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Ask any woman who has been pregnant during the dog days of summer and they'll agree as the
mercury rises, so does your discomfort level. So, what can moms- to- be do for relief? Well, we have some summer pregnancy survival tips to help you stay cool and comfortable.
But first, it's important to point out hot weather conditions increases the risk of becoming dehydrated.
During pregnancy, the body needs additional fluids and when the body is deprived from the fluids it need medical problems can arises. For instance, dehydration can cause contractions, which in turn can lead to a premature delivery of the baby. And it is very easy for moms-to-be to overheat without realizing it. Overheating - is also known as the medical condition called hyperthermia. This heat related illness has been linked to certain birth defects including heart problems, abdominal wall defects and problems with the development of the nervous system.
To protect yourself this summer, know the signs and symptoms of these heat illnesses.
They include: dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps and/or an increase of
body temp, while outdoors in the summer if any of these symptoms exist, get into a cool environment, sit down and drink cool fluids.
But the best advice is prevention-here are some summertime tips to help moms-to-be beat the heat.
Run errands and do other outdoor tasks in the morning or evening when it's cooler. Stay indoors in
the shade or air conditioning when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Listen to your local weather forecast for air quality warnings that might make it uncomfortable or difficult for you to breathe on certain days. Limit your activity on those days. Wear light-colored cotton clothing that reflects sunlight. Stick to wearing natural fabrics. Cotton or linen allow quick evaporation of moisture and let your skin breathe.
Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Minimize your exposure to direct sunlight between 10:00
AM and 4:00 PM. Always sit in at least partial shade to keep from overheating. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before venturing into the sun to prevent sunburn. Pregnant skin tends to be more prone to burning and blotching in the sun due to hormonal influences. Take quick showers frequently to keep cool. Carry a spray bottle of water and spritz yourself if you feel uncomfortably hot. Put your feet up often to alleviate swelling and improve circulation. Minimize salt intake to decrease swelling due to water retention.
Last tip, don't be afraid to ask for help if you're too tired to cook, clean, or run errands. As your
pregnancy progresses and the temperatures rise, you might be too exhausted to keep up with your usual routine. Follow these tips and your summer pregnancy will go as smoothly as a summer breeze. |
