Isn’t the weather just fabulous? Well, yes, unless you’re heavily pregnant.
In the infamous summer heatwave of 2009 (possibly only infamous in my memory), I was two FULL weeks overdue on my first baby. I do not look back on that sweaty time fondly. Sufficed to say, I went out of my way to ensure that my next two babies arrived in winter.
So, while everyone else bangs on about how wonderful the weather is right now, let’s spare a thought for what heavily pregnant women go through when it’s roasting out…
1. You are trapped in your own personal sauna
Pregnant women have an increased amount of blood hot-stepping it around their body, meaning that they feel extra warm already. Add that to a warm climate and boom: you’re hotter than a housewife watching Magic Mike.
2. Hobbit feet and cankles
Extra fluid in expectant mama’s bodies and the pressure from the ever-growing uterus means one thing. Well, two things actually: hobbit feet and cankles. The swelling gets even worse during hot weather, making it look like your gladiator sandals are deeply embedded in your flesh. Ouch.
3. Sweaty Betty
Blood volume increases by 40-50 percent during pregnancy, so your body sweats in order to cool off. Pitts, boobs, face, neck, thighs, crotch… Nowhere is safe. I’m pretty sure I had sweaty eyelids at one point.
4. No booze
While everyone else is speed walking to the nearest beer garden for a summer cocktail or an icy-cold pint of cider, you’re waddling to the kitchen, just to stick your bump into the fridge.
5. Maternity where?
Never mind the shoe and sandal issues, above the knee maternity fashion choices are basically limited to wrapping yourself in a linen tablecloth or staying indoors so that you can just walk around in your jammies. They’re called sweatpants for a reason.
6. Nap time, all the time
The rest of the world is out barbecuing in the garden, but you’re struggling up the stairs for your fourth nap of the day surrounded by pillows and portable fans.
