The Summer has officially begun and the sunshine is here to prove it! While the heatwave is sure to be welcome news to many, it can be challenging for pregnant women who may already be feeling warmer than normal.
MORE: 'I had Kate Middleton's extreme pregnancy sickness and here's what it was like'
The combination of hormonal changes, increased blood flow and heat produced by the placenta means your body temperature will have already risen slightly, but when you throw soaring summer temperatures into the mix, it's no wonder many mums-to-be find the heat unbearable.
However, there are some top buys that will help to make the heatwave more manageable. From soothing swollen feet to keeping you cool on the move, these are the Amazon buys you'll want now the hot weather has hit. You won't regret it!
You won't want to go anywhere without a handheld fan, and this one not only has three speeds to keep you cool on the go, but it's also less than £20.
Handheld fan, £11.59, Amazon
SHOP NOW
MORE: 12 most beautiful royal pregnancy photos of all time – from Duchess Kate to Princess Diana
READ: 7 helpful breastfeeding tips for mums from an infant feeding expert
Every mum-to-be needs a cooling spray in her summer survival kit, such as this Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray, which is enriched with essential mineral salts and will not only refresh your skin, but hydrate it and even set your makeup, too.
Evian facial spray, from £6.95, Amazon
SHOP NOW
If your legs are feeling tired, heavy and swollen in the heat, Mama Mio's Lucky Legs Cooling Gel is a must-have. Massage some of this refreshing gel into tired legs and you should instantly feel soothed and refreshed.
Mama Mio lucky legs cooling gel, £16, Amazon
SHOP NOW
This isn't just any fan, it's a Dyson fan. And this one captures dust, allergens and removes 99.95% of pollutants. In warmer weather, a powerful stream of purified airflow can cool you down. And what's more, it has night mode which monitors and purifies using the quietest settings, along with a dimmed display. Perfect for when the baby arrives!
Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact, £499, Dyson
SHOP NOW
While you should avoid the sun as much as possible, a hat is essential if you do need to be outside for any reason. With its wide floppy brim, this straw hat will shield you from the sun and is a bargain at £9.99.
Laemilia summer beach hat, £9.99, Amazon
SHOP NOW
Nothing will cool you down quite like a paddling pool. Whether you just want to soak your feet or enjoy a refreshing dip, now is the time to invest.
Bestway paddling pool, £16.99, Amazon
SHOP NOW
MORE: The perfect baby shower presents for mum and baby
READ: 10 common new mum emotions and how to handle them
If you do decide to sit in the cooling water of the paddling pool or take a trip to your local swimming pool, you'll want to get your hands on a comfortable swimsuit like this one-shouldered, ruffled design.
One-shoulder maternity swimsuit, £41.80, Amazon
It is especially important to keep hydrated during pregnancy, and even more so in the heat, so keep a bottle of water with you wherever you are. The vacuum insulated Chilly's bottles will keep your drink cold for up to 24 hours and is available in an array of colourful designs.
Chilly's water bottle, from £33, Amazon
SHOP NOW
In addition to keeping your pregnant self-cool in summer, enjoy the invigorating aroma of peppermint oil – and its nausea-relieving effects. Put three to five drops in an essential oil diffuser, or mix one drop in a carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba, then rub it on your chest and shoulders.
Nikura Peppermint Oil, £9.45, Amazon
SHOP NOW
When it's hot outside the last thing you probably want is to feel cocooned within your pregnancy pillow! The Dreamgenii pregnancy support and feeding pillow will offer vital support to your bump, back and knees and help you to lie comfortably on your side, without feeling smothered.
Dreamgenii pregnancy support and feeding pillow, £53.99, Amazon
SHOP NOW
SHOP: The best maternity brands for pregnant women this summer
READ: The best Moses baskets for newborns
New mum Millie Mackintosh packed some Birkenstock sliders in her hospital bag when she welcomed her baby daughter, and they're just as handy throughout pregnancy as they may be afterwards. Easy to slip on and off, and with a wide fit sole, they're ideal if you're suffering with swollen feet.
Birkenstock Madrid mules, £43, Amazon
SHOP NOW
Ice lollies are great for a quick cool down, but ditch shop-bought lollies that are packed with sugar and colourants in favour of your own homemade alternatives. Fill with smoothies, fruit juice, and even add some chunks of fruit in for a refreshing way to get your five-a-day.
Pack of 10 ice lolly moulds, £22.79, Amazon
SHOP NOW
Your skin will be more sensitive to UV during pregnancy and some women may even develop melasma – known as the mask of pregnancy – where brown patches of pigmentation form on the face. Keep yourself protected, even in the shade, with a sun cream of at least SPF30 with a high UVA rating such as Green People's organic sun lotion, which is also free from chemical nasties.
Green People organic sun lotion SPF30, £17.20, Amazon
SHOP NOW
A cool and comfortable floaty maxi is likely the only thing you want to wear right now. This one from Amazon is stylish enough to rival your pre-pregnancy dresses and just £20.
Zanzea maxi dress, from £18.99, Amazon
SHOP NOW
Chafing thighs can be a problem during the summer at the best of times, let alone during pregnancy when your body is growing in preparation for your baby. Ease some of the pain with some of this Body Glide anti-chafe and moisturising balm, which forms an invisible barrier against rubbing, and can even be used to stop your shoes rubbing too.
Body Glide anti-chafe balm stick, £20.99, Amazon
SHOP NOW
Trying to avoid using harsh chemicals during pregnancy? This Salt of the Earth roll-on deodorant will keep you fresh when the temperatures rise.
Salt of the Earth natural vegan deodorant, £5.16, Amazon
SHOP NOW
A kitchen gadget you'll love long after your little one arrives, this Yonanas frozen dessert maker is an investment for all the family to enjoy during the summer. The clever gadget will make frozen desserts from fresh frozen fruits in minutes, making a healthier alternative to your ice cream fix.
Yonanas frozen dessert maker, £56.95, Amazon
SHOP NOW
Getting a good nights' sleep can be hard enough during pregnancy, let alone during a heatwave. This U-shaped body pillow helps to support your back, bump, knees, neck and head, and even features a detachable extension that can be used as its own full body pillow which will hopefully help you to sleep through the night comfortably.
Pharmedoc pregnancy pillow, £42.45, Amazon
SHOP NOW
There's a reason why a maxi dress is a pregnancy go-to; floaty, comfortable and loose enough to grow with your bump, it's a no-brainer, especially in the heat.
READ: 7 best kids beach shoes & water shoes: From Crocs to M&S & baby Birkenstocks
Face masks can be uncomfortable for pregnant women at the best of times, let alone when the temperatures are rising. Swap heavy fabric masks or disposable masks for a silk mask, which is more breathable and should be more comfortable to wear in enclosed spaces.
Mulberry silk face masks, £7.99, Amazon
SHOP NOW
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
