There is a heatwave about to land on our shores, and while we can appreciate some warmer-than-average summer weather, I think most of us feel like temperatures in the close to +30 degrees range is a tad much.
And while the extra hot weather can be exhausting for all of us, it is no doubt especially so to pregnant mums, who are being warned to take particular care as the heatwave hits.
Pregnant in the heatwave
But while feeling uncomfortable in the heat is one thing, experts are keen to warn expectant mums there can also be real health risks pregnant mums need to be aware of when the mercury is rising.
Speaking to The Huffington Post, Clarissa Battaglino, founder and head of midwifery at The Motherhood Practice and an advisor to Carea, explained:
‘Pregnant women are more vulnerable to heat-related illness because pregnancy naturally increases metabolic demands, blood volume, heart rate, and core body temperature.’
She added:
‘During the third trimester, these physiological changes are even more pronounced, making it harder for the body to regulate temperature effectively.’
Battaglino says it is most important to just take it easy, and make sure you drink plenty of water and other cool drinks when you are pregnant in an actual heatwave.
The midwife warned that the greatest immediate risks to pregnant women in the heat are indeed dehydation, as well as dizziness, fainting, headaches and even a drop in blood pressure.
‘Dehydration can also contribute to Braxton Hicks contractions and, in some cases, may increase the likelihood of preterm contractions,; she added.
‘For women with underlying conditions such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, or cardiac conditions, extreme heat can place additional strain on the body.’
The warning sign to never ignore during a heatwave
The midwife said a common misconception is that feeling less foetal movements is ‘normal’ in hot weather.
‘Any reduction in a baby’s usual pattern of movement should be assessed promptly, regardless of the temperature.’
And so Battaglino warned that if pregnant women experience any of the below symptoms, they should reach out to their midwifery team or GP immediately.
The symptoms to be on the lookout for includes:
- Dizziness that lasts
- Fainting
- Severe headaches
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling unusually weak
- Racing heart
- Very dark urine or not passing urine as often
- Reduced foetal movements
- Vaginal bleeding
- Visual disturbances
- Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet
- Pain beneath the ribs
