728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Comfort in Pregnancy › A Bun in the Oven

A Bun in the Oven

Beating the Heat During a Summer Pregnancy

By Carma Haley Shoemaker

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Ask any woman who has been pregnant during those hot summer months, and you'll hear about how miserable it truly can be. However, it is very important that pregnant women stay cool in the summer months, as overheating – a medical condition called hyperthermia – is thought to lead to many other complications of pregnancy. But it is very easy for moms-to-be to overheat without realizing it. Whether they are working out, walking the dog or working in the garden, pregnant women need to take precautions to keep their cool.

The Risks of Overheating
According to Amber Ceccarelli, RN, BSN, CCM, a case management supervisor for CIGNA HealthCare in Arizona, expectant mothers should do all they can to stay cool, as heat can lead to various medical problems, both for her and her unborn baby.

This is especially true when taking part in outdoor activities or when exercising. "When a pregnant woman is exposed to summer weather conditions, her chances of becoming dehydrated are increased," says Ceccarelli. "The body requires additional fluids during pregnancy, and when the body is deprived of the fluids it needs, medical issues surface. Dehydration can cause contractions, which in turn can cause the premature delivery of the baby. This occurs because when an expectant mom – or anyone for that matter – is dehydrated, she loses part of her blood volume, which increases the concentration of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for contractions."

When a pregnant woman becomes overheated, she has increased risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and increased swelling of the extremities. However, as the baby's temperature is always 1 degree Celsius higher than Mom's and Baby does not have the ability to sweat, the risk to the baby increases as Mom's temperature goes up.

"Hyperthermia has been linked to certain birth defects including heart problems, abdominal wall defects and problems with the development of the nervous system," Ceccarelli says. "Dehydration can cause contractions that lead to a premature delivery. And, as Baby's temperature is higher than the Mom's, there is always a concern that the baby can overheat. In addition, avoiding fetal heat stress is important during the first trimester, as it is considered the critical period in the development of major body systems, such as the spinal cord."

Cause for Concern

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Want to see more?

Comments

There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to add a comment.

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.