The UK is expected to bake under unprecedented high temperatures this week, as the Met Office issues its first ever red weather warning for ‘extreme heat’. In Greater Manchester, the mercury is expected to reach 37C on Monday and Tuesday.
In some parts of the UK, the mercury is expected to hit a record-breaking 40C. High temperatures can create extra challenges for pregnant women, as there is a greater risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) offers lots of advice to mums-to-be on how to stay cool and comfortable in the hot weather. It says: “If a pregnant woman’s body temperature rises above 39.2C in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the baby has a slightly increased risk of having a birth defect.
“It’s therefore best to avoid overexerting yourself, particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy. If there is a sudden heatwave and it’s very hot and humid, you will need to take it easy and avoid exercising.”
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Use water to keep cool
The NCT suggest using water to keep cool as one of the best ways to avoid overheating in the hot weather. Rachel Heathcock, NCT Antenatal Teacher, said: “When you’re pregnant your body temperature is naturally higher, so make sure you’re drinking lots of fluids throughout the day.
“When you go to sleep at night, leave a cold glass of water next to you and you can take sips throughout the night when you wake up. You can also put a cotton sheet over you at night and this will help keep you cooler."
Taking a bath is also a good way to ensure you feel cool and comfortable, but the water temperature should not be above 32C, according to the NCT. It suggests putting your wrists under cold running water or pouring a little water from a bottle over them as another useful tip.
Know the signs of heat stroke
During spells of hot weather it is important to be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can become a medical emergency if not tended to. The NCT lists dizziness, feeling sick, excessive sweating and pale skin, and a temperature of 38C or above as some of the main symptoms of heatstroke.
If someone shows any of these signs, they need to be cooled down. To do this, the NCT advises moving the person into a cool place in the shade or indoors and getting them to lie down with their feet up.
Cool them with a fan or cool water spray and ensure they drink water to rehydrate. If the person's symptoms do not improve within 30 minutes, the NCT advises to call 999 immediately.
A full list of the symptoms of heat stroke can be found here.
Protect your skin
Protecting your skin is essential during hot weather as the risk of exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays increases. The skin condition melasma is more common amongst women, especially during pregnancy.
Also known as pregnancy mask, melasma is a common skin condition in which brown or greyish patches of pigmentation develop. One of the best ways to protect your skin is by staying inside or in the shade.
If you do need to go outside, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and wearing sun tan lotion with an SPF of 30 or above with a high UVA rating can help you stay protected.
Easing discomfort of swollen ankles
Swollen ankles, feet and fingers can be an issue during pregnancy. This happens as the body retains more water than usual, and is often worse during hot weather, at the end of the day and further into your pregnancy.
The extra water tends to gather in the lowest parts of the body, especially during hot weather. The NCT suggest several ways to relieve swollen ankles, including wearing comfortable shoes and socks and avoiding standing up for a long time.
It says: “Taking regular walks during the day or doing foot exercises can improve blood circulation, reduce swelling in the ankles, and prevent cramp in the calf muscles. You could bend and stretch your foot up and down or rotate each foot in a circle.”
For further advice or if you or someone you know begins to feel unwell during the hot weather, contact your midwife, GP or NHS 111.
For practical and emotional support for parents, members and volunteers, you can call the NCT support line on 0300 330 0700.
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