I’ve had the opportunity to experience both a third trimester in the heat of summer and a third trimester in the dead of winter. There are definitely pros and cons to having a huge bump in both seasons, but since the end of pregnancy is not very pleasant in general, spoiler alert: I found there was no true winner. It’s worth noting that I live in place where weather is often extreme. We love our seasons here in Minnesota but the summers are incredibly hot and humid and the winters are freezing cold, very snowy, and seem to drag on forever. You might feel differently if you are pregnant in another part of the country or world where the climate is more moderate.

Late Pregnancy in Summer

camping preggo
Camping at 35 weeks pregnant, walking to the bathroom outside in the dark 5 times per night was just as miserable as you’d expect!

Pros:

– Swimming feels amazing when you’re carrying extra weight and thankfully there are lots of pool parties and opportunities to be near water in the summer.

– You can easily throw on a skirt or sundress and feel somewhat attractive and/or dressed up.  I loved being able to wear flow-y and loose clothing while I was pregnant in the summer.

– You can wear flip-flops everywhere and no bats an eye. They are easy to get on and require zero bending. Flip-flops in the winter on the hand, make you look a bit crazy.

– The days are long and sunny with lots of vitamin D which can really help with anxiety. I really enjoyed being able to get fresh air and take our dog on walks during the end of my pregnancy with Crumb.

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Cons:

– You swell a lot more in the summer because of the humidity and then when you add in pregnancy, it gets even worse. My hands, ankles, and feet were crazy swollen from May until I gave birth at the end of July. Luckily, I was not at risk for pre-eclampsia but it was painful and frustrating because my rings and shoes didn’t fit and I couldn’t walk for long periods of time.

– Shaving — it has to happen more often in the summer and shaving while pregnant is not only exhausting but it’s also uncomfortable and extremely difficult. Plus, your balance is off so it can also be very dangerous teetering on one leg in a soapy wet shower.

– Everyone loves being outside and they invite you to go outside too. People plan parties in their backyards and set off fireworks outside, and restaurants invite you to eat outside on their patios and in their beer gardens, but you’re super happy being inside with your lemonade because that’s where the air conditioning is located. And since growing a baby is like having your own personal space heater, your body temperature already feels extra warm.

Late Pregnancy in Winter

pregnant and buying a van
Buying a van at 37 weeks pregnant in February is just as stressful as you’d imagine!

Pros:

– Your wedding rings fit your fingers longer, and your ankles don’t get as swollen. At least in my case I was a lot less swollen at the end of my winter pregnancy with Chip!

– No need to shave quite as often because your legs are covered.

– The baby keeps you slightly warmer so you’re not quite as miserable as you would normally be in the cold weather.

Cons:

– Illness. It’s everywhere and impossible to avoid, and getting sick while pregnant is the worst. Plus, it’s ideal that your family and friends are healthy so they can meet your little one right away.

– You have to wear more clothing and layers. Maternity sweaters can be bulky and wearing jeans gets annoying. Plus, dressing up in cold weather is more challenging.  I could have lived in yoga pants all winter long.

– You have to wear socks, pull on boots, or tie your shoes and bending over is plain obnoxious by the end of pregnancy.

– There is always the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snowfall, or a winter advisory warning  that will make your ride to the hospital longer and more stressful.

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How was the weather at the end of your pregnancy?