The wall of cold air enveloped me in sweet relief as soon as I walked through the doors. I didn’t care that I was entering a house owned by people I didn’t know very well. Outside, it was over 90 degrees, I was nearly seven months pregnant, and the house had the cool, crisp breeze of central A/C—even if it did smell a little like old people.
It was a hot day in July a few years back, and an old family friend had generously offered their guest bedroom because the stifling heat was making me feel sick at the non-air-conditioned cottage where my husband and I were staying.
Why does summer always feel so much hotter when we’re pregnant? Belly sweat, boob sweat, and chafing arms or thighs all seem exacerbated when you’re housing another human inside you. With the summer heat in full swing, we wanted to round up some editor favorites to help keep you cool if you’re pregnant this summer—check out our picks below.
Editor’s Note: Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding product use while pregnant.
Megababe Cucumber Mint Shower Sheets
Gently wipe across skin or underarms for a quick cleanse with the cooling effect of mint.
e.l.f. Shine Eraser Blotting Sheets
Dry forehead drips or above the lip sweats away with these blotting sheets. Grab a pack of three for just $6.99,
Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick
Apply it between your legs or anywhere you chafe like a deodorant, and it lasts for hours.
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
Sunscreen is a must always, and on hot, sunny days, a good sunscreen (reapplied often) does the hard work of keeping your skin protected. This one includes sunflower oil to protect from irritation due to sun exposure, and it blends well on all skin tones.
The Honey Pot Sensitive Feminine Wipes
Feel like you need a little freshen up between the legs? These wipes for sensitive skin are infused with plant-based ingredients.
Defense Refresh (Re)setting Mist
A mix between a sunscreen, facial mist, and makeup setting spray, you get the best of all three with this product.
Shea Moisture Daily Hydration Facial Wipes
At the end of a long, hot day, washing your face sometimes just seems like too much (at the end of your pregnancy, it's basically the equivalent of a HIIT workout). These wipes can clean and refresh your face without you having to break a sweat bending over the bathroom sink. Pro tip: keep them in the fridge for an extra soothing way to get ready for bed.
Megababe Bust Dust Anti-Breast-Sweat Spray
Summer boob sweat was bad enough—add pregnancy breasts, and you might need a little extra drying action. This spray acts like a good-for-you baby powder to wick up sweat that's already there and keep you dry for hours.
Facial Ice Roller
Pop the detachable head of this editor-favorite in the freezer so you'll always have relief on hand.
9 colors available
Insulated Tumbler
Stay hydrated all day with an ice cold beverage in a giant insulated tumbler. Plus, YETI offers personalization so you'll always know which one is yours.
10+ colors available
Mini Cell Phone Fan
Plug it into your phone for an on-the-go cool down. Our contributing editor Jaclyn took this with her everywhere when she was pregnant last summer.
Mini Stroller Fan
A multi-purpose find and an editor favorite, take this everywhere with you now and add to the stroller once the baby is born.
Portable Neck Fan
This portable neck fan will allow you to stay cool even during the sweltering summer months.
LG Portable Air Conditioner
Yes, this is the biggest ticket item on this list, but nothing beats A/C in the oppressive heat of summer. If you're living without air conditioning, this portable option cools up to 300 square feet.
This article was originally published in 2020 and has been updated for timeliness.
