There are many reasons for miscarriages – from hormonal abnormalities to genetic defects in a child. In addition, the weather may be an additional risk factor. The risk of losing pregnancy increases especially in summer, when the heat rages mercilessly. Doctors warn pregnant women: during this time, avoid crowded places, intense sunbathing and always carry a bottle of water with you.
“Karolina is taking the heat badly. We have to come home from our walk. It’s too hot to sit outside. Unfortunately, Karolina’s condition suddenly deteriorates in her apartment. (…) We’re going to the hospital, and it’s stuffy in the waiting room. A security guard stops me in front of the midwife’s room: ‘Busy, wait!’. We are waiting. I get nervous and say in a raised voice that my wife’s waters broke and we must go in immediately ”. This is how the story of Maciej, whose wife miscarried in the 34th week of pregnancy, begins. Unfortunately, there are more such tragedies each summer. Heat, exhaustion, dehydration – these are just some of the reasons that increase the risk of miscarriage during the summer period. It is during these few warm months that pregnant women should be especially careful. What to Avoid
During hot summer, when there is no cloud in the sky casting even a little shadow, pregnant women should especially avoid walks between 12 and 16, when the temperature is the highest throughout the day. It is then easy to overheat the body, which, associated with increased sweating and lack of fluid replenishment, can cause dangerous uterine contractions. In extreme cases, chronic fatigue and stroke may even result in detachment of the placenta, i.e. a pregnancy complication consisting in partial or complete separation of the properly seated placenta from the uterine wall. Fortunately, specialists calm down. – In the summer, we actually note an increase in miscarriages among women, but this does not mean that they should avoid leaving the house. Cases such as the separation of the placenta are very dangerous, but remember that they affect less than 1,5% of all women. It is important to use common sense, look for shade, wear airy, preferably linen clothing. During this time, let’s massage the legs, applying a cooling gel, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. What really threatens pregnant women in summer is circulatory disturbance and fainting associated with it – says gynecologist Dr. Zbigniew Nowicki from Szczecin.
As trivial as it sounds, one of the basic things that will take the specter of a miscarriage away from us is adequate hydration in the summer. Fluid deficiency particularly affects the blood flow through the placenta. For our child to develop properly, it is necessary to drink up to three liters of fluids a day. Of course, still, decaffeinated and with little sugar. However, when you need to go out into the heat of the heat, remember that you should reach for water before you feel thirsty. It is best if it is highly mineralized so that magnesium and calcium are always kept at a constant level. You should also have moisturizing wipes on hand, perfect for a quick cooling down.
It should be remembered that in summer women are much more likely to suffer from genital tract infections, which are favored by tight clothing, including pants. During this period, it is worth changing them to airy dresses, for safety also give up rings and wedding rings, sandals with thongs and high heels. The body of pregnant women swells very quickly, and the heat intensifies this condition. Of course, that doesn’t mean summer is your worst enemy. When the heat from the sky slightly lowers, it is worth going out, after using a cream with a filter, to get some fresh air and catch some sun. After all, it causes an increased secretion of melatonin in our body, improves mood and helps to capture the energy necessary for gray winter days. When the heat becomes unbearable and you are outside, don’t forget to protect your head. Whether they are fashionable or not, wide-brimmed straw hats will provide you with the protection you need and reduce the risk of fainting.
If you absolutely want to go to the seaside during your summer vacation, pregnant women are advised to avoid long sunbathing. – An organism buzzing with hormones plus the sun’s rays is not a good combination. It sometimes happens that after pregnancy tanning, unsightly brown spots and discoloration on the skin are left behind, which do not want to come off later – warns Dr. Nowicki.
Finally, it is worth remembering that even if you spend time in an air-conditioned office in the summer and you are safe from the heat, large fluctuations in temperature can be just as dangerous, sometimes contributing to strep throat. If the temperature in your office differs from that outside by more than 8-9 degrees, this is a warning sign that you should ask for it to be adjusted. If it’s over 30 degrees Celsius, lowering the room temperature to 25 degrees will give you relief. Larger amplitudes can provide the body with a thermal shock that is not safe for the proper course of pregnancy. If your office is not equipped with air conditioners but fans, try to avoid sitting directly in front of the airflow. You should also remember about foot exercises in the summer to prevent venous thrombosis – walking on your toes and making circles with your feet will work well. If you don’t feel like exercising and don’t have time to exercise, make sure you wear anti-varicose stockings
Summer is the most beautiful time of the year and, with a little care, it will recharge your batteries for the rest of your pregnancy. With the support of your partner, you and your child will surely survive this period. As with everything in life, the sun must also be used with common sense. If you have doubts about the state of your pregnancy and are looking for more detailed advice, be sure to consult your attending physician.
Author: Karina Sobczyk