Red, White, and Relaxed: Tips for a Stress-Free 4th of July During Your Third Trimester

First and foremost, in your third trimester it can be stressful choosing cute and comfortable attire. Doing this ahead of time ensures you will be able to get dressed easily and have a stress-free 4th of July celebration. Opt for loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics to accommodate your growing belly and keep you cool in summer temperatures. Consider wearing bump friendly dresses paired with comfortable yet chic sandals or shoes to ensure comfort throughout the day.

Celebrate this 4th of July in style with these stunning dresses that perfectly capture the spirit of the occasion. CAROLINE CONSTAS - striped mini dress exudes a classic American vibe with its white and blue stripes, making it an ideal choice for patriotic festivities. GUCCI -2019 Knee-Length Dress brings a touch of luxury and sophistication to your Independence Day ensemble, combining elegance with a subtle nod to national colors. HUNTER BELL's Floral Print Mini Dress offers a playful yet chic option, adorned with blooms reminiscent of summer celebrations under the fireworks. Finally, RHODE's Crew Neck Mini Dress provides effortless charm and comfort, ensuring you look and feel your best while enjoying the holiday festivities. Each dress embodies the essence of July 4th with its unique design, ensuring you feel good in your third trimester, while honoring this special day in American history.

For expecting mothers in their third trimester, celebrating 4th of July weekend, comfort and style are paramount, and these sandals are perfect companions for the festivities. Valentino's leather studded gladiator sandals offer a blend of fashion-forward design and comfort, ensuring you can stroll through parades and picnics effortlessly. The Row's sleek leather slides provide understated elegance and ease of wear, ideal for a day filled with family gatherings and outdoor activities. Chanel's printed crystal embellishments sandals add a touch of glamour to your ensemble while keeping your feet cool and supported throughout the celebrations. Birkenstock's blue leather slides combine practicality with a patriotic hue, offering reliable comfort and a laid-back style that's perfect for enjoying fireworks and barbecues. Each pair of sandals provides third trimester comfort, support, and a stylish flair that enhances the joy of celebrating Independence Day.

Now that we know what you'll be wearing, lets think about what type of activities you'll feel up to! Seriously, take a moment to consider where you're at with your energy and physical comfort levels in this third trimester. It's totally okay to skip those big, crowded events or parties if they're feeling like too much. How about embracing a more chilled-out vibe, like a cozy family picnic in a shady park or a relaxed barbecue with your closest friends? These low-key settings can be just as enjoyable—and way more comfortable in your third trimester.

And hey, if fireworks are on your agenda, which can be so magical, aim for a display that's not crazy loud or packed with people. You want to savor the moment without feeling overwhelmed by all the noise and commotion when your in your third trimester. Your well-being and peace of mind come first, so don't hesitate to create a celebration that feels right for you and your baby bump. It's about cherishing this special time, not pushing yourself beyond what feels realistic. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when thinking of festivities:

Communicate Your Needs

Don't hesitate to communicate your needs and limitations to friends and family members who may be planning the celebration. You may need to remind them you are in your third trimester. Let them know if you need extra breaks, assistance with carrying items, or accommodations for seating. Most people will be understanding and willing to help ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Prioritize Rest and Relaxation

Once you are in your third trimester, it's crucial to prioritize rest and relaxation. Schedule breaks throughout the day to sit down, put your feet up, and recharge. If you're attending a gathering, find a quiet spot where you can take short naps or simply enjoy some downtime away from the crowd. Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as gentle prenatal yoga, deep breathing exercises, or listening to soothing music. And its ok to step away from family for an hour or so to take a nap or watch a rom-com. 

• Water, Water, Water: Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times and sip regularly throughout the day. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day or more if you're spending time outdoors in the heat. I was the thirstiest in my third trimester!

• Electrolyte Drinks: Opt for electrolyte drinks that are low in sugar and free from artificial colors and additives. We both drank a ton of Liquid IV during third trimester and fourth trimester (especially while breast-feeding)

• Coconut Water: Coconut water is naturally hydrating and rich in electrolytes such as potassium, which can help prevent dehydration. Look for brands that offer pure coconut water without added sugars or flavors. Our personal favorite is Harmless Harvest because it is one of the cleanest coconut on the market.

