Ochsner Obstetrician Offers Advice to Prevent Heat Harm to Unborn Baby
NEW ORLEANS, LA - As local temperatures hover near 100 degrees, prompting heat advisories, Ochsner obstetricians warn that pregnant women are more prone to heat stroke. Pregnancy naturally elevates the body's temperature, leading women to suffer heat exhaustion more rapidly in extreme temperatures and potentially harming an unborn child.
"The extreme heat we are facing can be a real danger to pregnant women who are not cautious. During pregnancy a woman cares for two bodies, hers and that of her baby. Therefore, it will take almost twice the fluid and energy to cool her core temperature during extreme heat exposure," warns Dr. Michael Wiedemann, OB/GYN, Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner.
Heat stroke refers to an abnormally heightened body temperature, exacerbated by hot weather or heavy physical exertion. For pregnant women, heat stroke is a very relevant concern in summer months. Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid pulse
• Flushed skin
• Absence of sweating
• Confusion and disorientation
"When pregnant women are exposed to extreme temperatures and begin exhibiting symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, they run the risk of harming their baby's development. In the worst case, the mother may experience a miscarriage," warns Dr. Wiedemann.
Dr. Wiedemann says women should take extra precautions to stay cool, offering the following advice:
• Exercise indoors as much as possible (with doctor-approved exercises only)
• Run errands in the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler
• Stay hydrated with beverages containing electrolytes and nutrients, like sports drinks
• Take frequent breaks during the day
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
• Carry a small spritz bottle of water to cool off periodically
If you believe yourself or someone around you is experiencing heat stroke, Dr. Wiedemann emphasizes taking steps to immediately cool the patient down by fanning them, applying ice packs and/or cool water to the skin, and, especially in the case of pregnant women, get to your local emergency room as quickly as possible.
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