Heat waves can have a negative impact on pregnant women. How hot weather affects pregnancy? Two expectant mothers ask a midwife questions Health
Temperatures in Europe are rising faster than in any other region of the world due to climate change, putting groups such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases at risk. Depending on the frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves, pregnant women may suffer from them. Heat waves can also affect the health of the fetus.
Nicolette Mitala and Orsolya Heim, or Niki and Orsi, are cousins who live in Budapest, Hungary. They are both 29 years old and are currently in their second trimester of pregnancy. The sweltering heat in Hungary this summer has affected them differently. While Orsi has only suffered from a little nausea and fatigue, her cousin Niki has been having a much harder time with the heat.
Pregnancy is a special time for women, associated with joy and anticipation, but it is also associated with anxiety and uncertainty. Sisters Orsi and Niki share their experiences and ask questions about the effects of the heat on expectant mothers.
How to cope with the heat
Niki and Orsi meet in one of Budapest’s parks, where there are many places to relax in the shade. Although it is still early, the temperature has already reached 29 degrees Celsius. The day before, the temperature rose to almost 40 degrees with high humidity.
“I prefer winter and suffer greatly from the heat. Although I didn’t feel any worse after getting pregnant, I have a number of new rules that I try to follow. I always carry a bottle of water and a fan with me, and I try not to go to swimming pools when there are too many people there,” says Orsi.
In contrast, Niki has always loved summer. However, when she became pregnant, she developed hypertension and swelling, which is why she can no longer wear a wedding ring, shoes, or sandals. In addition, she often experiences nosebleeds due to the increased blood volume that is typical of pregnancy. The heat has made these symptoms even more difficult to cope with.
Despite all these problems, she maintains a positive attitude: “My pregnancy is difficult, but I am not worried because I can always count on the help of the doctor and the local nurse. According to all the examinations and tests, my daughter is fine, and that is the most important thing for me.”
Doctors have advised the cousins to lead a physically active lifestyle during pregnancy, but the hot weather often prevents them from going outside. As a physiotherapist by profession, Orsi helps Niki do exercises indoors by contacting her online. Luckily, they have air conditioning at home and work.
Orsi and Nika’s Questions About Pregnancy in the Summer
Both expectant mothers say they are constantly bombarded with a huge amount of pregnancy information on the Internet, which often causes anxiety and confusion. As the due date approaches, they prefer to seek advice from doctors or midwives.
Registered midwife Kate Greenstock from the UK answers some of the questions they have about pregnancy and the heat.
Q: Do our babies feel the heat outside??
Answer: Babies in the womb don’t feel the heat as such, but they do respond to changes in your body, so of course they need you to keep them hydrated and avoid overheating. In very hot temperatures, you can shorten your workday or commute, spend more time in air-conditioned spaces to cool down, and drink 2-3 litres of water a day – you’ll need to drink a little more fluid than usual in hot weather. Bring a handkerchief that you can soak in water and use to cool yourself down.
Question: If I can’t be active because of the heat, is it bad for me and my baby??
Answer:The level of physical activity varies from person to person, and that’s okay. You’ll figure out what works best for you. Walking early or late in the day when the temperature isn’t as high is a good way to stay active. If you have access to a cool room, even simple pregnancy exercises can get your blood flowing, give you energy, and help you sleep better. Drinking enough water will also help you fight fatigue and avoid the most serious effect of heat on your body – dehydration.
Question: Is it safe to visit a swimming pool? Or is it better not to cool off in the water during pregnancy?
Answer: Cooling off in the water is a great and safe way to take care of yourself and your baby in the heat! Just be sure to use sunscreen and don’t forget to wear a hat. If possible, find a shady spot to avoid sunburn and minimize the risk of developing melasma, a dark spot or discolored area, most often on the face, that affects up to 50 percent of pregnant women.
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