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The heat of late summer can make the so-called joys of pregnancy downright miserable. High temperatures can also be dangerous during pregnancy — for both you and your baby.
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Know the dangers of heat exhaustion and stroke if you’re pregnant during the heat of summer, so you can take steps to avoid them.
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Taking proactive actions like staying hydrated, keeping cool and protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays can keep you and your baby healthy in the heat.
How to have a healthy pregnancy in a heatwave
Soaring temperatures during the summer months can make pregnancy — an already often-uncomfortable time — downright miserable. Plus, your body’s already working overtime to grow your developing baby, making it harder to regulate temperature. That makes you more prone to dangerous conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. And it’s why protecting yourself from the summer sun is essential for keeping you and your baby safe during pregnancy.
“Pregnancy is a magical time, most of the time,” says Dafna Trites, D.O., a Providence OB-GYN at Facey Medical Group in Tarzana, California. “Summer tends to be one of those less-magical times. Because you’re more at risk for overheating in the summer, you need to plan ahead. Think about hydration, sunscreen, hours of the day to avoid being outside without shade, and know when to call your doctor.”
Know the dangers
Heat is particularly concerning for pregnant people because an elevated body temperature can lead to serious problems — for you and your baby. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in fact, as little as one day spent in the heat increases the risk of high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy, as well as pregnancy complications.
Some of the problems linked to heat exposure during pregnancy include preterm births and low birthweight. In addition, during the first trimester, heat exposure is associated with certain birth defects.
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is one of the dangers of summertime heat. It develops when your body overheats and loses too much water and salt through sweating.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is more serious than heat exhaustion. It’s considered a medical emergency because it can cause permanent disability and even death if not treated quickly.
Heat stroke occurs when your internal temperature rises rapidly, and your body can’t cool itself down. While heat stroke symptoms tend to mimic those of heat exhaustion, they’re also more severe:
- Confusion
- Heavy sweating
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
“If you experience symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke while pregnant, you need to take action,” Dr. Trites says. “Move to a cooler area and sip some water right away. If that doesn’t help and you still feel like you can’t cool down 30 minutes to an hour later, call your doctor or seek care immediately.”
Stay cool and hydrated
Staying hydrated is always important — but never more so than during a summer pregnancy. Your hydration needs increase when you’re pregnant, especially in extreme heat.
The American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG) recommends drinking 8 to 12 cups (or 64 to 96 ounces) of water each day during pregnancy. Yet you should increase that amount if you’re spending time doing outdoor activities in hot weather.
Here are a few tips for staying cool and hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat foods that contain a lot of water, like watermelon, cucumbers and popsicles.
- Stay ahead of your thirst. If you get thirsty, you may already be dehydrated.
- Use air conditioning to cool off whenever possible.
You should also avoid participating in strenuous activities, like manual labor or hard physical activity, outside on hot days, or spend long periods of time outdoors.
If you notice any signs of heat-related illness or dehydration, like dry mouth or dizziness, find some shade or go indoors — and make sure to hydrate.
Skin safety and sun protection
Your hormones during pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. That can give you a higher risk of sunburn.
To protect your skin, choose a pregnancy-safe sunscreen — look for mineral-based options that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide — and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Also, wear loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and stick to the shade whenever possible.
Plan ahead
Despite heat’s risks, getting out in the sun every day is good for you — whether you’re pregnant or not. Just take necessary precautions, such as:
- Avoid being outside when UV rays tend to be strongest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Bring cool water with you in a water bottle.
- Learn the heat index and air quality, especially if traveling.
- Know where to find shade.
- Recognize the signs of overheating.
When to call your doctor
If you have concerns about being pregnant in the summer months or experience any symptoms of dehydration or heat-related illness, call your doctor.
“The summer heat adds an extra layer of complexity to pregnancy, but you can enjoy the season safely with awareness and proper planning,” Dr. Trites says. “And never hesitate to call your doctor if you have a question or concern. They’re there to help you have a safe, healthy pregnancy.”
Contributing caregiver
Dafna Trites, D.O., is a Providence OB-GYN at Facey Medical Group in Tarzana, California.
Find a doctor
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant and are looking for an experienced, caring provider to help you navigate pregnancy and welcome your baby into the world, we can help. Providence offers maternity, prenatal care and obstetrics services. You can also search for an OB-GYN or midwife who’s right for you in our provider directory.
Download the Providence app
It’s all in the app: easily stay connected with Providence and your health. With the Providence app, you can schedule appointments, have virtual visits from the comfort of your own home, get health recommendations personalized for you, access your health records and so much more. Learn more and download the app.
Related resources
Complete guide to healthy hydration
What to know when preparing for pregnancy
Providence OB-GYN offers advice for a healthy pregnancy
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
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