How does hot weather affect pregnancy?
9 August 2024 | Questions and answersIn Europe, climate change is raising temperatures faster than in any other region of the world, posing risks to groups such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Depending on the frequency, intensity and duration of the heat, pregnant women and their babies can also be affected, particularly if they are socioeconomically vulnerable. How can pregnant women look after themselves during hot weather?
Babies in the womb don’t feel the heat as such, but they do respond to changes in your body, so they certainly need you to hydrate and keep as cool as possible. In extremely high temperatures, you can consider reducing work hours or travel time, spending time in air-conditioned places to cool down and always drinking 2–3 litres of water a day, a little more in the heat. Consider carrying cloths which can be rinsed in water and used to cool you down.
It’s important to contact your midwife or pregnancy care provider whenever you feel your baby is moving less than normal for them. This is true during a heat wave and at any other time. That’s because if their movements slow down, they are signalling something to you.
Cooling off in the water is a lovely and safe way to look after yourself and your baby in the heat! Just make sure you wear sunscreen and a hat, or find a shady spot, if possible, to avoid burning and minimize the chance of melasma (darker/discoloured patches, most likely on the face, affecting up to 50% of pregnant women) developing on the skin.
Activity will vary from person to person, and that’s ok. You will know what feels right for you. Walking at the beginning or end of the day when the temperature may be lower is a good way of remaining active. If you have access to a cooler space, even some simple pregnancy stretches can help to get the blood flowing, energize you and help you to sleep better. Drinking water will also help to combat fatigue and the biggest fundamental risk of heat exposure – dehydration.
Yes and no. Babies are incredibly good at finding their way through the pelvis and into your arms – and women are incredibly good at birthing babies with instinctive positions to help their babies out. It is also true that balancing your posture in pregnancy, movement, walking and stretching will all help to support a more straightforward birth by aligning the body and building overall cardiovascular health.