• Fruit Infusions: Enhance your water intake with natural flavors by infusing water with slices of fruits like lemon, lime, cucumber, or berries. This adds a refreshing twist and encourages you to drink more water. Lemon water also has the added benefit of hydrating you more than water alone. 

• Hydrating Foods: Incorporate hydrating foods into your snacks and meals. Fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and oranges are high in water content and provide essential vitamins and minerals. I loved eating oranges during the third trimester because it felt good to have that extra boost of vitimin C power to stay extra healthy. 

• Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of heavy meals that can make you feel sluggish in your third trimester, opt for small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day. This helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevents overeating.

• Healthy Snack Options: Pack nutrient-dense snacks like nuts, seeds, yogurt, granola bars, and cut-up vegetables. These snacks provide sustained energy and are easy to carry with you. It's great to find a grab and go solution like these Nature's Garden Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs. Another healthy pick are NOKA pouches. They are packed with tons of anti-oxidents and don't need to be refrigerated before opening. These are perfect for beach days and also middle of the night snacks. I used to keep several in my nightstand so I didn't have to get up and go to the kitchen when it was so hard to get around the third trimester

• Avoid Caffeine and Sugary Drinks: Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea, as well as sugary drinks such as soda and sweetened iced tea. These can lead to dehydration and energy crashes. And the energy crashes hit so much harder in your third trimester.

• Preggie Pop Drops: These are natural, sour hard candies made with essential oils and plant botanicals to help alleviate nausea and keep your mouth hydrated. Third trimester can give you a sour stomach from the heart burn, making these drops a good go-to.

• Ginger Chews: Ginger chews or candies can help settle your stomach if you're experiencing morning sickness (yes, some people, like Lex, still experience this in their third trimester) or indigestion, making it easier to stay hydrated. 

• Maternity Compression Socks : These COMRAD socks can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in your feet and ankles, making it more comfortable in your third trimester to stay on your feet during the day. This are ESSENTIAL for flying as it will give you peace of mind that you will be getting enhanced circulation at high altitudes.

• Zhaler Prenatal Vitamins: Ensure you're taking your prenatal vitamins regularly, as they provide essential nutrients that support your baby's development and help replenish any nutrients lost through sweating. The further into the third trimester the harder it is to stay cool so you will want to keep replishing minerals lost.

• Hydroflask Portable Cooler Bag : Invest in a portable cooler bag to keep perishable snacks and drinks cool throughout the day, especially if you're spending time outdoors. This is also an essential in your fourth trimester to keep by your bed for pumping (more on that later)!

As you embrace the summer sun, safeguarding your skin becomes paramount, particularly during pregnancy when it can be more sensitive than ever.  I had horrible melasma that raged up the most during the third trimester. Solution: don a stylish wide-brimmed Jenni Kayne hat that not only complements your ensemble but shields your face from UV rays, ensuring your radiant glow remains protected.

Equip yourself with sunglasses boasting UV protection, not just for style but as a shield against the sun’s glare. The best ones for third trimester are hands down, GOODR sunglasses because they are made to never fall off. And let's face it, nobody wants to be picking up sunglasses off the floor when they are in their third trimester! These chic yet essential accessories not only elevate your look but safeguard your delicate eyes and the skin around them.

Now, the cornerstone of your defense: sunscreen, your faithful ally in the battle against harmful UV rays during your third trimester. Opt for a high-quality sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, gently applying it to your exposed skin throughout the day. Choose formulations specially crafted for pregnancy, such as Sky and Sol Sunscreen SPF 50, designed with natural ingredients that nurture and protect sensitive skin. It is so clean that you can eat it!

One very relaxing activity we recommend during your third trimester is hanging by the pool! If you plan to be poolside, we recommend getting a lightweight button down that is easy to throw on and is pregnancy friendly with ruched sides. I lived in this Soothefeel SPF button down at the pool during her third trimester.

Throughout your day of sun-kissed adventures, prioritize seeking shade during the peak sunlight hours between 10 AM and 4 PM. This strategic retreat not only provides relief in your third trimester, but ensures your skin stays cool and shielded from the sun’s most intense rays.