How to handle the heat?

Hi moms and moms to be! I’m nearly to the 3rd trimester with a due date at the end of August. Of course, the summer I’ll be pregnant we’ve already had record high temps for the month of May. Most days are getting into the high 90s with a heat index breaking the 100s. So, I can only imagine June, July, and August will be brutal.

I know keeping body temp regulated is a big deal and so far I’ve been okay. It’s not so hot in the morning so getting to work via my public transit commute has been no problem. My partner often drops me off and occasionally I drive in and have a 10 minute walk from the parking lot.

I’ve already adjusted my commute to minimize time spent outside of an air conditioned building, train, or bus. I time things really well so I rarely need to wait outside and if I do it’s typically in a shared area. At most, I have a 10 minute walk (walking slow at this point) to get from my last bus to my home.

I grew up in south east Texas so I’m no stranger to the heat! I always try to dress appropriately, typically in a flowing dress with comfortable shoes.

Today was down right terrible and it wasn’t even the hottest it’s been or will be. Everything was okay until I started walking the 2 blocks from the bus to the apartment. I made it to my door and felt sick immediately. I managed to get up the steps, sweaty, and stripped off all my clothes because I couldn’t stand having the fabric touch me. I was shaking and felt very light headed.

I jumped into a cool but not freezing shower to lower my body temp and it helped a good amount, but I still felt bad.

I have 2 dogs so I had to let them out briefly and was able to sit in the shade and drink some very cold water. I’ve been napping on and off on the couch for the last 4 hours and am just starting to feel better. I ate some food between naps and have been drinking lots of water.

I know women have been pregnant in the heat for centuries, it can’t be this bad all the time. So please, tell me your secrets and tricks for surviving the 3rd trimester in the summer!