Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about keeping cool in the hot summer months. Women who are pregnant during the hottest time of the year need to pay particular attention to keeping cool. Heat and sweat make pregnancy even more uncomfortable, and hormonal changes may make it more difficult for a woman’s body to regulate temperature.
Dr. Diane Hughes, an obstetrician/gynecologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says avoiding overheating is especially critical in the early stages of pregnancy when the fetus is going through important developmental stages. Because of this, pregnant women need to avoid saunas and hot tubs. To help stay cool, Dr. Hughes recommends drinking plenty of fluids and enjoying cool treats such as popsicles — just make sure they’re not full of sugar.
Next: More keeping-cool tips for pregnant women.
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July 2007
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