How Pregnant Women Can Prevent Heat Stroke To Keep Themselves & Their Unborn Child Safe

As May is about to begin, people in North India are bracing up for the heat wave. Cities like New Delhi have already experienced a short wave of heat and have started taking precautions to avoid heat stroke.

While a heat stroke is not good news for anyone, it is particularly difficult for pregnant women to deal with. Along with managing cravings, mood swings and physical and emotional changes, the expecting women must also take special care of themselves in the summer season.

Though you need to be exposed to the sun in order to soak in some vitamin D, you have to moderate the amount of exposure. Dr Aruna Kumari, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in Bengaluru, said a pregnant woman’s body can deploy some natural defence mechanisms when the temperature rises.

For example, the sweat glands secrete water on the surface of the skin. When that evaporates, the temperature near blood vessels decreases. Sweating allows cool blood to circulate through the body, which brings down overall temperature.

What many people do not know is that extreme heat can put an unborn baby’s health at risk. She quoted a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, which reported that high temperatures due to climate change could lead to an increase in the number of congenital heart defects in the US.

Risks Of Exposure To Heat During Pregnancy

Dr Kumari mentioned four major concerns for pregnant women during the summer

Dehydration

Dehydration is when the body loses more water than it takes. It can be triggered by not drinking enough water or carrying out intense workouts. In such a case placenta perfusion (transmission of oxygen and nutrition to the foetus) can be interrupted, resulting in hindrance in the blood flow to the unborn baby.

It can also increase uterine activity, which can lead to early labour or false labour pains. Therefore, pregnant women need to ensure they drink enough water.

Heat Cramps

Of all the effects, heat cramps are less dangerous, yet one must not take them lightly. However, these spasms can occur if you exercise during hot weather. Heat cramps can affect the arms, calves and stomach. It can get worse if the expecting woman is dehydrated or experiencing electrolyte deficiency.

Heat Stroke

Prolonged exposure to the sun and heat stroke is one of the biggest risks pregnant women must avoid at all costs. It is a severe illness related to heat that can occur when the temperature crosses the 40°C mark. It is dangerous for the expecting woman as well as the foetus. It can lead to damage to the heart, muscles, kidneys and brain of the mother and the baby.

Heat Exhaustion

Hot weather, vigorous physical activity and high humidity can cause heat exhaustion in a pregnant woman. It can lead to heat stroke. The issue is that it is tricky to diagnose because expecting women experience muscle cramps, fatigue and nausea quite often.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke And Exhaustion During Pregnancy

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Cool, moist skin with goosebumps
• Heavy sweating
• Weak or rapid pulse
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• High body temperature
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Racing heart
• Fast breathing

How Pregnant Women Can Beat Heat Stroke And Exhaustion

Dr Kumari suggested pregnant women always check the forecast of the day before stepping out of the house. One has to ensure their health as well as of the baby during the summer season.

Moisturise

Much like the body, your skin also needs hydration. Therefore, apply plenty of lotion and wear sunscreen before you step out in the sun.

Hydrate

Dr Kumari suggested pregnant women always stay hydrated. You can drink juices and water. Consuming fresh fruits rich in citrus can help with hydration and load the body with vitamin C.

Frequent Showers

To cool down the body’s temperature, pregnant women can opt for frequent showers a couple of times a day.

Skip Midday Sun

The doctor suggested expecting women to stay indoors from 10.00 AM to 2.00 PM. You must only step out when the weather outside begins to cool off a bit.

Avoid Heavy Food

You should prefer light meals comprising fruits and vegetables. The food must be able to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the body.

Skip Saunas And Hot Tubs

Soaking in hot tubs or saunas can result in dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Humidity and high temperature in these settings can affect a pregnant woman adversely.

Opt For Morning Or Evening Workouts

Dr Kumari suggested pregnant women must opt for early morning and evening workout sessions. You should also perform lightweight exercises.

Relax

If you are anxious about your pregnancy, you should take plenty of rest in cosy and cool spaces.

Check Urine

If you witness dark-coloured urine, it is an indication of dehydration. Therefore, you should increase your fluid intake.

Wear Light Clothing

Dr Kumari advised pregnant women to wear light cotton clothes in the summer season. They allow the skin to breathe, help to keep the body temperature in check and elevate the comfort quotient. Layering is another way expecting women can opt for.