Pregnancy is a significant period in a woman’s life that is filled with many changes – both physical and emotional. Such changes can increase a woman’s vulnerability to heat stress during hot weather.
Therefore, expectant mothers must take extra care to ensure they remain cool and safe during the summertime. Hence, this article will explain the science behind heat and pregnancy and how to manage it.
What Happens to a Pregnant Woman’s Body in Hot Weather?
Heat stress can impact a pregnant woman’s body by increasing her core body temperature, heart rate, sweating, and dehydration.
An increase in core body temperature is especially concerning during pregnancy because it can cause health issues for both the mother and the unborn baby. High temperatures in expectant mothers may increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, premature delivery, and stillbirth.
How to Stay Cool During Pregnancy
Expectant mothers must adopt lifestyle changes and self-care practices to keep safe from heat stress. Below are some ways to stay cool and comfortable during hot weather:.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids to replenish your body and keep it hydrated. The American Pregnancy Association recommends eight to ten glasses of water per day during pregnancy.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can increase your body temperature, so stay in the shade or indoors during the hottest parts of the day. If you must be outside, wear a hat, light-colored clothes, and sunscreen to protect your skin from harsh sunlight.
Choose the Right Clothing
Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing made of lightweight fabrics such as cotton and linen. Avoid tight-fitting synthetic materials that trap heat and make you feel uncomfortable.
Maintain a Cool Environment
If you spend most of your day indoors, ensure that your home is cool by using an air conditioner or a fan. Keep the windows open for proper ventilation, especially at night.
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Why Does Heat Affect Pregnant Women?
Avoid Strenuous Activities
Engaging in strenuous activities increases your heart rate and may cause dehydration. Therefore, avoid or limit activities that require strenuous physical exertion, especially during hot weather.
Seek Medical Attention
If you experience any symptoms of heat stress, such as headaches, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
The Effect of Heat on the Unborn Baby
Exposure to high temperatures during pregnancy can cause health complications in the unborn baby. Some studies have shown that high maternal core body temperature can increase the risk of neurological and developmental disorders such as autism and ADHD.
Heat stress during pregnancy can also lead to other problems, including:.
Preterm Labor
Preterm labor is when the baby is delivered before the due date. Exposure to heat during pregnancy can cause premature delivery as the body tries to cool down by releasing the baby prematurely.
Low Birth Weight
Low birth weight is a common problem in premature babies, but it can also occur in full-term babies whose mothers were exposed to heat stress during pregnancy.
Birth Defects
Heat stress during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause severe birth defects, such as anencephaly and spina bifida.
Conclusion
Heat stress during pregnancy is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly. Expectant mothers must take extra care to stay cool and comfortable during hot weather, so as not to expose themselves and their unborn babies to health risks.
The simple lifestyle changes and self-care practices highlighted above can make a significant difference in managing heat stress.
