In summer, the heat and humidity can be tough for anyone to adapt to, but a summer pregnancy can be particularly challenging. Experts describe that the greatest toll is on pregnant women in their third trimester or those reaching full-term.
Sanjana Pai (27), a working professional from Mangaluru, Karnataka, recently experienced the snag that a pregnancy in summer can cause. Her third trimester began in January when the temperatures in her coastal town started soaring as high as 34°C. In February, Pai’s monthly gynecological tests revealed she had a urinary tract infection (UTI) and dehydration. “I frequently had hot flashes, breathlessness and restlessness.” To cope with the rising temperatures and high humidity that causes extensive sweating, she was advised to drink four liters of water daily.
“In the third trimester, a woman undergoes numerous hormonal and hemodynamic changes. Their progesterone levels are at their peak,” explains Dr Rakhee R Sahu, consultant, obstetrics and gynecology, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai. “This increases fatigue and exhaustion. Besides, in summer, pregnant women are highly prone to dehydration.”
Common risk factors during a summer pregnancy
Experts explain women must know the risk factors of pregnancy in summer:
Heat intolerance: High progesterone levels, especially in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, lead to increased body heat. “A hot and humid climate can also cause heat intolerance in women,” explains Dr Sahu. These can also lead to fatigue and leg cramps, she cautions.
Dehydration: Most pregnant women who work outdoors are at risk of electrolyte imbalance due to excessive sweating and/or not drinking enough fluids during the summers, warns Dr Sahu. This can eventually increase the risk of UTI, adds Veena V, dietician, Aster Women and Children Hospital, Whitefield, Bangalore.
Sleep issues: Nausea or morning sickness, hormonal changes, and difficulties in finding a comfortable sleeping position are common issues that hamper sleep hygiene during pregnancy. Additionally, heat intolerance can affect sleep, triggering headaches, nausea, vomiting and indigestion issues during the day. Pai recalls that the extreme heat and humidity made it difficult for her to sleep at night. So, her doctor recommended frequent naps during the day to combat the issue.
Frequent urination: Pai shares that the increased fluid intake to stay hydrated in summer led to more frequent bathroom trips, which exhausted her. Doctors advise that urinating frequently is safer than being dehydrated.
Vitamin D deficiency: Pregnant women are at increased risk of sunburn during the summer months. However, staying indoors continuously can increase their risk of vitamin D deficiency, cautions Veena.
How to manage pregnancy in summer
Experts point out that a pregnant woman must exercise extra caution to stay healthy during summer. Veena points out that every woman’s body is different. So one must listen to their body and eat healthy, rest well and exercise moderately to manage pregnancy during summer.
Eat right
Experts recommend choosing foods that help reduce body heat during pregnancy. Nuts or fresh fruits with high water content, including oranges, sweet lime, watermelon, and muskmelon can help one stay hydrated. Healthy fats such as eggs, fatty fish, avocado, flaxseed, ghee, butter and coconut oil are also advised because they can regulate body temperature and tackle heat intolerance. However, pregnant women should avoid sugar, spices, salt, red meat, and other fatty foods that increase body heat and take longer to get digested. “Those with hypertension or gestational diabetes should avoid salt and sugar as they cause electrolyte imbalance,” explains Dr Sahu. She also stresses that pregnant women should avoid processed food.
Stay hydrated
While those pregnant during summer should consume 3.5–4 liters of water per day, too much water can increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance caused by electrolyte dilution, explains Veena. She suggests drinking 4 liters of fluids, with one-half portion of water and another half could include fresh fruit juices, soups, tender coconut, and milk.” This prevents dehydration and also provides the necessary nutrients such as vitamin C, she adds. Pai recalls that as she was extremely dehydrated, her gynecologist recommended including plenty of tender coconut, fruit juices and water in her diet.
Remain active
Exercising moderately helps in releasing the happy hormones in the body. Walking, swimming, and yoga are highly recommended to manage pregnancy during summer, advise experts. “Pregnant women should walk slowly for about 30 minutes in the morning and evening,” suggests Veena. Working professionals must take a 5-10-minute break every few hours and take a short walk. This helps calm the body, improve blood circulation and reduce edema and swelling in the legs, shares Dr Sahu. Experts also advise against rigorous, strenuous activities such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), weight training and running during a summer pregnancy, cautions Veena.
Get that daily dose of sunshine
Ample sun exposure before 8am or after 4pm every day is crucial for pregnant women as it ensures their vitamin D levels remain optimal. Use sunscreen to protect the skin, advise experts. Gynecologists advise supplements alongside soaking in the sun to those severely deficient in this vitamin, explains Veena. While doing so choose loose-fitted pregnancy summer outfits that are breathable, advises Veena.
By following these do’s and don’ts in summer, you can sail smoothly through your pregnancy.
Takeaways
- Pregnant women who are nearing full-term during summer are the worst affected by the rising temperatures.
- The risk of conditions like heat intolerance, dehydration, sleep issues, frequent urination and vitamin D deficiency increase for women during a summer pregnancy.
- Moderate exercises, nutritious food, loose cotton outfits and good sleep hygiene can largely prevent the risks.
