Desperately looking for pregnancy must haves to help you beat the heat? Below I’ve rounded up the most crucial items (spoiler alert: most are NOT maternity clothes.) We’ve already made it half way through summer and I swear if I didn’t have some of these things I’d probably have drowned in a puddle of my own sweat or been institutionalized for losing my sh*t as this heatwave overtook my body like a goddamn demogorgon. Stranger Things fans, IYKYK.
SLIP SHORTS TO SAVE YOUR SWEET THIGHS
First and foremost, as far as pregnancy must haves go, I’m going to need y’all to invest in these semi-sheer, lightweight slip shorts. If you have ever experienced chub rub you know how brutal the rash between your thighs can be in the dead of summer. Add on extra pounds, thicc-er legs, pregnancy swelling, and the need for constant dress wearing and you’re looking at a recipe for disaster without some kind of barrier. I was always a loyal fan of the deodorant-between-your-legs trick, but when it’s this hot and you’re this pregnant you need something a little more ~reliable~ … trust me. Get these shorts. Perfect for sleeping & fit the bump or postpartum.
DRESSES, DRESSES, AND MORE DRESSES
Next on the pregnancy must have list… classic dresses and a few statement ones. These are some of my favorites. I’ve been living in this as my basic, and this floral nap dress, this gorgeous maxi, and this nautical midi dress as my ‘fun’ ones. Old Navy, H&M, Amazon, and ASOS are my go-tos for dresses. Dresses feel great on even the hottest days, make you feel put together when you can’t be bothered to even apply mascara, fit the bump throughout pregnancy, and will still be wearable post-birth. win-win-win!
A CHIC PORTABLE FAN THAT MISTS AND COOLS
This mist-er. Close your eyes and take yourself back to your days as an 11 year old at camp. Embrace the spray + fan. Let it blow your hair in the wind. Squirt the water into your mouth. Enjoy the simple pleasures of not wanting to die in 90 degree heat.
SAY IT WITH ME… SANDALS!
Another pregnancy must have is USUALLY sneakers. I love sneakers. If you asked me my favorite shoe it would be a sneaker. I literally wrote my college essay about my converse. But for SUMMER pregnancy I really recommend a trusty sandal that you can slip on and off. I love these and these. Make sure you have plenty of room for summer swelling, letting your feet breathe, and something that’s easy to toss off after a long day. BUT, with enough support that you don’t feel aches in your feet/legs/back/entire body by the end of the day.
TRUSTY HYDRATION STATION
I know everyone is obsessed with this stanley cup, but I’m personally a YETI loyalist. Don’t @ me. Either way, make sure you have an insulated LARGE water bottle that will keep your drinks – and your body – cool all day long. Staying hydrated is so so important during pregnancy, making this one a HUGE pregnancy must have. My last pregnancy I wasn’t in my third trimester until the fall so I really didn’t understand how hard being VERY pregnant during summer can be. This time, I’ve already gotten more braxton hicks contractions and the ~super fun~ charlie horse leg cramps due to severe dehydration. Please make sure you’re chugging that water, boo!
COOLING EYE/SLEEP MASK FOR THE WIN
This cooling eye/sleep mask is one of my pregnancy must haves for SO many reasons. First, it’s incredibly refreshing right out of the fridge when you’re in the middle of a dizzy/hot flash. It will happen, be prepared. Second, if you think you’re going to get great sleep pregnant… that’s cute. This mask helps de-puff my face from sleepless nights, crying over puppy commercials (we’ve all been there right?), and general swelling. It’s also GREAT for combating headaches since there isn’t much medicine that approved for preggos. 10/10 recommend.
A TINTED SPF TO ENHANCE THAT GORGEOUS PREGNANCY GLOW
If you follow me on instagram, you’ve probably seen me rant about this hydrating, tinted, spf moisturizing cream. It’s an absolute must have during the summer! It gives the best dewy glow while providing much needed sun protection to us skin-sensitive preggos. It’s also one of my top pregnancy must haves due to it’s clean ingredients. Perfect for pregnant folks to use. For reference, the color I wear is wheat 4.5
SWIM + COVERUPS THAT PASS THE PREGGO TEST
It IS summer after all, so what kind of summer pregnancy must have list would this be without my favorite pool/beach items. I’ve been living in this pink high waisted bikini, this gorgeous floral one, and this black one. They’re really flattering, grow with the belly even though they’re not technically maternity, and will fit postpartum. I pair them with this waterproof swim skirt – also not maternity, grows with bump though. And this chic white cover up that goes with everything. I also wear this white coverup as a shirt, tied around my waist with leggings, and as a dress. LOVE IT.
WORKOUT AND LOUNGEWEAR TO TAKE YOU THROUGH PREGNANCY
Last, but certainly not least, my summer pregnancy must have list NEEDS to include leggings. And no, they’re not maternity either (tbh I feel like most of the time maternity clothes are a bit of a racket.) Anyway, these amazon leggings fit me pre-pregnancy and throughout my entire 9 months. Get your regular size – they stretchhhh. I pair them with my favorite tank top with a built in bra. I wear an XL (my boobs are a 36E currently.) It’s apparently a lululemon dupe, but all I know is that I love it, own it in 3 colors, and wore it religiously postpartum with my last baby because it’s great for nursing/pumping too. Have you ever heard of ‘whip a tit out?’ well… let’s just say this tank has an easy ‘whip a tit out’ score of 10/10. Get it.
So… did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments if you have any summer pregnancy must haves I should look into and/or add to my list! Also, if you’re already shopping for your fall maternity wardrobe I got you covered with my maternity outfit inspo here. Now go crank the AC and put the ‘cool’ in “I’m not like a regular mom, I’m a cool mom!”
Mom jokes, amiright?
PS. Want more finds? You can head over to my SHOP THE LOOK page or follow me on liketoknow.it where I post favorites every day!
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