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Everyday Tips for Summer Pregnancies
Summer’s Coming! And That Means Things are Getting
HOT HOT HOT!!!
Flowers are in bloom, days are getting longer, and temperatures are rising, which can mean only one thing in Pittsburgh: summer is just around the corner! While almost everybody is rejoicing about the prospect of warmer weather, the hotter temperatures may mean additional complications for pregnant women. But don’t sweat the outdoor heat; by adhering to the following tips related to summer pregnancies’ everyday, you and your baby will be cool and comfortable. |
Keep Cool
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing. This will allow for quick evaporation of sweat to keep you cooler during the summer months.
- Minimize direct exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day, between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Sit in partial shade if you are going outside, and try to stay indoors if the weather is supposed to be 90° Fahrenheit or more.
- Carry a spray bottle with you and spritz yourself if you are feeling overheated.
- Take quick, cool showers throughout the day.
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| According to Amy L. Temper, MD, of the University of Michigan, “It’s very important when you’re pregnant to regulate your temperature. If your core temperature gets too high, we think there could be fetal damage.” Additionally, take care to avoid heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These illnesses may lead to premature labor contractions and also make your baby’s heart rate increase beyond what is normal. Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion include: pallor, cool, moist skin, profuse sweating, muscle cramps and pains, faintness, dizziness, headache, weakness, thirst, nausea, elevated core temperature (usually over 100°F), and/or increased pulse. More severe, Heat Stroke induces symptoms such as unconsciousness, abnormal mental state (such as dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, or coma), flushed, hot, dry skin, hyperventilation, a slightly elevated blood pressure which may fall later, and a core temperature of over 105°F. At the first sign of any of these symptoms, sit down inside or in a shady area and get a cold glass of water to sip. If you do not start feeling better, call your doctor right away. |
Keep Hydrated
- Drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day (or more if you are exercising)
- Sport drinks are also good thirst quenchers, because they will replenish electrolytes that you lose while sweating
Drink even if you aren’t thirsty, because by that time you are already dehydrated. Signs that you are dehydrated include thirst, dark-colored urine, chills, dry mouth, flushed skin, and fatigue. If not taken care of, dehydration may become severe, resulting in muscle spasms, vomiting, increased heart rate, unconsciousness, and heat stroke. One of the best ways to avoid dehydration is to keep a water bottle with you that you can sip throughout the day.
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Keep Comfortable
- Wear sunscreen! During pregnancy, your hormones make your skin more prone to blotching and burning, so apply an SPF 30 or higher lotion 20 minutes before going outside, and take time to reapply throughout the day.
- Wear flat, slip-on shoes, and put your feet up several times a day to relieve swelling
- Try not to stand for long periods of time, as the additional weight your body is carrying will wear on your joints
- Skin itchiness is a common occurrence during pregnancy and is often made worse by heat. Take oatmeal baths or apply various creams or ointments to relieve itchiness. If you have any questions about what ointments to use, please do not hesitate to ask us here at South Hills OB-GYN
- The sun wears you out, so take naps during the day and you’ll find you have more energy as you go about your daily routine
- Minimize your salt intake to decrease swelling due to water retention
- Talk to your doctor before going on vacation. He will be able to tell you if your travel plans are safe for your pregnancy and will also be able to provide you with a doctor’s note for air travel if one is required by your airline. If you are driving, make sure you take frequent breaks to stretch your legs!
- Don’t be shy about asking your husband, friends, and neighbors for help! Everybody close to you is excited for your new bundle of joy and wants to make your pregnancy as easy as possible
CAUTION: Even though summertime is prime time for mosquitoes, flies, and fleas to pester our neighborhood barbeques, avoid wearing insect repellents. Most bug sprays contain diethylmetatoluamide (DEET), which doctors believe may have harmful effects on the fetus.
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| If you want to learn more about staying cool this summer, the following websites provide additional information about summer pregnancies:
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| Summer Vacation Tips |
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