Like any pregnant woman, the question I am most typically asked is: “When is your due date?” When I tell people I am due in September, I almost always get the same response: “You poor thing!”

I am invariably met with intense sympathy for being so pregnant in the heat of summer. Most pregnant women in their third trimester are beyond their melting point, so it’s really only natural for people to assume that summer would make a pregnant lady pretty irritable. I happen to think there are many perks to being pregnant in the summer, some of which I have to share.

Reason #1: Apparel

I don’t have to wear pants! Those dreadful leg contraptions that I have to use a fly fishing cast on to snag my feet into and shimmy up my legs? Not needed in the summer. Maxi skirts and dresses are a huge hit with me. They are the perfect apparel in the third trimester for your uncomfortable and unbendable body. There are so many dresses out there made for a perfectly loose fit that you simply need to pull over your head to put on. They’re also totally trendy and weather appropriate for summer.

No shoes, no socks, no problems. Sandals are summer’s footwear and you can put them on without even attempting to bend over or calling on family and friends to lend a hand. But who needs footwear when you’re just going to your backyard to hang? Barefoot glory is simply divine when you’re preggers.

One layer clothing is also just heavenly. Not having to attempt to zip up my ill-fitting winter coat over my large pregnant belly is such a relief. But what’s even better is that I don’t have to bend over to zip up the coats of my little ones too.

Reason #2: Fresh Air and Sunshine

We all know the benefits of outdoor air for a healthy mind. Being pregnant in the winter makes going outside much more of a challenge. The nice summer weather actually makes me want to go outside. And that big ol’ sun shining down on me sure does settle my cranky hormones. Throw in an umbrella, kiddie pool, and gravity lawn chair in your backyard and you will literally have it made in the shade. Breathing in that fresh outdoor air brings such relaxation and happiness. And we all know every pregnant lady needs a little bit of that.

Reason #3: Safe Sidewalks and Roads

It’s scary walking outside when you’re very pregnant and unstable on those icy streets. Even if it’s just walking to your car in the parking lot, there can be a risk in every step. Also, let’s talk about icy roads for a minute. Driving on icy highways to the hospital while in labor is one of my biggest pregnancy fears. Luckily, with a summer baby this is no worry at all. The roads will always be clear for you when that baby is ready to come out. What a relief!

I am absolutely loving my pregnant summer. And I hope if you are in the same boat as me, you too take advantage of these awesome benefits. Happy summer pregnant ladies!