Spring weather is here, which means the hot, humid months of summer are quickly approaching just around the corner. For some, this might not mean much. It might even be a point of excitement—summer means shorts, swimming and sun. But if you’re expecting a new baby on the way, even the idea of summer might make you start dripping with sweat.

With raging hormones, extra weight and a higher-than-normal body temperature, pregnancy already includes a little more heat than normal. Combine that with the warm weather outside, and chances are your body—and your baby’s—are not going to be very comfortable. So, what can you do? Summer is bound to be here, and it’s not as if you can spend three whole months completely avoiding the outdoors. We’ve compiled a few ideas for how you can combat the summer months and keep cool while pregnant in warm weather.

The simplest thing you can do to beat the heat this summer is stay hydrated. While this might seem obvious, it can often go completely under the radar. If your body is already running at a higher temperature than normal, then you’re more likely to sweat, which means losing valuable electrolytes. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Remember: if you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. In fact, it’s usually recommended to drink tepid water rather than freezing cold. While cold water cools your body more quickly, it also constrict blood vessels and send signals to retain heat, rather than dissipating it. Instead, drink cool to room temperature water consistently, along with orange juice, coconut water and sports drinks, to keep your electrolytes up.

If you go out and about in the heat, think carefully about the clothes you choose. While it might be tempting to go for the tank top, longer sleeves can actually help keep you cooler. Not only will they protect against sunburn, but you will feel more comfortable without direct sunlight on your skin. Wear long-sleeved tops in lightweight, loose fabrics for something that keeps you cool and protects against sunlight. Additionally, choose clothes with natural, soft fibres, such as cotton or linen. These allow air flow unlike other fibres, and will help prevent any uncomfortable rubbing or chafing.

Next, keep cool by eating lighter meals during pregnancy. We know, we know—constantly watching what you eat is no fun. But, if you’re trying to beat the heat, eating smaller, lighter, more frequent meals will definitely help. Unlike large meals, small meals will keep your metabolism steady. On the other hand, large meals cause your metabolism to work harder, resulting in your body generating more heat. So if your body is already hot during summer, help keep it cooler by eating smaller and lighter meals.

Then, when it’s time to turn in after a long hot day, splurge on valuable rest for your body. When you feel overheated, sometimes there’s no better way to cool down than by taking a nap in a cool, dark room. If you already have little ones running around, have your spouse, family member, friend or babysitter watch them, so you can enjoy some much-needed rest. When sleeping at night, keep cool by using a fan for air flow, or try a Gel’O Cool Pillow Mat.

When all else fails, beat the heat by staying indoors. If the temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit, stay in the shade or indoors with a fan or air conditioner. If you must go out on a hot day, avoid the hottest times of the day, and focus on the morning or evening when the sun is lower and the temperature is cooler. While it can definitely be frustrating having to stay indoors, or avoiding the main part of the day, it’s the surest way to keep you and your baby safe during the summer heat. If you do end up getting too hot too quickly, cool down by holding your wrists under cool running water for a few minutes. These are pulse points where your blood is close to the surface of your skin, so cooling them will also help decrease your core temperature.

It can be difficult to feel comfortable while pregnant when the weather starts warming up. Use these tips to beat the heat and stay cool this summer, helping to protect both you and your little one on the way.