Feeling Too Hot to Handle While Pregnant? Try These Cool Clothing Tips
Have you ever gone out in the burning sun during pregnancy and felt like you could hardly breathe or move? In Pakistan, where temperatures are generally high above 40°C, the combination of heat, humidity, and pregnancy is a really challenging thing. A lot of pregnant ladies are witnesses to their excessive troubles in the form of sweating, rash, and tiredness, which are frequently worsened by tight or synthetic clothing. But on the other hand, the correct outfit can make a massive difference. Light, loose fabrics such as cotton, lawn, and linen are very helpful as they cool your body and allow your skin to breathe.
Pregnant ladies have a naturally raised body temperature, which is the main reason for their increased sensitivity to hotness. A few well chosen wardrobe changes allow you to feel cool, comfortable, and fashionable even on the hottest days of the summer in Pakistan.
Quick information in this blog
Best Fabrics to Keep You Cool During Pregnancy
In my clinic, I meet many pregnant women who tell me that they have lost their energy just because of the hot weather in summer. The first thing I usually ask them to do is to change their clothes to breathable fabrics. Your body is more active during pregnancy, and your skin becomes more sensitive. Natural fibers such as cotton, lawn, and linen are very comfortable because they allow the skin to breathe and prevent sweating, which is good for the skin as it prevents rashes and overheating.
Besides, these fabrics are more capable of absorbing the moisture than the synthetic one, giving you a sense of dryness and comfort throughout the day. I have repeatedly told my patients to look for the fabric rather than just the design and colors. The choice of the correct fabric significantly decreases the troubles caused by heat, especially in our Pakistani summer where the sun is very harsh.
Loose, Light, and Layered: Smart Summer Styling Tips
Every time I meet pregnant women who are in trouble with heat, my suggestion is always the same: wear a combination of loose and light clothes that let your body breathe. Tight clothes can be cute but during pregnancy comfort definitely takes the lead. Try on some light garment A-line kurtas, flowy dresses, or loose shalwar kameez that are made from a soft fabric.
Light tones such as pastels and white are good because they do not absorb the heat and hence they are very cool on the skin. To go outside, use a thin dupatta of chiffon or lawn to cover your shoulders as it will not trap the heat but will protect you from the sun. The essence of styling during pregnancy is definitely not about over clothing, it’s about dressing smartly. If you choose the right clothes, you will look gorgeous and be comfortable even during the hottest hours of the day.The condition of pregnancy makes women feel warmer by 20% more than normal due to the changes in their hormones and the increase in blood flow.
What Not to Wear in Hot Weather when Pregnant?
- Use a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily: Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays even on cloudy days.
- Reapply Every 2 to 3 Hours: Sunscreen wears off, especially in heat, humidity, or sweat. Reapply regularly when you’re outdoors.
- Cover Exposed Skin with Clothing: Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats offer excellent physical protection from direct sunlight.
- Avoid Peak Sun Hours (10 AM to 4 PM): UV rays are strongest during midday. If possible, plan outdoor activities before or after this window.
- Don’t rely on SPF in Makeup Alone: Foundation or creams with SPF usually don’t provide enough coverage. Always apply sunscreen underneath.
- Protect Your Lips and Eyes: Use a lip balm with SPF and wear UV protective sunglasses to guard sensitive areas often forgotten.
- Seek Shade Whenever Possible: Whether it’s under a tree, umbrella, or building, staying in the shade reduces direct sun exposure.
- Hydrate to Support Skin Health: Sun and heat can dehydrate your skin. Drinking enough water helps maintain your skin’s natural barrier.
- Be Consistent in All Seasons: Many people stop using sun protection in winter or during cloudy days. UV rays still penetrate and cause damage.
- Teach Sun Safety at Home: Encourage your family, especially children, to adopt these habits early. Prevention always starts with awareness.
Traditional Pakistani Outfits That Keep You Cool and Stylish
During my practice, I have repeatedly comforted pregnant ladies by saying that they do not have to give up the tradition for comfort, especially in the hot weather. I have recommended shalwar kameez made of loose cotton or lawn many times to my patients. Such materials let the skin breathe and also give the body enough space to cool down. Besides that, kaftans, flowy frocks, and wide legged trousers are the most comfortable and practical clothes that an expecting mother can wear.
Light colors like ivory, peach or mint green not only absorb less heat but also make you feel cooler. A dupatta which is made of soft lawn or chiffon gives a little bit of coverage and does not cause overheating. A lot of my patients say that they feel very confident and comfortable if they wear traditional clothes which are made of breathable fabrics. It is a perfect combination of culture, comfort, and style, the exact thing that you need to feel good while being pregnant in summer in Pakistan.
