Under normal circumstances you'd probably dream of a long, hot balmy summer, full of barbecues, weddings and the usual summery shenanigans.

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But if you’re pregnant, the story's a little different. Ok, it's a lot different. Here, mums who've been there and done it share their summer pregnancy survival tips ...

The heat is torturous

Coping with the heat when you’re pregnant can be tough. Rising body temperatures in pregnancy, caused by hormonal changes and increased blood supply to the skin, may make summer warmth a struggle. Stay in the shade as much as you can, wear loose-fitting clothing, drink lots of water and take it easy.

"I found that the heat made me feel tired really easily. I would Hoover and wash some dishes and need to go for a lie down. Keep ice lollys in your freezer, wear loose clothing, rest whenever you can and drink plenty of water."

Natalie S

"I definitely recommend a stash of ice pops / cubes, also ice packs and cool packs are good to cool you down. Oh and get a paddling pool!"

Stacey

You can't even catch any rays

Surely the one benefit of being forced to stay horizontal all summer would be having the perfect excuse to develop a tan. Not when you’re pregnant. Your skin is much more sensitive when you’re expecting and there’s a good chance you may burn more easily.

If you do want to go out in the sun, slather on the sunscreen. Higher levels of a hormone which can create irregular colour patches on your face or a line down the front of your tummy, mean that your skin is more susceptible to changing colour.

"I'd say definitely take high factor sun cream with you! My skin burnt which I was really shocked at as it wasn't even THAT hot."

Holly W

Everything gets a bit sweaty

With the heat and rising body temperatures may come a little more sweating that normal. Wear as lightweight clothes as you can to avoid chafing, and watch out for sweat marks and nasty whiffs!

"Couldn't even put make up on today cos I get a sweaty tash."

Heather T

The swelling!

Swollen feet and hands are very common in pregnancy but can be so much worse in summer. Not necessarily the look you wanted in your favourite summer sandals.

Find some top tips on how to deal with swelling in pregnancy.

"I had a case of elephant feet that is quickly solved by soaking them in cold water!!"

Rachel H

You're always the sober one

There’s something so enticing about a cold beer or a crisp glass of white wine on a hot summer’s day. It’s like the ultimate summer-time torture.

You have nothing to wear!

Big bumps, massive boobs and swollen feet don’t always look good in teeny, revealing summer clothes, which might leave you wishing for something to wear and not feel horrendous in.

"I don't think you need to go splashing out on loads of summer maternity clothes as you won't get that much wear out of them. I think essentials for summer are linen trousers, some stretchy vest tops and maxi dresses."

Helen B

Summer fun just isn't the same

Usually summer is a time for lazy days and balmy evenings with friends. Picnics in park, lying on the beach, festivals, weddings… and none are quite the same when you’re pregnant.

Apart from having to stay in the shade, not being able to enjoy a Pimms and feeling like a beached whale, being outdoors for extended periods of time can be a nightmare when you need to go to the toilet every two minutes!

"I'm hoping no one wants me to attend anything too big and fancy this year because I am due at the end of August and I don't want to be getting all hot and grumpy in pretty, but a bit annoying, clothing!"

Hollie G

"I went to a festival last year but I was only 4 months pregnant and hardly had a bump. I did however have awful morning sickness, diarrhoea, kept fainting and was exhausted before I even thought about camping!"

Rebecca T

Sleep seems a distant memory

Hot and humid nights can mean a lack of sleep for pregnant mamas. Which usually results in grumpy mamas by the morning. Consider getting a fan for your room, and keep as cool as you can.

"I bought a fan for the room to help cool me as opening windows didn't help much, it even went in the bedroom on a night! Poor hubby was freezing!!"

Becki M

"I was so heavily pregnant all through summer I really suffered sooo uncomfy couldn't cool down sleeping was a nightmare."

Bryony J

People feel sorry for you

Possibly because you’re sweating, walking at a snail’s pace, and bulging out of last year’s summer dresses, people may have a tendency to shower you with sympathy.

Comments of "Wow, you’re so huuuggge now!" may not always go down well, but then again... you might want to consider milking it! Put your feet up and ask someone to get you a cool (non-alcoholic, obviously – yawn) drink and enjoy some R&R.

Giggle at the ten things not to say to a pregnant woman.

What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff is a must-read for all expectant parents. Packed full of advice, is has over 15,000 positive reviews on Amazon! See more details here.