Heat during pregnancy is a natural part of the process. Your body is working hard to create and nurture a new life, and heat is part of your miraculous journey. This can be downright sensational – and not in a good way, because heat makes you feel irritable, fatigued, and uncomfortable. Maintaining a healthy condition also seems difficult due to daily activities that expose you to even more hot waves. Such that you become overheated and exhausted. And there lies the problem! Because aside from the sweltering temperature, extreme heat is becoming a concern, especially for the growing foetus.
The heat is on! And the surge in temperature rise is taking a toll on people, sending a strong warning to you as an expecting mama. In your case, you are not the only one, and it’s not just uncomfortable for you; it is also dangerous for your precious little bundle of joy. You may be able to withstand the heat and sweat it out, but your growing foetus is much more vulnerable to the internal effects of the extreme rise in temperature. You will have to leave no stone unturned, especially with the heat trend observed so far this year.
The Surge Trend Alert!
From the blistering temperatures of heatwaves, the world is feeling the effects of climate change like never before. We were almost caught unaware — thanks to stakeholders who had cautioned in time, warning us to take the heat rise seriously. The UK Met Office in December 2022 released that the global average temperature for this year will likely be between 1.08°C and 1.32°C above pre-industrial levels. This prediction means that 2023 will be the hottest year we will witness in the last decade. The few months we’ve spent yet speak volumes.
So far, recent records show that above-average temperatures have been recorded in many parts of the world, from Europe and America to Africa and Asia. As record heat temperatures have covered 4.21% of the world’s surface this year, according to NCEI. The US’ 2023 weather forecast reveals there will be a snowy spring before brutal heat comes in the summer. An explanation given by the Met Office is that the extreme heat will be due to the end of the La Niña cooling pattern and the ongoing effects of greenhouse gas emissions, which may see heat peaks over the 36°C – 37°C body temperature threshold for pregnancy.
Let’s know the negative impacts of extreme heat on pregnancy.
Growing fetuses are fragile, and the womb is not as resilient as we think. Having to experience intense heat radiation from within isn’t a safe condition for the womb and the foetus. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to high temperatures has the following effects:
Increases the risk of birth defects, preterm labor, and even stillbirth, Miscarriage, low birth weight, and birth defects.
Birth defects and preterm Labor:
Preterm birth is when a baby is born before completing 37 weeks of the gestational period. Studies revealed that exposure to extreme heat increased the risk of preterm birth by an estimated 2.5% for four days following a single day of exposure. That’s because when you are pregnant, your body overheats and causes stress on the baby, increasing the risk of premature delivery.
Reports suggest that growing fetuses experience abnormalities in developing structures or functions that make up the body’s organs upon further exposure. These defects can vary in severity, leading to a variety of complications, such as low birth weight, breathing difficulties, digestive syndrome, cerebral palsy, etc. That’s why doctors do everything they can to keep a baby in the womb for as long as possible, to ensure they have the best chance of developing properly.
Miscarriage and Stillbirths:
Miscarriage is the loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks, while stillbirth is any loss thereafter. It’s a really tough thing to go through because it means that the foetus wasn’t able to develop properly and grow into a full-term baby. Both miscarriage and stillbirth are unfortunately not uncommon. They happen more often than we might realize. Unknown risk factors for these pregnancy losses, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, account for up to half of miscarriages. However, there is now a potential link between extreme heat and miscarriage as research has shown that summer rise in miscarriage is traceable to extreme heat, increasing risk by 44%. So, if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive during the summer, it’s worth taking extra precautions to protect yourself from the heat.
Eclampsia and Pre-Eclampsia:
Pre-eclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Eclampsia is a more severe form involving seizures, which can cause serious complications for you and the baby, like placental abruption and brain damage. This can become worse during extreme heat because heat influences dehydration, which causes a decrease in blood volume and increased stress on the cardiovascular system. It is necessary you watch out for any symptoms of pre-eclampsia, such as high blood pressure, protein in the urine, or swelling in the hands and feet, and seek medical attention right away.
