Excessive heat can be risky during pregnancy, how to take care of yourself and the baby
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As we continue to face the effects of climate change, the frequency and intensity of heat waves is increasing. We recently learned that 2023 was the hottest year on record. Extreme heat poses a major public health risk. This can be particularly dangerous for people who are socio-economically disadvantaged, and people who have reduced physical ability to adapt, such as the elderly and people with certain medical conditions. Pregnant mothers are also vulnerable, with evidence suggesting that exposure to extreme heat increases the risk to the baby. What are the risks? Globally, one stillborn baby is born every 16 seconds and 15 million babies are born prematurely (before 37 weeks of gestation) every year.
Complications from prematurity are the leading cause of death and disability in children under five years of age. A systematic review that included studies from 27 countries showed that for every 1 °C increase in ambient (environmental) temperature, the risk of preterm birth and stillbirth increases by 5%. The risk of stillbirth and preterm birth due to heat is higher in low- and middle-income countries, where women often perform agricultural or other manual labor tasks, and their work continues until the end of their pregnancy. The risk is higher among disadvantaged populations in high-income countries. Recent Australian research also suggests that maternal exposure to extreme temperatures may affect a baby’s birth weight.
It is believed that pregnant mothers are at increased risk of heat stress due to changes in the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. These changes include: -Increases in body mass and fat reduce the pregnant woman’s ability to dissipate heat into the environment. -The reduced ratio of surface area to body mass may make sweating less effective -The extra energy generated by the baby increases the mother’s core body temperature. Effects on the body and baby When the ambient environment is warmer than the pregnant woman’s core body temperature (ie when the air temperature reaches about 38 degrees or above) blood flow is diverted to the skin to cause sweating. Are being given.
This can lead to reduced blood flow to the cord, which means the baby may be less likely to get nutrition and oxygen. If dehydration occurs, hormonal changes may include secretion of prostaglandins and oxytocin, potentially leading to preterm labor. Heat exposure can also cause the release of heat-shock proteins (a family of proteins produced by cells under stressful conditions) that can damage placental cells and placental function. This can affect fetal nutrition, leading to low birth weight. However, there is little actual thermo-physiological data from pregnant women during heat exposure.
Our recent review showed that no studies have assessed thermoregulatory function in pregnant women at temperatures higher than 25 °C. Our subsequent climate chamber study with pregnant women showed that their body temperature was regulated to 32 °C as well as non-pregnant women. 5 Ways to Avoid the Heat While Pregnant Evidence of the effectiveness of measures to reduce acute heat exposure, particularly during pregnancy, is limited. Air-conditioning is exceptionally protective, although it is inaccessible to many people in Australia and globally. More evidence of the impact of extreme heat on pregnancy outcomes at the population level in low- and high-income countries will help us develop ways to protect pregnant women and communities.
In the meantime, with the threat of even hotter days, simple strategies to avoid the heat while pregnant include: 1) Drink enough water – carry a bottle of water with you whenever you go out 2) Plan your day Make – Avoid the hottest part of the day if possible. Carry a hat or umbrella with you for shade 3) Stay cool – use fans or air conditioning if possible, keep curtains closed, avoid cool public environments 4) Wear more covering clothing – light, long sleeves Wear loose-fitting clothing made of light-colored, natural fibers such as cotton or linen. 5) Sleep on one side at night and on one side during the day to provide best blood flow to the baby. These strategies need to be adapted to individual circumstances, and certainly seek medical advice if you feel unwell.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion, which can lead to heat stroke if not treated quickly: -Sweating and pale, cool, moist skin -Dizziness and weakness -Headache -Nausea or vomiting -Rapid pulse and pounding, Shallow breathing -Muscle cramps -Fainting -Feeling of restlessness and nervousness -Hicks. If you have these symptoms, find a cool place to rest, drink cool water or a rehydrating drink, remove excess clothing, take a cool shower or bath, or sit with your feet in cold water for a while. More serious symptoms indicating heatstroke include increased thirst, tongue twitching, lack of coordination or confusion, and aggressive or strange behavior. Heatstroke is a medical emergency, so call triple 0 if it happens.
Disclaimer: IndiaTheNews has not edited this news. This news has been published from PTI-language feed.
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