

I recently picked up a pair of maternity jean shorts. The two pre-pregnancy pairs don’t fit, I’m not comfortable in my spandex shorts so that left me with my overall shorts. I wear those, but it’s great to have a normal pair of shorts to throw on.

Going along with clothing, it’s important to avoid those pieces that are too thick, heavy or tight. Let your body breath! Often when I’m home and warm I’ll just take my shirt off and hang out in my bra or pull my shirt up so my belly is exposed to cool off.

Get a nifty cooling neck towel to go along with your fan when you’re outside. You just soak it in cool water, wring it out so it’s not dripping wet and drape it over your neck for instant cool shivers of relief.

This one goes without saying, but drink lots and lots of water. Make sure you always have some type of water bottle with you, that you’re regularly taking big gulps and filling it back up.

Throw on your best pair of comfortable, breathable sandals. My go-to favorites have been my classic Tevas. You can get them wet so if you can walk through a fountain or stream you don’t have to worry about ruining your shoes.

Make sure you take a break if you get too hot. Either sit in some shade or go inside. Your “limit” has changed now that you’re pregnant. I overheat much easier these days, but I’m able to recognize when I need to stop for a bit, drink some water and cool down.

You’ve got extra blood and weight so go ahead and throw your legs up when you’re taking a break.

And finally, go swimming. It’s glorious to take the weight off your back and often is instantly cooling. You just have to be wary of any sort of contracting any sort of infection so if the water looks sketchy, maybe just put your legs or feet in.

I was working an event a few weeks ago and they had one of those flat fountains that little kids love to play in. And it felt amazing to just walk through it in my sandals to instantly cool off.

As I get further along I’m getting more persistent aches and pains in my back and ribs so I’ve been trying to rub them out with a little ball on the wall, take the weight off my belly and to rub some icy hot on my back.

What are your tips and tricks to staying cool and comfortable during pregnancy in the warmer months?