The official start of summer is June 21, and for pregnant women, the heat can feel especially intense since pregnancy naturally raises body temperature. Pregnant women are more likely to suffer from heat-related illnesses, such as dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion than non-pregnant women. In some cases, extremely hot conditions have been linked to pregnancy complications and fetal risks.
Whether you’re in your first trimester or nearing your due date, managing the heat can be a real challenge. Taking simple steps to stay cool, hydrated, and informed can help you remain comfortable and safe during the hottest days.
Stay Cool
- Stay in the shade as much as possible and take breaks when you can.
- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.
- Stay in air-conditioned environments when possible.
- Limit outdoor activities or schedule around the coolest hours of the day.
- Wear sunscreen.
Stay Hydrated
- Carry a water bottle that you refill and drink from throughout the day. It is recommended to drink 60 to 80 ounces of water per day, with 8 to 16 of those ounces being shortly after waking up.
- Avoid sodas, juices, and other drinks high in sugars, sodium, and caffeine; they can increase the risk of dehydration.
- Hot and heavy meals add heat to the body. Instead, eat foods that are high in water such as lettuce, grapes, melon, citrus, cucumbers, etc.
- Observing urine color is a great way to assess hydration. Urine should have a light color that resembles lemonade rather than apple juice.
Stay Informed and Connected
- Be aware of excessive heat warnings in your area. Heat can also make air quality worse, which can worsen your symptoms.
- Local news and weather apps are good resources for heat alerts, air quality index alerts, and safety updates.
- Check your local area for heat relief shelters.
- Have conversations with your physician for personalized heat-safety recommendations.
- Learn how to spot heat-related illnesses.
Learn the Symptoms and Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses
Knowing what to look for and what to do can make a huge difference in keeping pregnant women safe and cool during excessive heat conditions.
- Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headaches, fainting, clammy skin, muscle cramps, and a fast weak pulse are signs of heat exhaustion. Sip water, apply cold cloths, and seek medical attention if symptoms last longer than one hour or vomiting occurs.
- Heat cramps are intense muscle spasms caused by dehydration, exercise, and electrolyte loss. Drink water, stop physical activity, and replenish electrolytes. Seek medical attention if cramps persist.
- Look out for high body temperatures, such as temperatures higher than 100℉.
- Nausea, loss of consciousness, headache, confusion, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a fast strong pulse all point towards heat stroke.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency; call 911 if signs of heat stroke are present. Move to a cooler place while waiting on medics and apply cold cloths or ice packs. Do not drink water.
For more information, visit the CDC website and talk with your OB-GYN about the best ways to stay cool during the summer months. Visit womans.org/physician-directory to find a provider visit.