A pregant woman stands near the beach wearing a hat and sunglasses.
Pregnant this summer? Keep your cool and make it to your due date with these healthful tips. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

When is your baby due?

August has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as being a month overflowing with new babies. July often comes in a close second.

Being pregnant and due in the summer can be tough with the heat and humidity. We’re here to help.

5 tips to help you get to your due date

1. Drink fluids

Fluids help maintain both mama and baby’s blood supply. Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.

Water will keep you hydrated, avoid constipation, and maintain smooth and clear skin. Drinking plenty of water also keeps urinary tract infections at bay, so keep that water bottle handy and filled up.

How do you know if you aren’t drinking enough? Signs of dehydration include headaches, dizziness and feeling lightheaded or faint.

2. Pick protein

Protein is vital to baby and mama during pregnancy.

We encourage mamas to eat 80-100 grams of protein daily. You will need to eat it throughout the day, and keep track to make sure you are getting enough protein.

One of my favorite ways to get protein is using whey powder to make a protein shake. Depending on the protein powder, this can be more than 20 grams of protein per serving.

3. Pay attention to hunger cues

Don’t wait until you are so hungry it makes you nauseous.

For me, eating small amounts frequently helped keep nausea at bay. Make sure to have snacks available to ease the hunger. Great options include crackers and cheese, a protein or fiber bar, protein shake, fruit, veggies and hummus, and the list goes on.

What great healthy snacks do you like?

4. Take your vitamin

Vitamins are good, but they are meant to help with a healthy diet.

If you are not taking your prenatal vitamin, please make sure your provider is aware.

5. Relieve heartburn

Heartburn can be a real concern when pregnant and can be worse as you approach your due date.

Baby continues to take up more space, which leaves less space for your stomach and digestion.

Tips to help reduce heartburn include eating slowly, eating small meals often, sitting up to eat, and avoiding lying down for at least an hour after meals. Sometimes wearing loosely fitting clothing can help.