Sleepless nights. Sweaty top lips. The summer has officially arrived. For how long, who knows? And although we've been praying to all sorts of higher powers for her arrival, now she's here, twenty-something degrees is twenty degrees too hot when you're pregnant.
If you count yourself amongst the hot, tired and quite frankly already-over-summer-crew then give us 5 minutes. We're going to tackle how to soothe your soul, skin and share all an all important safety briefing c/o of our in-house doc.
Ok, let's go.
I know it's hot but I feel really hot - why is that?
Thank your hormones. Yep, those pesky things, along with increased blood flow, can make you feel hotter than your Air Fryer. But, why? To handle the extra blood, your blood vessels dilate slightly, bringing blood closer to the surface of the skin. This causes you to feel warmer, sweat to bead on your upper lip and your new found love of portable fans that until now, you've always scoffed at.
That said, you don't want to just huff and puff your way through and you should be mindful of your core temperature. Health guidelines advise that getting your core body temperature at or over 102°F (39°C) can be too hot for your baby on board, with the highest risks posed in the first 12-weeks of pregnancy.
Is it bad to get hot when pregnant?
Pregnant women are amongst those more likely to become overheated – and 'dehydration and heat exhaustion have risks for both mum and baby,' shares our resident GP Dr Anna Cantlay.
A good rule for knowing when to stay inside is to check the day's forecast. If it’s in the 30s, then be mindful with how long you're outside - if you can plan indoor pitstops, preferably with aircon.
What are the signs that something isn't right?
It's important to know the signs of dehydration and exhaustion before they strike. This could include:
🔆 Dizziness and feeling faint
🔆 Feeling or being sick
🔆 Going pale, sweaty and clammy
🔆 Confusion
🔆 Temperature >38c
🔆 Racing heart and fast breathing
Seek help you have any of these symptoms.
OK, so what can I do to avoid overheating in pregnancy?
Cantlay suggests taking extra precautions to stay cool, including:
🔆 Avoid the heat – stay out of the sun and make adjustments to your activities to keep cool.
🔆 Avoid sunbathing and wear a hat and sunscreen.
🔆 Take luke warm baths and showers to stay cool.
🔆 Stay hydrated. Drink fluids regularly throughout the day.
🔆 Wear loose fitting clothes.
🔆 Invest in a fan.
🔆 Avoid swollen ankles by limiting the time on your feet and elevate your legs when sitting or lying down.
My legs and feet are puffy - is there anything I can do?
According to the Mayo Clinic, massaging the affected area 'toward the heart using firm, but not painful, pressure might help move fluid out of that area.'
Luckily we have a few products to help.
Some women also find compression socks useful, with WMD reporting that stockings that sit below the knee can reduce swelling in the calves, ankles, and feet.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. For The Creators has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.