For most people, summertime conjures up lazy days at the swimming pool or relaxing by the ocean underneath the shade of a beach umbrella. But ask any woman who's endured a pregnancy (especially in the second and third trimester) in June, July or August and you'll probably get a look of misery.

Carrying around extra weight and possible swelling isn't fun for any expectant mom, but the symptoms seem to be aggravated during warm weather.

While having plenty of sunscreen to protect from the rays of the sun may seem like the only necessity this summer, pregnant women need to take extra precautions in order to maintain a healthy, full-term pregnancy. Preventing sunburn is important, but staying hydrated and preventing heatstroke while enjoying the sunshine's rays is just as, if not more, important to the well-being of both Mom and Baby.

Any obstetric professional will advise patients that staying well hydrated is the key to a safe and healthy summer pregnancy.

"Expectant mothers have an increased blood volume because of their pregnancy and must keep themselves well hydrated in order to maintain this blood volume," says Dr. Susan Klugman, an obstetrician with the Montefiore Medical Center in New York. "If a pregnant woman were to get dehydrated, she could faint or begin having preterm contractions, and ultimately, preterm labor."

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