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Doha, Qatar: Most women experience an increase in body temperature during pregnancy and this makes them more sensitive to high temperatures. Because of this they need to take extra precautions to avoid overheating on days of extreme heat, which can make them feel unwell and can affect them more severely than the average adult.
“Several studies have suggested that during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, developing babies can be affected by the heat. Getting hot causes a mother’s blood vessels to narrow as she tries to cool herself down, reducing the amount of blood and nutrients that pass through to her unborn baby,” said Dr Hussein Omran, Consultant Family Medicine, PHCC’s Umm Al Seneem Health Center.
Many women say they feel hotter during pregnancy. But there is limited evidence to suggest pregnant women’s core body temperature is any higher than usual because of pregnancy.
Dr Hussein Omran, Consultant Family Medicine, PHCC’s Umm Al Seneem Health Center.
Yet warmer weather can certainly make pregnant women feel hotter and more uncomfortable. Hot weather can also lead to dehydration, fatigue, heat exhaustion, fainting or even heatstroke. It is, therefore, very important to keep cool when pregnant.
Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, confusion, loss of appetite, feeling ill, heavy sweating, paleness, cramps in the arms, legs, and stomach, rapid breathing or pulse, and a high temperature of 38°C or above, in addition to intense thirst.
“If a person shows signs of heat exhaustion, you should cool the person down and moved out into a cool place in the shade or indoors. Lay the person down and elevate the legs. Have the person sip a good amount of water to hydrate their body. Cool the person by spraying or sponging with cool water and fanning,” noted Dr. Omran.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, he advised pregnant women to avoid overexertion. If a pregnant woman’s body temperature rises above 39.2°C in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, her unborn baby has a slightly increased risk of developing a birth defect.
But this should not be worrying: a pregnant woman’s body temperature would not be so high without a fever or exercising in a very hot and humid climate.
It is therefore best to avoid overexertion, particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy. If there is a sudden heatwave and it is very hot and humid, you will need to take it easy and avoid exercising. That is, until you have got used to the heat, which might take a few days.
Having a cool bath during a heatwave can help you feel less hot. If you are having a bath, the water temperature should not be above 32°C.
If you are going out or exercising in warm weather, take water to stay hydrated. You could also carry a water spray in your bag so you can spray yourself with some cold water to cool off quickly. Another top tip is putting your wrists under cold running water or pouring a little water from your bottle over them.
Avoiding the sun can help prevent melasma also called pregnancy mask. Melasma is a common skin condition in which brown or grayish patches of pigmentation develop. It usually develops on the face. This condition is more common in women, especially during pregnancy. Up to 50% of women may be affected.
One of the most important things to prevent melasma worsening is protecting yourself from UV radiation. You can do this by avoiding the sun, wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you are outside.
It is better to avoid going out in the hottest parts of the day, as well as avoiding trips or shopping when temperatures are at their highest levels. Drink water regularly even if you do not feel thirsty to make sure your body is dehydrated, especially in hot weather.
Dr. Omran also recommended choosing a variety of foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, eating light meals such as salads, and reducing salt and caffeine intake.
