The heat during the summer can take a massive toll on people’s health. From dehydration to heat rashes to other heat-related illnesses, individuals have to constantly protect themselves from annoying health problems. The situation can be more problematic and serious for pregnant women, who already have so much to deal with.
Having said that, there are measures that can be taken to prevent problems associated with extreme heat. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Pavithra Ramakrishnan, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Apollo Clinic, Velachery, Chennai, shares some useful tips for expecting mothers.
Also Read: Heat-Related Illnesses To Watch Out For; Precautions To Take
Are Pregnant Women More At Risk Of Heat Exhaustion?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are more likely to develop heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or other heat-related illnesses sooner than nonpregnant women.
"This is because their bodies must work harder to cool down both the pregnant woman’s body and the developing baby," the health body explains.
In addition, pregnant women are also more prone to dehydration, which can lead to symptoms such as increased thirst, dry mouth, increased heart rate, little to no urination, fever, irritability, and diarrhoea.
How Heatwaves Impact Pregnancy
“Warmer weather can certainly make pregnant women feel hotter and more uncomfortable,” Dr Ramakrishnan says, adding that hot weather can also lead to dehydration, fatigue, heat exhaustion, fainting, or even heat stroke.
She notes that if a pregnant woman’s body temperature rises above 39.2°C in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the baby may have a slightly increased risk of having a birth defect.
In some cases, increased internal temperature and fever during pregnancy have been linked to birth defects and other pregnancy complications, according to the CDC.
In fact, a 2020 review published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) suggested that women exposed to higher temperatures were more likely to have preterm births and stillbirths.
Researchers found that for every degree Celsius rise in temperature, the chance of a preterm birth went up by 5%, and this risk grew to 16% during heatwaves.
The risk of stillbirth also rose slightly with higher temperatures, as the study noted.
Also Read: Warning Signs Of Heat Stroke You Should Know Amid Rising Temperatures, Ways To Prevent It
Precautions To Take
Sharing a few strategies to prevent and reduce the effects of heatwaves on pregnant women, Dr Ramakrishnan lists:
- Wear loose-fitting cotton-based garments.
- Avoid travelling or walking in the scorching sun.
- Carry a white umbrella and wear light clothes if you have to go out.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, tender coconut water, fresh juice, seasonal fruits, buttermilk, and yoghurt.
- Balance your electrolytes.
- Avoid high-calorie food.
Conclusion
Heatwaves are unpredictable and sometimes inevitable. While anyone can be affected by it, pregnant women seem to be more at risk. It is important that pregnant women avoid going out during high temperatures. Keeping the body cool and hydrated is extremely important, and wearing loose-fitting comforting clothes can also regulate body heat and temperature. Most importantly, consult with your doctor and go for regular checkups to stay updated about your pregnancy and any mild hiccups.