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In Europe, climate change is raising temperatures faster than in any other region of the world, posing risks to groups such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Depending on the frequency, intensity and duration of the heat, pregnant women and their babies can also be affected, particularly if they are socioeconomically vulnerable. How can pregnant women look after themselves during hot weather?
Nikolett Mitala and Orsolya Heim (known as Niki and Orsi, respectively) are cousins living in Budapest, Hungary. Both 29 years old, they are also pregnant with their first babies and nearing the end of their second trimester. However, this year’s scorching summer temperatures in Hungary have affected them differently. While Orsi has suffered a little from nausea and tiredness, her cousin Niki has had a harder time.
Pregnancy is a special time for women, but it can also be full of questions and worries. The two cousins share their experiences and pose questions about the impact of heat on expecting mothers during the summer months.
Coping in the heat
Niki and Orsi meet in a Budapest park that offers plenty of shade. But even though it’s early, the temperature is already 29°C. The previous day, temperatures soared to nearly 40°C with high humidity.
“I’m a winter person and suffer in the heat. Although I don’t feel physically worse now that I’m pregnant, I have new rules to follow. I always carry a bottle of water and a fan, and I avoid crowded swimming pools,” Orsi explains.
In contrast, Niki has always loved summer. However, when she became pregnant, she developed hypertension and water retention, making it impossible to wear her wedding ring, shoes, or sandals. She also experiences frequent nosebleeds due to the increased blood volume that is typical in pregnancy. The heat has made these symptoms even harder to manage.
Despite these difficult symptoms, she remains positive. “My pregnancy is challenging, but I don’t worry because I can rely on my doctor and the district nurse. According to all the screenings and tests, my daughter is fine, and that’s all that matters to me.”
While the cousins’ doctors have advised them to stay active, the hot weather makes it difficult for them to go out. As a physiotherapist, Orsi is helping Niki with indoor exercises online. Fortunately, both their homes and workplaces are air-conditioned.
Orsi and Niki’s summer pregnancy questions
The two expectant mothers agree that they are bombarded by an overwhelming amount of information about pregnancy online, much of it alarming and confusing. As their due dates approach, they prefer to turn to doctors or midwives for information.
Registered midwife Kate Greenstock, from the United Kingdom, answers some of their questions on pregnancy and heat.
How does hot weather affect pregnancy?
In Europe, climate change is raising temperatures faster than in any other region of the world, posing risks to groups such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Depending on the frequency, intensity and duration of the heat, pregnant women and their babies can also be affected, particularly if they are socioeconomically vulnerable. How can pregnant women look after themselves during hot weather?
Babies in the womb don’t feel the heat as such, but they do respond to changes in your body, so they certainly need you to hydrate and keep as cool as possible. In extremely high temperatures, you can consider reducing work hours or travel time, spending time in air-conditioned places to cool down and always drinking 2–3 litres of water a day, a little more in the heat. Consider carrying cloths which can be rinsed in water and used to cool you down.
It’s important to contact your midwife or pregnancy care provider whenever you feel your baby is moving less than normal for them. This is true during a heat wave and at any other time. That’s because if their movements slow down, they are signalling something to you.
Cooling off in the water is a lovely and safe way to look after yourself and your baby in the heat! Just make sure you wear sunscreen and a hat, or find a shady spot, if possible, to avoid burning and minimize the chance of melasma (darker/discoloured patches, most likely on the face, affecting up to 50% of pregnant women) developing on the skin.
Activity will vary from person to person, and that’s ok. You will know what feels right for you. Walking at the beginning or end of the day when the temperature may be lower is a good way of remaining active. If you have access to a cooler space, even some simple pregnancy stretches can help to get the blood flowing, energize you and help you to sleep better. Drinking water will also help to combat fatigue and the biggest fundamental risk of heat exposure – dehydration.
Yes and no. Babies are incredibly good at finding their way through the pelvis and into your arms – and women are incredibly good at birthing babies with instinctive positions to help their babies out. It is also true that balancing your posture in pregnancy, movement, walking and stretching will all help to support a more straightforward birth by aligning the body and building overall cardiovascular health.
