Expecting mothers are at risk during the summer as the core body temperature is a bit higher than normal, so added heat from the outside temperature is bound to make the pregnant women feel uncomfortable, said experts.
To avert the crisis, it is advised that pregnant women drink plenty of fluids like orange juice, buttermilk, milk, and coconut water, said Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, Nurture IVF Centre. “It is really challenging for them to beat the pregnancy heat for bundles of joy. Dehydration may occur with symptoms like thirst, dry mouth, loss of appetite, skin flushing, chills and fatigue. If condition gets serious, the body goes into shock. More sweating means more risk of dehydration,” she said.
As the body loses electrolytes from perspiration, muscles begin to cramp. Pregnant woman should take the cramps as a sign of need to cool down. Possibly eat a banana to replace lost magnesium and drink water, she said.
Heat cramps may lead to heat exhaustion, a life-threatening condition for both mother and baby. Symptoms are similar to heat stroke: headache, dizziness, and a fast and weak pulse. Heat rash is another problem that a pregnant lady may face, to avert sweating they should wear breathable fabrics, Dr Bajaj said.