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.

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.

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