Daily Habits That Support Comfort Alongside Clothing Choices
Clothing is very important, but little habits that are done daily also have a part in the easing of the discomfort of summer pregnancy. I always tell my patients that comfort is a full-day thing, not just about the clothes you wear.
These are some of my suggestions for pregnant women:
- Drink more than 8 to 10 glasses of water to avoid dehydration.
- Stay indoors if possible between 11 am and 4 pm.
- If you go out, bring a mini mist spray or a portable fan for cooling.
- In case sweat or rash occurs, the spots can be treated with fragrance-free talc.
- When you are feeling hot, try to be in a cool and shaded place.
The lightest garment will not help if you are continuously exposed to the heat and are not taking care of your body. These habits, if done conscientiously, can make the pregnancy period in summer much more comfortable especially in Pakistan’s extreme weather.
What Styling Tricks Can Make You Feel Cooler Instantly?
To be honest, as a doctor, I have witnessed how the small changes in style can make a huge difference in the comfort of pregnant women during the hot weather. The idea is not to wear more clothes but to wear them smartly. Go for loose-fitting dresses like A-line kurtas or flowy maxis which allow your body to breathe. Go for colors of lighter tone always colors such as mint, beige, or baby pink that absorb less heat from the sun.
Plus, if you add a light chiffon or lawn dupatta, you are not only protecting yourself from the sun but also not making your body feel heavy. Open footwear with cushioned soles not only helps reduce swelling but also keeps your feet cool. These little styling changes, if you keep them up, make even the hottest day of summer feel like a walk in the park while you remain stylish and fresh.
How Does Heat Affect Your Body When You Are Pregnant?
Pregnancy has a big effect on your body; it makes it harder to work harder. Blood volume is increased, hormonal changes occur, and the core temperature rises. Now think of adding Pakistan’s summer heat at times surpassing 40°C to that hot body. This explains why so many expecting mothers feel hot, get dizzy, or are just completely empty after a short time outdoors.
Although this is not only discomfort, it is a signal of the body requesting to decelerate, cool off, and replenish the fluids. When you are over-heated and it is not taken care of properly, it can cause tiredness, skin rash, or even a heat stroke condition.
This is the main reason why the use of breathable fabrics, staying in shaded places, and making correct wardrobe choices are not only preferable, but also mandatory. By means of a few simple choices you can assist your body in being relaxed, comfortable, and focused on the great journey ahead.
Can Nightwear Affect Sleep in Summer Pregnancy?
One of the things many pregnant women tell me is that they get hot or restless at night and quite unexpectedly, their sleepwear turns out to be the main reason. You know your body is already hotter because of the pregnancy and if you wear tight or synthetic nightclothes, that will just make it worse because it will be like a heat trap. A loose and breathable cotton nightdress or a kaftan-style pajama set is really a good choice.
They not only allow your skin to breathe, but also help regulate your body temperature naturally. Light materials and fewer layers at bedtime can do wonders for your sleep quality, they can lessen night sweats and make you feel more refreshed in the morning. You just need to make a few small changes to your sleepwear and your hot summer nights during pregnancy will be much more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Carrying a child during the hot summer in Pakistan is really challenging, but really, just a few small, thoughtful changes can go a long way. I can tell from experience that a suitable fabric, a clever outfit, or even just a cool water bottle in your bag can take a lot of the strain off a difficult day. Opting for airy, loose clothes, steering clear of synthetic fabrics, and using light colors undeniably help your body to remain in a harmonious state and calm
If you also incorporate everyday routines like drinking enough water and staying in the shade, you will be well-prepared for a more secure and comfortable summer season. Be attentive to your body’s signals, choose your clothes carefully, and never forget that comfort is not a contradiction to style. You should be able to experience the lightness, freshness, and beauty throughout every phase of this process
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it safe to wear synthetic clothes like polyester or nylon when one is in pregnancy during summer?
The worst fabrics were synthetic ones such as polyester or nylon that were worn during pregnancy. They not only retained heat but also sweat that in turn caused rashes and discomfort, especially in a humid environment.
Is there any possibility to recommend the use of traditional dress such as shalwar kameez for summer pregnancy?
Definitely yes, the traditional outfits made up of cotton or lawn are the most suitable ones. They are light in weight, breathable, loose, and also culturally familiar, just like in Pakistani hot weather, they will keep you cool and enable you to be stylish.
Must one change clothes more than one time during a day in the summer?
Changing into a dry and breathable outfit will help prevent the irritation, keep the skin healthy and also comfort you a lot during the day, in case you have been sweating a lot or feel sticky.
What are the colors which will be most suitable for me to stay cool and comfortable during pregnancy?
Besides that, it is good to go for pastel shades, light warm colors such as ivory, light pink, or mint green. They do not absorb the sunlight but rather reflect it thus keeping you cool and feeling fresh when you are out in it.