Our resident GP Dr Anna Cantlay advises the best ways to stay safe in the heat when pregnant.
Sleepless nights. Sweaty commutes. The summer heat wave is in full force. But with next week’s temperature expected to climb to 41C in some areas of the country, the UK Health Security Agency has issued a Level Four heat-health alert and extra care should be taken if you in at an at-risk groups.
Pregnant women are amongst those more likely to become overheated – hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the skin leads to an increase in sweating and feeling warmer. Dehydration and heat exhaustion have risks for both mum and baby. Take extra precautions to stay cool next week including:
🔆 Avoid the heat – stay out of the sun and make adjustments to your activities to keep cool.
🔆 Avoid sunbathing and wear a hat and sunscreen.
🔆 Take luke warm baths and showers to stay cool.
🔆 Stay hydrated. Drink fluids regularly throughout the day.
🔆 Wear loose fitting clothes.
🔆 Invest in a fan.
🔆 Avoid swollen ankles by limiting the time on your feet and elevate your legs when sitting or lying down.
Know the signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
🔆 Dizziness and feeling faint
🔆 Feeling or being sick
🔆 Going pale, sweaty and clammy
🔆 Confusion
🔆 Temperature >38c
🔆 Racing heart and fast breathing
Seek help you have any of these symptoms.