Summer Pregnancy: How to Beat the Heat and Stay Safe
posted by OB/GYN | August 1, 2017
Heat and humidity can be unpleasant for anyone, but they can take an even greater toll on soon-to-be moms. Here’s a look at several areas that can cause problems for pregnant women in the summer, and how you can go about proactively preventing and managing these sorts of issues during a summer pregnancy.
During pregnancy, body temperature is naturally a bit higher than normal. This makes increased outside temperatures feel even more overwhelming, and many pregnant women will have heat intolerance. A few tips to ward off heat intolerance include:
Here are a few general tips for staying cool during the summer:
Another common issue women experience during pregnancy is leg swelling, or physiologic edema. This is a particular risk if the second half of pregnancy takes place during the summer months. Here’s what you can do to combat leg swelling:
If you do experience leg swelling, you should not:
A pregnant woman’s skin is more susceptible to sun damage. Here are a few areas to be aware of:
For more on coping with the heat of summer during pregnancy, speak to your doctor for recommendations.
“Pregnant This Summer? Beat the Heat.” WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/summer-pregnancy#1
“Summer Pregnancy Survival Guide.” Parents.com. http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/pampering/summer-pregnancy-survival-guide/
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health.