Hot, sticky weather can be uncomfortable for anyone. But for pregnant women, the summer heat may be particularly risky. That’s because getting too hot or dehydrated can pose a risk of pregnancy complications, experts say. Dehydration “can create a lot of potential problems” for pregnant women, Dehydration “can create a lot of potential problems” for pregnant women, said Dr. Swapna chekuri, Fertility Expert from Hyderabad Women and fertility Centre in Hyderabad. As a general rule, doctors caution pregnant women to avoid being in “any situation where they get too hot.
Dehydration risks:
Women’s bodies undergo a lot of changes in pregnancy, including changes in the way their bodies handle fluids and control their temperature. As a result, they may become dehydrated a little more easily, or may be more likely to show symptoms of dehydration, than they would be if they weren’t pregnant.
Symptoms of dehydration can include dizziness or lightheadedness, which can be risky for pregnant women if these symptoms cause them to fall.
In addition, dehydration causes the brain to produce a hormone called vasopressin (also called antidiuretic hormone), which triggers thirst. But this hormone is similar to oxytocin, the hormone involved in stimulating uterine contractions. As a result, dehydration in the third trimester may trigger intermittent uterine contractions, because vasopressin acts similarly to oxytocin.
For all of these reasons, it’s important that pregnant women stay hydrated. “We know that not a lot of good things will happen if a mother is dehydrated” in pregnancy.
The study found only an association, not a definite cause-and-effect relationship, and did not take into account whether a mother had ways of reducing her exposure to warm temperatures, such as through air conditioning. As such, more studies are needed to confirm the findings.
on hot days, pregnant women should try not to stay in the sun too long and should avoid exposure to direct sunlight by staying in the shade. We recommends that pregnant women drink 10 to 12 glasses of fluids per day.
How to survive in summer while pregnant?
- Avoid direct sunlight. Do outside activity early in the morning or after the sunsets.
- Stay hydrated.
- Dress for the heat.
- Be smart about exercise.
- Spritz water often.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Make healthy food choices.
- Avoid foods that can spoil, Wear Comfortable Clothes.