The heat plan is in force, so take (extra) good care of yourself! Here are some tips for the coming days!
– 🥤Drink at least two litres of water or herbal tea spread throughout the day (more if you perspire a lot ), even if you are not thirsty. Keep moderation with caffeinated drinks and drinks with sugar, these actually draw moisture from your body. Drinking too little can give you a headache and actually increase fluid retention.
– If you feel hot, wet your face, neck, wrists and legs and repeat this regularly. A wet flannel or footbath also work cooling.
– 🏊♀Zwemmen works very well against fluid retention and is also cooling! Furthermore, swimming or ‘floating’, even if pregnancy makes it more difficult for you to move around because your belly is in the way or you have pelvic problems, is very pleasant because of the ‘weightlessness’ the water provides.
– ⛱ If possible, go out only in the morning. If it is very hot, try to stay indoors as much as possible between 11am and 5pm. Seek shade!
– 🍓🍉 Keep eating well, protein-rich and with enough vitamins, and ensure adequate salt intake. Fruits and vegetables are good because they contain a high percentage of water and are a natural source of vitamins and mineral salts. Be sure to refrigerate food properly and ensure good hygiene in the kitchen; high temperatures make food spoil earlier, which can cause you to get diarrhoea faster and lose a lot of fluids.
– ✔Keep the heat out as much as possible. By avoiding direct sunlight, using sunshades and keeping doors and windows closed during the day and airing to the maximum during the evening and night.
– 😴Avoid excessive exertion and take plenty of rest.
– 💨 Use a fan or go to cool or air-conditioned rooms. Beware of excessive temperature differences and draughts.
– 🤱Are you breastfeeding? On a hot day, keep breastfeeding your baby on demand. Adding extra water is not necessary. Your baby will drink more, which is logical and good, but the heat and increased production also demand more energy from you. So make sure you eat and drink enough yourself.
