Being heavily pregnant during the summer brings some blessings as well as the obvious curse (we know, you’re hot and uncomfortable enough already).
But in the face of yet another heatwave, your nightmares about swollen feet and sleepless nights can turn to more pressing concerns about surviving heat stroke and delivering early.
Research from the University of Montreal found that women who were 37 or 38 weeks pregnant were 17 per cent more likely to give birth if the temperature stayed at 32C for three days or more.
Lead author Dr Nathalie Auger said: "We suspect that dehydration reduces blood supply to the uterus, increasing the release of pituitary hormones that induce labour."
So take it easy, cast aside unnecessary jobs and look forward to walking the bub through autumnal leaves.
Here are some tips on how to stay hydrated and enjoy your last months with the bump.
Wardrobe
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Abandon heels and tight shoes in favour of flip-flops and flat sandals that reduce swelling and keep your feet cool
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Keep it natural with free-flowing cottons, linens and silks that wick away sweat and look fabulous draped across your bump
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Keep jewellery to a minimum and accessorise with fun hats, especially wide brims that keep the sun off your face
Diet
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Dehydration is your number one enemy, so drink plenty of fluids, especially water
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Replace sweet juices with coconut water that’s packed with potassium and electrolytes to boost your energy levels
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Indulge in summer fruits and vegetables to get your daily dose of vitamins, magnesium and iron
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Pregnant women need at least 10mcg of vitamin D a day – a good excuse for a little sun but you should really eat more oily fish, eggs and red meat
Bridget Swinney, author of Eating Expectantly: Practical Advice for Healthy Eating Before, During and After Pregnancy, says: "Vitamin D deficiency is very common during pregnancy and has been linked to a higher risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and bacterial vaginosis."
Beauty
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When the mercury hits 30C, you’re better off inside where it’s easier to regulate your body temperature. So if you want a tan this summer – fake it
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Buy a water spritzer to carry on public transport or walks around your local neighbourhood. Spritzing your face and wrists takes the edge off hot commutes
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Invest in a good quality moisturiser with SPF30+ and make it part of your morning routine so you never forget the sunscreen
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Avoid unnecessary body creams and hair removal that can cause heat rash
Exercise
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Keep it low impact with walking and swimming! Be it indoors or outdoors, a heatwave makes swimming worth the effort to relieve those aching muscles
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Exercise nice and early before the day heats up – not a tempting prospect if you haven’t slept well but a walk in the fresh air is bound to perk you up
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Later in day you’re better off with pregnancy yoga in air-conditioned comfort. Research shows that weight-bearing exercise delivers more oxygen to your muscles and the baby through the placenta
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If you’re still up for group activities, join an aquanatal class or aqua aerobics class that is gentle on your joints and can help ease back pain
Want to share your tips on surviving pregnancy in the heat? Tell us on Facebook and Twitter (@CloserOnline).
More on this summer's heatwave:
15 fun, free and exciting activities to do with your kids in this heat