If you are someone who is already pregnant or will be pregnant during summertime, you are at the right place. It is not a well-known fact, but women tend to experience changes in their body temperature while pregnant, which might be pretty unpleasant if the body heat spikes and it is a hundred degrees outside. 

Clinics such as My OBGYN Specialists are there for their pregnant patients to help them deal with many challenges, and how to stay hydrated while pregnant is a very common one. Although a miraculous experience, pregnancy can be tedious, uncomfortable, and exhausting for women, so making slight changes might benefit the patient significantly. 

Being pregnant during summer has its perks because you get to wear loose clothes and dresses, eat fresh fruit and salads and drink different flavored mocktails. However, when the body temperature rises, you need to be prepared and ready to endure that change and still feel comfortable and calm. 

What Happens to the Body Temperature While Pregnant?

It is not a rule of thumb, but a significant number of pregnant women go through temperature spikes during their pregnancy, especially in the summertime. The amount of blood in their bodies increases, and this might make the person feel a bit warmer than usual. Also, the changes in hormones and heat can be created by the baby and can cause hot flashes, so you can start noticing symptoms of overheating while pregnant. 

The basal temperature of the body gets higher than usual, and the heartbeat rates rise, so the person is a lot more sensitive to overheating. Being pregnant also entails that the body is more susceptible to dehydration, lower blood pressure, and dizziness, so when it is warm outside, a lot of body fluids are lost, which might cause you to feel bad and low on energy. 

Pregnant Woman in Lotus Pose Doing Meditation or Breathing Exercises for Healthy Pregnancy and Preparing Body for Childbirth

Signs of Overheating While Pregnant 

If you go out for a stroll in the summertime while pregnant and you start feeling dizzy, thirsty, and weary, make sure you check if you are facing any of the following symptoms of overheating while pregnant:

  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Cool sensation on the skin followed by goosebumps
  • Fainting sensation 
  • Heavy sweating 
  • Cramps in the muscles
  • Weak pulse or very fast pulse
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting 
  • Headache 
  • Confusion 
  • Body temperature of over 104 degrees 
  • Fast breathing 
  • Confusing speech 

If any of the above signs of overheating while pregnant start to occur, you need to call your chosen medical provider. In the continuation of this article, we will offer some strategies for preventing heat strokes while pregnant. Still, you need to be very careful and gentle with yourself when you are pregnant and summertime comes. 

Consequences of Heat Exposure During Pregnancy

Experts say that four main issues can occur when pregnant women are exposed for too long to high heat, and they include:

  • Heat cramps are not very dangerous but are highly uncomfortable and can happen in the calves, stomach, and arms. They can intensify if the person does not drink enough fluids and does not take electrolytes. 
  • Dehydration occurs when the body loses a lot more fluid than it takes in. In this case, the body cannot function fully, and the blood flow in the placenta might be decreased. Dehydration might cause early labor, so it is highly important to drink enough water.
  • Heat exhaustion occurs during very hot weather, when the humidity is high, or when the person is engaging in intense physical activity. Symptoms include muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. 
  • Heat stroke is the most dangerous consequence of heat exposure, and it can occur when the body temperature is over 104 degrees. The stroke can be problematic for both the woman and the child because it might lead to damage in the area of the heart, brain, kidneys, and muscles. 

Pregnant Yoga Woman Drinking Water From a Bottle, in the Lotus Position

Prevention Strategies 

It’s essential to take precautions during your pregnancy to prevent heat exhaustion and heat strokes, as pregnant women are more susceptible to these conditions. Here are some tips and strategies to help you stay cool and safe:

  • Stay hydrated: The question of how to stay hydrated while pregnant is a very common one in these situations. Drink plenty of fluids during the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Dehydration increases the risk of heat-related illnesses. Buy a water bottle and drink water frequently.
  • Wear appropriate clothing: Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and breathable clothing. Opt for light colors that reflect sunlight rather than absorb it. Choose fabrics such as cotton that allow air to circulate and help to keep you cool.
  • Stay indoors during peak heat hours: Avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you must go outside, try to limit your time and find shaded areas. Plan outdoor activities for the cooler mornings or evenings.
  • Use air conditioning or fans: Keep your living space cool by using air conditioning or fans. If you do not have air conditioning at home, visit public places that are air-conditioned, such as malls or libraries, to cool off. Do not over-expose yourself to air conditioning because it might negatively affect your health. 
  • Take cool baths and/or showers: Spending some time in the shower or in the bathtub can go a long way in lowering body temperature, and it can also give some relief from the scorching heat. You can also use a damp cloth or cooled spray mist on your face or neck to cool down.
  • Avoid intense physical activities: Reduce physical activities and avoid activities that can lead to overheating. If you need to exercise, wear breathable clothing, and drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercising. Do stretching, yoga, or swimming rather than strenuous exercises in the gym or outside.
  • Check your urine: If your urine is dark, that means that your fluid levels are low, so it is time to have a sip! 
  • Use sunscreen: Regularly use high SPF (at least 50) regularly to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Wear sunglasses and a hat, and use an umbrella for added shade when outdoors.
  • Pay attention to your body: Be mindful of any signs of overheating or fatigue. If you start feeling dizzy, lightheaded, nauseous, or overly tired, find a cool place to rest and hydrate yourself.
  • Ask your doctor for help: If you experience symptoms like a headache, rapid heartbeat, fainting, confusion, or a high body temperature, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which require prompt medical care.

It is advised to consult with your healthcare provider for some personalized advice based on your specific pregnancy and medical history. They can provide additional guidance on staying safe in hot weather conditions.

Contact Us!

If you still have not spoken to a specialist and want to have a more detailed plan for cooling off while pregnant, call our center, and our specialists will gladly help you. We are here!