Tips for how to survive the summer while preggers:

The first thing out of people's mouth when they see my massive belly is not "Congrats!", "When are you due?", or "Is it a boy or a girl?" The first statement 98% of the time is "Oh sweetie, pregnant in the summer ... that is rough." Then normal questions follow. The summers in Texas can be very brutal for everyone let alone a woman carrying 30+ extra pounds and double the blood flowing through her body (which is what the books say causes all the extra heat).

Other than lots of water and air conditioning at all times, I recommend the following for anyone else who is pregnant in the summer:

1.) Yogurt shops - The ultimate snack to cool you down in the hot summer would be ice cream or a popsicle however I challenge you to try one of the many yogurt shops that have popped up around your community. Yogurt has half the calories of ice cream, boosts the immune system, reduces the risk of high blood pressure, and is a tasty source of calcium and vitamins. All pregnant ladies can agree that you need to get your calcium and vitamins in a low caloric way. Another positive is that your immune system actually lowers while pregnant so a boost may keep you from getting that common cold. So next time you are hot and could use some extra vitamins/minerals for your little one, stop by your yogurt shop. The challenge would be to top it off with more healthy items instead of all the sprinkles, sugary cereal, and chocolate. I stopped yesterday at Yumilicious while I was out running errands and my car temp read 103. It is definitely what I needed. A nice cool place to prop my feet up while I enjoyed a cold treat!

Above is half avocado and coconut tart yogurt loaded with fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries, golden kiwi, blueberries, and orange bursts) and nuts (sliced almonds and chopped walnuts). Don't knock the avocado tart unless you have tried it. According to the salesperson, it is their number one seller. I was sold!

2.) Fun iced beverages - Summer is a time for fun beverages like margaritas, mojitos, and beers with lime. Since I cannot partake in my traditional festive drinks, I have been challenging the bartenders of Dallas to make me something fruity, over ice, and non-alcoholic. Nothing helps the summer heat like a nice cold beverage and the company of good friends. I even have such great friends that they make non-alcoholic versions of mojitos for me so I don't feel left out. *Shout to Ryan Schweizer - you're the best* When at home, I usually just have sparkling water with lime because I am not a bartender (I leave the drink making to the professionals). Just because you are pregnant does not mean that you have to miss out on summer traditions. I would recommend staying clear of the traditional non-alcoholic summer beverage of lemonade unless you are the blessed pregnant woman who does not suffer from heartburn.

This was one of my absolute favorites. I should have known The Porch would not disappoint. They make an amazing blueberry basil martini that is a perfect summer treat, but that will have to wait until next summer.

3.) Pedicures - Everyone knows a pregnant lady can't see her toes over her massive belly but as every pregnant lady knows it is your toes that you stare at when your feet are propped up on a pillow. This is probably because your feet and toes are swollen and look unrecognizable, or maybe you just stare because you haven't seen them. Anywho, you need pretty toes to look at ... so treat yourself to a pedicure. The massage chair and feet scrub will help take away any stress that you may have over the arrival of that baby that is squirming in your belly. Plus, I have been given "extra treatment" just because of my massive belly and the fact that it is 100+ degrees outside. Who doesn't love an extra few minutes of a foot massage?! And today they let me sit in the massage chair to let my nails dry. They said, "extra 10 min for you in chair."

3.) Cool refreshing baths - I am a shower girl myself until I was welcomed to the world of Lush. Lush makes all natural bath supplies that are just plain FUN! They have all kinds of bath bombs that take your ordinary bath to a really cool experience. My favorite bomb is called the Dragon's Egg aka the magical fireworks extravaganza! It is a sherbet explosion that fizzes and crackles and changes your water color with swirls of pink and orange. But even though Dragon's Egg is my favorite, I still love all the other bombs as well. I can honestly say I have not been disappointed with any of them. Below is the Big Blue which was exactly what I needed after I came home from a long workday tired and sticky from standing at the train platform.

Hope you try all of these tips next weekend!

Courtney