High outdoor temperatures, fever, hot tubs, and saunas can all cause overheating during pregnancy. Exposure to extreme heat may increase the risk of preterm birth, birth defects, and low birth weight, so it’s crucial to take steps to avoid overheating. To stay cool, avoid exercising during the hottest parts of the day, drink plenty of fluids, wear light-colored clothing, and seek out air-conditioned spaces.
Why am I feeling hot during pregnancy?
Feeling hot during pregnancy is common, regardless of the outside temperature. Several factors contribute to this:
- Increased Weight: Carrying extra weight due to the baby.
- Cardiovascular Effort: Your heart is working harder to support your developing child.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts can affect your body’s temperature regulation.
- Increased Blood Circulation: More blood is circulating to carry nutrients to your baby, making your skin feel warmer.
These natural changes are typically not a cause for concern. However, certain activities and environmental heat can raise your body temperature further, which can sometimes be dangerous for you and your baby. Exercising in the heat, spending time in a hot environment, sitting in a hot bath, and illness can all cause your body temperature to rise to unhealthy levels.
Sadly, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves, which are especially dangerous for pregnant women. This problem is exacerbated when extreme temperatures are accompanied by power outages, making it difficult to keep cool.
It’s crucial to protect yourself from overheating during pregnancy. Learn the signs of overheating and how to stay safe.
Signs of Overheating While Pregnant
You may be overheating if you experience the following symptoms:
- Warm or cold, pale, and clammy skin
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Passing out
- Fatigue
- Heavy sweating
- Body temperature above 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit
If you suspect you’re overheating, move to a cooler place. Drink plenty of water, wear loose clothing, and try applying wet clothes to your skin or sitting in a bathtub filled with cool water. Seek medical treatment immediately if symptoms worsen or persist longer than an hour.
Risks of Overheating in the First Trimester
Overheating during the first trimester of pregnancy can potentially harm your baby’s development. Babies whose mothers experienced elevated temperatures during the initial weeks of pregnancy face an increased risk of heart problems and neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, which affect the brain and spinal cord.
Exposure to extreme heat early in pregnancy may also elevate the risk of miscarriage and preterm birth. According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, women exposed to extreme heat waves during the first seven weeks of pregnancy had an 11 percent higher likelihood of experiencing early labor.
It’s not just hot weather that poses a risk to your pregnancy and baby during the first trimester. Physicians advise against using hot tubs, saunas, and very hot baths in early pregnancy, especially for extended periods, as these activities can raise your body temperature significantly.
Similarly, a high fever can elevate your body temperature and should be managed with medication (such as acetaminophen). Contact your doctor or midwife immediately if you develop a fever during pregnancy.
Effects of Overheating During Pregnancy
Given that your body is already working tirelessly to ensure the health of both you and your baby, it struggles more to maintain a cool temperature in extreme heat.
Moreover, pregnancy increases the likelihood of dehydration, making it difficult for you to sweat and regulate your body temperature effectively.
In the most severe cases, overheating during pregnancy could lead to significant health complications. Research indicates that overheating is associated with an increased risk of:
- Birth defects
- Preterm birth
- Stillbirth
- Low birth weight
Dehydration resulting from overheating can also trigger Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor pains) and cause dizziness or fainting. Fainting carries the risk of falls, which could lead to injury or concussion.
How to Keep Cool During Pregnancy
Here are some recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help prevent overheating, especially during hot weather:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids, preferably non-caffeinated and non-sugar-sweetened beverages.
- Opt for loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to allow for better air circulation and heat dissipation.
- Avoid exercising outdoors in extremely hot or humid conditions. If you must exercise outside, steer clear of the hottest hours of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- If outdoor exercise is not feasible due to the heat, consider working out in a temperature-controlled environment indoors.
- Take regular breaks in shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces, particularly if you work in a hot environment.
- Utilize air conditioning whenever possible. If you lack air conditioning at home, seek refuge in places that have it, such as cooling centers, malls, or libraries. Electric fans can also be helpful if the temperature is below 95°F (fans are less effective at higher temperatures).
- Cool off by taking a refreshing shower or bath.
- Consume light, cold foods like salads and fruits, which are easy to digest and don’t require cooking. Minimize stove usage to avoid heating up your living space.
- Stay informed about health advisories and updates by checking local news sources regularly.
