Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. Dr. Oğuz Özdemir pointed out that excessive heat makes pregnant women vulnerable and said, “High temperatures can trigger uterine contractions and potentially premature birth.”
Medical Park Ankara Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. Dr. Oğuz Özdemir gave information about the ways to have a comfortable pregnancy during the summer months.
Effects of hot weather on pregnant women
Stating that many pregnant women are exposed to high seasonal temperatures with global warming today, Özdemir said, “Pregnant women are thought to be vulnerable to extreme heat. Natural pregnancy changes in thermoregulation are known to make pregnant women vulnerable to heat exposure. Weight gained during pregnancy reduces the ratio of body surface area to body mass, which can make pregnancy more difficult. It is more difficult for pregnant women to dissipate internal heat. The metabolic demands of the growing fetus can generate heat, leading to a slight increase in the pregnant woman's core body temperature. Pregnant women are also more susceptible to dehydration in the late stages of pregnancy. Therefore, high temperatures can trigger uterine contractions and potentially premature labor.”
High temperatures can negatively affect the expectant mother
Stating that some studies show that miscarriage can be triggered at high temperatures, Op. Dr. Özdemir said, “Exposure to high ambient temperature is associated with pregnancy complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. When exposed to extreme heat, a number of processes can occur that can harm the mother or fetus, including decreased placental blood flow, dehydration, and inflammatory response that can trigger preterm labor. Some studies suggest that high temperatures can cause miscarriage.”
“Routine pregnancy examination should be performed before traveling”
Speaking about the things to be considered during the holiday process during pregnancy, Op. Dr. Özdemir shared the following information:
“A routine pregnancy examination should be performed before and after travel, a disease condition should be detected, and it should be checked whether there is a risky situation that prevents travel. It should be checked whether there is a health institution in the region to be traveled to in case of an emergency. Due to the rising hormones in pregnant women, the body, especially the facial area, is more sensitive to the sun, so sun exposure should be avoided at noon and high-factor sunscreen creams should be used. Long-term car travel is not recommended for pregnant women, especially in the first 3 months due to the risk of miscarriage. If you are traveling by car, you should take a break every 1-2 hours and take a walk. Avoid vacation areas that are not suitable in terms of hygiene. From the 32nd gestational week until delivery, travel outside the province is not recommended unless it is urgent due to emergencies that may occur. Patients with conditions such as cervical stitches due to cervical insufficiency, pregnancy poisoning, threat of miscarriage, threat of premature birth, vaginal bleeding, undiagnosed pregnancy (ectopic pregnancy-normal pregnancy distinction) should avoid traveling to distant places.”
“There is no harm in swimming during pregnancy”
Stating that swimming is one of the most ideal sports that can be done during pregnancy, Op. Dr. Özdemir said, “Swimming is one of the most beneficial activities in a pregnancy that is going well. There is no harm in swimming or swimming in the sea. If the pool hygiene is complete and safe, there is also no harm in entering the pool. Attention should be paid to sun rays in the sea or pool, high-factor sunscreen creams should be applied, and a hat should be worn if possible.”
“Drink an average of 3 liters of water a day”
Referring to the ways to prevent fluid loss during pregnancy, Özdemir said, “It should be protected from sun rays during extreme heat or the hottest times of the day. An average of 3 liters of water should be consumed daily. Fresh clothes that do not sweat should be preferred. Avoid drinks that increase fluid excretion from the body such as coffee and tea. If you do not like to drink water all the time, drink fresh fruit juices or soda water in between. If you do not like the taste of water, fruits such as lemon can be added to the water. Foods that are the enemy of fluid loss such as melon and tomatoes should be consumed.”
Sunscreen creams help protect from the sun
Explaining the ways to protect from the sun, Op. Dr. Özdemir said the following
“In order to protect yourself from the harmful effects of sun rays, do not go out between 11.00-16.00 hours when the harmful sun rays are the steepest on the earth. If you must go out, never neglect to use sunscreen cream. Make sure that the sun protection factor of the product you use in summer is 50 (SPF). Sunscreens should be applied before sun exposure. The effect of sunscreen products lasts for an average of 2 hours. Therefore, do not neglect to repeat the product every 2 hours during your stay outside.”
Healthy nutrition recommendations for pregnant women in summer
Pointing out that the most basic nutrient that should be taken in pregnant women during the summer months should be sufficient fluid intake, Op. Dr. Özdemir said, “At least 2.5 liters of fluid should be consumed daily. Caffeine, carbon dioxide and liquids containing high amounts of sugar should be avoided, ready-made fruit juices and acidic drinks should not be consumed. Freshly squeezed fruit juices, buttermilk, herbal teas, unsweetened natural fruit compotes can be preferred. In order to prevent salt loss, buttermilk without high salt content should be preferred. Herbal teas that will not increase contractions and intestinal motility can be consumed during pregnancy. Herbal teas containing fennel, linden, chamomile, ginger, anise, mint can be preferred.”
“Fruit and vegetable consumption is important”
Stating that fruit consumption is important in summer, Op. Dr. Özdemir said, “Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, water and other nutrients that are very good for the baby's health. Green peppers, red peppers, strawberries, plums, cherries, parsley containing intense vitamin C; apricots, peaches, tomatoes, carrots rich in vitamin A; watermelon, strawberries, red plums, cherries with their antioxidant content called lycopene; grapes are among the fruits that can be preferred with their anti-carcinogenic properties and rich in vitamin C and folic acid. Fresh milk ice creams should be preferred instead of ready-made ice creams. Daily protein and Omega-3 intake is important for pregnant women. This is necessary for fetal brain function and immune system. Daily intake of 80 g protein and 150 mg Omega 3 is recommended.”
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