Staying Active in the Houston Heat
- abby3377
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
How can you get the movement you and baby need, all while staying safe this summer?
Hellooooo summer. As a kid summer was a time for relaxation. Instead of school obligations, it was a time to eat watermelon, swim and run around. As an adult, these days feel a bit... different. Now we have to think about work, and kids, and managing a vacation, all in the Houston heat. Add the extra volume that comes with pregnancy, and it's hard not to do all we can to slow down, stay put, and savor our air conditioning. But just because the "feels like" temperature is 100 degrees doesn't mean that we shouldn't move our bodies. Just as we need movement in our everyday lives, so do our babies. How can we make this happen in such a hot environment?
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
First and foremost, the number one rule of protecting ourselves during hot weather is to stay hydrated. Lack of hydration can (all too easily) lead to heat exhaustion and even stroke. Unfortunately, the news gets worse for those of us carrying babies: During pregnancy our blood volume expands up to 1.6x its normal volume, a change that requires -- you guessed it -- more hydration.
To make sure you stay hydrated, carry a water bottle with you everywhere, and ask your provider whether adding electrolytes is a good idea for you.
Move Indoors
Ahhh... the draw of an air conditioned room. Take advantage of the indoors as best you can. This can mean:
Taking extended trips to walk around a large store, like Walmart
Enjoying pre- and post-natal yoga classes at places like Lost Lotus Yoga
Taking the advice of Spinning Babies to practice daily essentials at home
Working out in your living room, using online programs like MommaStrong
Hitting the gym! There's nothing like the crisp coolness of Lifetime Fitness (which also provides childcare through your workout!) or the YMCA
Go for a Swim
If you have access to a pool, swimming can be the best way to move every muscle in your body and simultaneously relieve the burden of carrying your bump. Check out your local YMCA, and don't be afraid to ask if they have specials for those who are expecting!
Have a kiddo with you? Check out this resource for free community pools and splash pads open around Houston.
Shift Your Routine
As hard as it may be to imagine heading outside, the sun is a critical source of nourishment for our bodies, providing Vitamin D and helping our sleep cycles -- which can become so haphazard during pregnancy -- regulate. Shifting your time outside to mornings can help with all of this, all while helping you get some good steps. Don't forget to carry your water!
Regardless of how you choose to move, getting there is half the battle. Put your and your baby's health first as you choose, day by day, to make it happen, no matter what obstacle Houston's heat index offers.
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