Summers are usually hot, but 2023 seems to want to burn us alive. It should come as no surprise to you that this poses a significant danger to pregnant mothers and their babies.
Even though the heat feels like it’ll turn your freezer into a hot tub, there’s a lot you can do to keep yourself and your baby safe from harm.
The importance of hydration
Staying hydrated is necessary for anyone, but quintessential for you as an expecting mother, because while you may have the willpower to deal with constant thirst, your baby will not.
Dehydration is when your body is losing more water than it’s taking in. The most notable problem that would follow dehydration is the reduction of blood flow in your body, one of the key requirements for your baby’s development. But it would also mean that your body does not have the liquid necessary to combat other complications like heat cramps and even heatstroke.
We can call this: heat exhaustion.
Global warming and why it matters
Today, more than ever before, global warming and climate change has become a hot topic to talk about (no pun intended). The media loves to talk about rising sea levels and greenhouse gases, but what goes unsaid is the toll it has on pregnant mothers.
The recent heatwave is a prime example of the kind of temperatures we may have to deal with in the future, and while everyone should do their part to mitigate global warming, it is necessary to prepare for the worst and adapt our lifestyles against heat exhaustion.
On the list of steps to take, the top spot goes to . . .
Understanding the signs and dangers of heat exhaustion
“Pregnancy and hot weather aren’t a good combination,” said Dr Aruna Kumari to the Hindustan Times. According to her, the symptoms of heat exhaustion are sometimes indiscernible from the reactions women normally have to pregnancy.
The most noteworthy signs that you’re dehydrating or experiencing complications from the heat are:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Cool, moist skin with goosebumps
- Heavy sweating
- Weak or rapid pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Headache
- Nausea
- High body temperature (40oC or more)
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Fast breathing
Experiencing these during a hot period like summer could indicate that you’re experiencing heat exhaustion.
Dehydration, heat strokes and heat cramps are all effects of heat exhaustion and can lead to more serious complications like the risk of early labour or brain, heart, kidney and muscle damage.
How do we contend with it?
There are many simple changes we can make to better handle the risk of heat exhaustion. Of course the first one is the most obvious: drink lots of water and juices loaded with vitamin-C.
Moisturising your skin, wearing sunscreen while outside and taking frequent showers to lower your body temperature are other easy steps you can take to prevent heat exhaustion. Applying a cold compress to your palms and soles can help too. And don’t go outside during the noon hours when the sun is at its hottest.
Here’s a bunch of stuff to avoid: heavy clothes and high-temperature environments like saunas and hot-tubs trap the heat inside your body, and heavy food requires more energy to digest. These will greatly elevate the risk of you ending up with some form of heat exhaustion.
And make sure to check if your urine has a dark colour, since this usually means you’re low on fluids.
Conclusion
It goes without saying that heat is dangerous, especially during the summer and especially for pregnant mothers. But there’s no need to worry, since as long as you’re keeping yourself cool and hydrated, you shouldn’t face any complications. But if you do experience any of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, it’s advisable to consult a doctor for advice and treatment.
