Do you know what might happen if you don’t keep yourself cool this summer?

The summer heat is easy for none but can get a tad bit more difficult for a mom-to-be. Many assume pregnant women feel hotter in the summer months because they’re carrying around all that extra weight, but as it turns out, their body temperatures are also slightly higher, which makes things even worse.

Whether you are on the first, second, or third trimester, during the hot months of summer, you might experience an extra discomfort, if not taken care of. Here are few of the summer-specific symptoms you could face if you don’t keep yourself cool enough!

Heat rash 

This is an itchy, painful rash commonly called prickly heat. It is caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. 

Symptoms: A cluster of red pimples or small blisters, particularly on the neck or upper chest, or in creases in the groin, elbow and under the breasts. 

What to do: Move to a cooler, less humid environment. Keep the affected areas dry (powder can help), and avoid using ointments or creams because they keep the skin warm and moist which can make the condition worse.

Dehydration

This occurs when the body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions.

Symptoms: Dizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst, dark yellow urine, loss of appetite, fainting. 

What to do: Drink plenty of water or diluted fruit juice and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol. Move somewhere cool (preferably air-conditioned), and if possible use a spray bottle filled with water to cool you down. If you begin to feel unwell, call your doctor.

Heat cramps

These usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity causing the body to lose salt and water. This can lead to heat cramps. 

Symptoms: Muscle pains or spasms. Heat cramps can also be an early symptom of heat exhaustion. 

What to do: Stop all activity and lie in a cool place (preferably air-conditioned) with your legs raised slightly. Drink water or diluted fruit juice, have a cool shower or bath, massage your limbs to ease the spasms and apply cool packs. Do not go back to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps have subsided. If they continue for more than one hour, seek medical attention.

Heat exhaustion

This is the body’s reaction to losing excessive amounts of water and salt contained in sweat. 

Symptoms: Heavy sweating, pale skin, fast and weak pulse rate, fast and shallow breathing, muscle weakness or cramps, tiredness and weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting. 

What to do: Move to a cool place (preferably air-conditioned) and lie down. Remove excess clothing, take small sips of cool fluids, and have a cool shower, bath or sponge bath. Put cool packs under the armpits, on the groin or on the back of the neck to reduce body heat.

Heat stroke

This occurs when the body temperature is not controlled properly and it rises above 40.5 °C. It is the most serious heat-related illness and is a life-threatening emergency. Immediate first aid aimed at lowering the body temperature as quickly as possible is very important. 

Symptoms: A sudden rise in body temperature, red, hot dry skin (because sweating has stopped), dry swollen tongue, rapid pulse, rapid shallow breathing, intense thirst, headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, confusion, poor co-ordination or slurred speech, aggressive or bizarre behaviour, loss of consciousness, seizures or coma. 

What to do: Call for an ambulance.

Keep yourselves cool this summer, especially when you are expecting. Have a safe pregnancy ahead!

Also read more about: Battle the Blaze with some really ‘cool’ foods and drinks this summer!

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