Staying healthy amidst extreme heat during pregnancy.
As a mother, you don’t let the heat get you down! There are ways to beat extreme heat and keep cool during such trying times. Here are simple and practical approaches you can take to mitigate extreme heat effects:
- Create plans
Creating a plan with your healthcare provider is crucial to ensure that you and your baby are safe and healthy during extreme hotness. Life-threatening effects like heat exhaustion or heatstroke can be detected early, and appropriate measures would be recommended. By having a plan in place, your healthcare provider can monitor your hydration levels and give you advice on how to stay healthy. Request that your doctor create an emergency plan for natural disasters and other emergencies for you.
- Prioritize your Emotional care:
In extreme heat, taking breaks and rest when necessary is important. Schedule your day to include breaks in cool places and avoid doing anything too strenuous during the hottest parts of the day. Getting enough sleep is also vital, so make sure your sleeping environment is cool and comfortable. Eat balanced diets that include plenty of fruits and vegetables; this will help keep you healthy and provide the nutrients you need to stay energized and focused. Avoid eating heavy, spicy, or greasy food, as these can cause digestive issues, which can further aggravate your emotional state.
Exercise is good for maintaining a healthy pregnancy; stay active but in moderation. So don’t overexert yourself. Consider doing low-impact exercises, such as prenatal yoga or swimming, in cool, air-conditioned environments. Alternatively, take a walk in the morning or evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Stay Hydrated:
It’s easy to dehydrate quickly, and dehydration can have serious consequences for you and your baby. Water is the best way to keep your body hydrated, and it’s essential for the healthy development of your baby. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day is recommended, but you may need to drink more in extreme conditions. Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go and take regular sips throughout the day. Don’t forget to take a cool shower regularly, as this will ease blood flow through your veins. Another way is to eat water-rich foods. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of hydration, and they’re packed with essential nutrients that you and your baby need. Watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries, and grapefruits are all excellent choices.
- Assess your Air Quality Index (AQI):
One often-overlooked aspect of health during pregnancy is the quality of the air you breathe. Poor air quality can have serious health consequences for you and your precious growing baby. As an expectant mother, you want to do everything you can to keep your baby healthy. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the Air Quality Index (AQI) of your home. The AQI is a measure of the air serenity in a given location based on levels of pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide, which generate heat waves that get the home hot.
You can get an air quality monitor to measure the AQI in your home. Some monitors even come with smartphone apps that allow you to track the AQI in real-time and receive alerts when the air quality drops. The ideal AQI for a home is 0, but the recommended AQI by The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is 100 or less. The range is proposed as safe for most people, including pregnant women. AQI above 150 is considered unhealthy for everyone.
- Reduce your emission footprint:
Your emission footprint is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gases you produce through your daily activities. These gases contribute to global warming and make heat even worse. Try to reduce your energy consumption by turning off lights and electronics when you’re not using them. You can also switch to energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Cooking with gas, charcoal can also contribute to indoor heat waves, which can be harmful to you and the fetus’ health. When possible, it’s best to cook with a solar cooker, induction cooktop, pressure cooker or you use an outdoor grill. And these appliances should be used under proper ventilation. So avoid indoor air pollution and embrace sustainability. Go green!
- Get registered repellents:
With the increased heat and humidity, mosquito populations are expected to thrive, increasing the risk of contracting the Zika virus. To protect yourself and your unborn baby from the Zika virus, get ready mosquito repellent containing DEET; it is considered the most effective at preventing mosquito bites and reducing the risk of contracting the Zika virus. In addition to using mosquito repellent, you should also eliminate potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes around your homes, such as standing water in flowerpots, birdbaths, or other containers.
As an expectant mom, you must be resilient; your body is designed to adapt to changing conditions. By proactively managing your exposure to extreme heat, you can reduce the risk of negative health impacts and enjoy a comfortable and safe pregnancy. While the extreme heat may seem like a daunting challenge, rest assured that with the right precautions, you will not only survive but thrive during these scorching hot days.
Joseph is a Nigerian researcher and sustainability writer.
News Editor