Being pregnant any time of the year can be uncomfortable, but pregnancy during the summer months has a reputation for being even more difficult. The hot, sticky days combined with all the activities you still want to take part in can take a toll on you both mentally and physically. Erika Boom, certified pre and postnatal fitness trainer of Belly-n-Kicks in Miami, is used to year-round heat and has given us a few tips on how to make the most out of your summer while keeping you and your baby-to-be as healthy as possible.

“Although I tell my clients to drink plenty of water all year round, I especially stress the importance of hydration during the summertime. Moms- your pee should be clear!” Erika says. Studies have shown that women should consume about 2.7 liters of water daily. Aside from increasing your energy levels, drinking water has a slew of additional health benefits. Staying hydrated can help with morning sickness, constipation and swelling, and gets even more important towards the end of your pregnancy as dehydration in your third trimester can cause premature contractions.

Hydration goes hand-in-hand with overheating, which is another aspect of summertime pregnancy to be aware of. According to Erika, many of her new clients worry about overworking themselves when they first start their fitness regimen, some only wanting to lift up to 5 lbs. “It is hard to maintain your fitness when you are not pushing yourself, even when pregnant,” says Erika. “Don’t be afraid to build up your strength- this is a good thing! I do tell some of my clients to take a cool shower before working out to keep their body temperature down and to keep workouts scheduled for early morning or late afternoon, when the heat isn’t as heavy.”

While there are some summertime activities that should be put on hold until post-pregnancy, there is one major plus about summertime pregnancy… Swimming! Swimming is a great way to get a full body workout in while staying cool, and can even alleviate the everyday aches and pains that come along with carrying a baby. “Lower back pain and pelvic pressure are common discomforts, and exercising in the water can help take the stress off of these areas,” explains Erika.

Do your pregnancy cravings have you reaching for the ice cream? Try Erika’s quick and easy summertime fix:
Frozen Fruit Treats

-Pour some plain nonfat greek yogurt into a bowl

-Add a handful of seasonal fruit (berries, kiwi, banana)

-Drizzle some honey, fold everything into each other

-Distribute evenly into frozen popsicle mold and freeze until hard

-Enjoy!

A resident of Florida, Erika Boom has been a staple in the fitness industry for over a decade. Born in Colombia and fluent in both English and Spanish, Erika is a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and a Certified Prenatal and Postnatal Instructor. As a mother and fitness enthusiast, Erika has a unique connection with her clients that stems from her own personal journey toward wellness.