Dealing with the Heat

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

21 Aug 2006 07:00 PM

Pregnancy in the hot weather brings its own set of challenges. The hot weather adds to the discomfort most pregnant women experience. When you tell people you are due in late summer or autumn, most will comment on the fact that you will be pregnant through the summer.

During pregnancy, you experience an increase in metabolism. This results in an increase in heat production. The baby also generates additional heat. These factors combined will result in you feeling the heat more than you normally would.

When I am pregnant, it's the only time my husband and I agree on the temperature in our home. Normally, I'm always cold. He will turn the air conditioner down and I'll turn it back up. The opposite is true during each of my pregnancies. I'm the one turning down the air.

It's important not to get overheated during pregnancy. If you are overheated, so is your baby. Try to avoid long periods of time out in the heat. Spending a lot of time out in hot weather will result in overheating. The hours from ten in the morning until two in the afternoon are the hottest hours of the day. Whenever possible, stay out of the heat during this time. Go out in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.

Be sure to stay hydrated in the summer. The heat adds to dehydration. Sweating in the heat adds to it even more. Drink plenty of water to replenish the fluids in your body. Dehydration is bad for you and the baby. Your body needs fluid to continually produce amniotic fluid. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Drink before you feel thirst to stay well hydrated.

Clothing can help you deal with the heat. Choose comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Cotton is the best material for summer. Choose lightweight outfits in light colors to help you stay comfortable in the summer.

Exercise is important during pregnancy. Swimming is an excellent way to stay fit and cool at the same time. The water will cool you down on a hot day. In addition, the water is great for taking the pressure off your growing body.

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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