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Midwife Moment: How to Beat The Heat During Pregnancy Dayton, OH (July 27th, 2011) — How To Beat the Heat During Pregnancy Summer is in full swing - it's hot and humid outside...and you're pregnant. This could be a recipe for a miserable couple of months. There are ways to manage heat during pregnancy - while taking care of yourself and your baby at the same time. Heat and humidity can take a toll on anyone, but it takes a greater toll on pregnant women. When you are pregnant, you're body temperature tends to be a bit higher than normal, so if it's hot outside, that can make you feel very uncomfortable. If you perspire heavily because of the heat, be sure to replenish fluids. Water is good, and so are orange juice, milk and sports drinks (but make sure to watch sugar as well). Don't wait to drink fluids until you are very thirsty. Drink throughout the day. Keep hydrated, but not over-hydrated. Too much water can be a problem too. This can lead to a condition called water intoxication. Over-hydration with water can dilute your electrolytes even more, and can cause fatigued muscles, cramps, and in severe cases, unconsciousness. What Can I Do In These Dog Days of Summer to Keep Cool: Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day Avoid direct sunlight If exercising outdoors, do not exercise to the point of overheating Swim. Not only does swimming cool you off, it helps to take some pressure off your sciatic nerve Wear loose, lightweight, light colored clothing Wear a brimmed hat Drink plenty of water and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Juices, milk and sports drinks are also good to replace electrolytes that may be lost during sweating. Avoid liquids containing large amounts of sugar. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during an extreme heat event Apply a cool, damp washcloth to the back of your neck, your forehead, or the top of your head to keep your temperature down Seek medical help from your physician/midwife immediately if you have symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting. By following some of these tips, you may be able to get back to enjoying your pregnancy and forgetting about the heat! Lifestages – Samaritan Centers For Women Lifestages – Samaritan Centers For Women is a nationally recognized medical practice focused on clinical excellence, technological innovation and a comprehensive approach to health care for women of all ages. With a group of 8 physicians, 4 midwives and a nurse practitioner, they provide obstetric, gynecological and health promotion services, that focus on giving patients the quality care they want and deserve. Lifestages — Samaritan Centers For Women has five convenient locations in Dayton, Englewood, Huber Heights and Trotwood, along with our newest location in Centerville. To make an appointment or to get additional information about Lifestages, please call the office at (937) 277-8988 or 1-888-808-1016 or visit www.lifestagescenters.com Back To Press Releases