When you are pregnant, it is very important that you avoid becoming overheated, for many different reasons-the most important reason of all is because heat can damage the development of your fetus. Since women are pregnant for an average of about forty weeks in a year, they will most likely experience part of their pregnancy during the hot months of summer-this is a time when you need to be extra careful to avoid overheating your body.
While all pregnant women should drink plenty of water, get adequate rest and avoid unnecessary exertion, these precautions become even more important in the hotter months, specifically June, July, and August. If you are expecting during these times, you need to make sure that you are not spending too much time in the sun, and in other hot areas-the consequences can be disastrous.
One of the most important things you can do is to talk to your doctor about their concern and recommendations during this time. If you have any questions about what is safe, it is always better to ask your doctor, rather than make a guess on your own.
If you are not careful to avoid prolonged sun exposure, infrared heat lamps, and other heating devices, you could develop heat rash, which affects many pregnant women every year. A pregnant woman's elevated basal temperature combined with the added friction of a larger body is the perfect recipe for this dangerous rash.
If you are unfortunate enough to develop this problem on your skin, it is a good idea to try to keep the affected area free from the friction of clothing. This will allow it to heal more quickly, while keeping your more comfortable.
Oatmeal baths and a light dusting of baking soda over the rash are natural remedies that also bring relief. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any kind of pain relieving medication, or before using medicated ointments-you can never be too safe when you are expecting.
Dehydration is another very serious and dangerous symptom of becoming too hot when expecting. Dehydration occurs when the body does not have enough water.
Symptoms include thirst, dry mouth, loss of appetite, skin flushing, chills, and fatigue-all of these can be harmful to both you and your fetus. In serious cases, the body goes into shock, which is very detrimental to your health.
Dehydration is more likely to occur in the summer months as the body sweats more. Women you are expecting are more susceptible because their bodies have more of a demand for water, both for their hydration, and for their little one.
To cautiously avoid this problem, it is advised that you should drink forty eight to sixty four ounces of water every day-if you are going to be active or out in the heat, you will need to drink even more than this to be safe. Be sure to avoid drinking caffeine, as this naturally dehydrates the body, and causes negative effects.
Heat-induced cramps are another negative effect that can occur when in the sun for too long. These cramps are a relatively minor side effect of excessive warmth that should nonetheless be taken seriously, as they may lead to a more serious condition.
When you sweat and perspire, you lose electrolytes through your sweat-this can cause the muscles to begin to cramp. If you begin to experience these cramps, take this as an indication that you need to slow down, cool off, take a long drink of cold water, and work to replace vitamins and electrolytes that you have lots.
If these cramps go ignored, they may lead to heat exhaustion, a potentially life-threatening condition for both mother and baby. To know if you are experiencing these issues, be careful to observe any headaches, high blood pressure, or dizziness.
If you begin to have these symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor right away, and seek treatment if necessary. This could end up keep you and your little one safe from harm.
If you previously enjoyed sleeping with an electric blanket, it may be a good idea to put it away now that you are expecting. Becoming too warm during the night can be just as harmful as laying out in the sun for too long.
If you allow any of these problems to occur due to hot weather, your fetus will be much more susceptible to birth defects, especially during the first three months. If you are careful to avoid too much heat and stay cool, you will be able to deliver a happy and healthy baby without any problems.
Author Resource:-
Terry Daniels is a former electrical engineer and has written hundreds of articles relating to air conditioning and heating, including electric heater. He has been involved in the air conditioning and heating business for over 16 years.
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