Pregnancy in summer: how it affects heat

Summer pregnancy involves insecurities in many women. The appear doubts related to temperature changes and the consequences thereof.

In summer, more cases of people suffering from dehydration and known heat stroke. This causes the fears associated to think that it can happen to us to be potentiated.

During all seasons of the year, it is appropriate to apply specific care so that our body adapts better to changes, but even more so during the hottest seasons. For this reason, we explain what they are summer pregnancy care.

Effects of heat on the body

The human body has an internal temperature between 36 and 37.5 ° C. With this temperature our organs have adequate functionality. But the internal temperature can increase by subjecting our body to intense external heat.

In order to eliminate excess internal temperature, the body generates sweat. The increase in respiratory rate and heart rate also favors the expulsion of excess internal heat.

One of the effects when body temperature reaches 39-40 ° C is weakening or fatigue. These appear because a signal is sent to the muscles that do not work so as not to generate more heat. It is at the moment that we reach 41 ºC when the body can stop being active.

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Symptoms of pregnancy in summer

There are some symptoms that occur during pregnancy and that can increase significantly during hot weather. For that reason it is appropriate to know them if you have a pregnancy in summer.

• Tiredness and fatigue. The pregnant woman experiences greater exhaustion due to the effects generated by hormones in the body. The main hormone that generates this effect is progesterone. When there is excessive external heat, this symptom is aggravated.
• The circulatory system with the appearance or aggravation of varicose veins. One of the main changes that the body undergoes during pregnancy is the increase in blood volume. To this is added the dilation of the veins and the pressure suffered by the vena cava due to the size of the uterus. All these changes debut in hindering the venous return and a greater backwater of blood in the legs.
• Dizziness or feeling faint. Changes in the circulatory system also affect how blood flow reaches the different organs. Because of this, there are usually low blood pressure associated with increased blood volume and dilation of blood vessels.
• Dehydration. Pregnant women need more fluids than a person without gestation of the same age. When there is external heat, it is necessary to increase the water intake to avoid overheating.

You can also read: Diet to prevent dehydration

Pregnancy care in summer

All pregnant women know that they must change some behaviors in their daily lives during pregnancy. It is important that you know well Healthy recommendations for this stage.

When a pregnancy occurs in summer, we must pay more attention to the increase in symptomatology. For that reason, they should take more care and pay more attention to perform them correctly, and with the help of professionals in the obstetrics sector.

• Hydration. It is recommended to increase fluid intake during pregnancy. A pregnant woman has water needs greater than 2 liters per day. In addition, adequate daily hydration of the skin with natural oils is recommended.
• Control blood pressure. To avoid hypotension, it is advisable to take blood pressure at different times of the day. In the presence of low tensions it is possible to drink drinks with caffeine or theine that can raise the values.
• Physical activity. During pregnancy, it is advisable to maintain a physical activity that favors blood flow and adequate muscle mobility. To avoid the harmful effects of heat in summer, it is recommended to perform these activities between 8 and 9 hours. Previously, adequate hydration is necessary.
• Cool off in swimming pools, sea or showers. During pregnancy, it is advised to avoid continuous exposure to heat. For this, it is advisable to be in premises with air conditioning or to make continuous baths in waters of swimming pools or sea.
• Avoid sun exposure during high temperature hours. It is preferable to stay in premises with air conditioning or fans that avoid exposure to high external temperatures.