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CDC: Heat and Pregnancy

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KEY POINTS

  • Pregnancy can make you more likely to get sick when it’s very hot.
  • If you are pregnant, know what you can do to protect you and your developing baby from extreme heat.

Why does pregnancy increase your risk of getting sick from extreme heat?

  • Pregnancy can make you more likely to get heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or other heat-related illness sooner than those who are not pregnant. This is because your body must work harder to cool down both you and the developing baby.
  • Pregnancy can also make you more likely to become dehydrated. This also means you won’t be able to cool yourself as well by sweating.

I’m pregnant, why should I be concerned about extreme heat?

  • In very hot environments or during strenuous activity, your core body (internal body) temperature may rise.
  • In some cases, increased internal temperature and fever during pregnancy have been linked to birth defects and other pregnancy complications.

Stay cool and stay hydrated.

  • Follow tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.
  • Heavy sweating can remove salt and minerals from your body. Talk to your doctor about how to safely replace salt and minerals lost through sweating.
  • Do not engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.
  • Check the local news for health and safety updates regularly.

Learn how to spot heat-related illness.

  • Seek medical care immediately if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of heat-related illness.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/risk-factors/heat-and-pregnancy.html