Summer pregnancy – what to expect

Being pregnant in the summer can be a real ordeal because the heat and humidity can exacerbate normal pregnancy symptoms such as tiredness, swelling and itchy skin.

Overheating during pregnancy also can affect your unborn baby. He doesn’t have a temperature control system and relies on you keeping cool to keep him cool. There’s evidence that if your core body temperature is high it may raise your baby’s risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida so it’s best to keep your temperature below 100.4°F (your OB-GYN or midwife will likely advise you to avoid hot tubs, saunas, and sunbathing during your pregnancy).

Here’s gurgle’s roundup of what to expect – and what to do about it…

Discolored skin

Pregnancy hormones can affect your skin, ramping up the effects of melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color and is responsible for tanning and the development of freckles – you may notice that your nipples become darker and that you develop a patch of darker skin on your face. Officially called melasma, this effect also is known as the butterfly mask because it tends to take the shape of butterfly wings. It’s especially common in darker skinned women and women with dark-colored hair but don’t panic if you get it – it fades after your baby is born. Many women also often develop a dark line, called the linea nigra, down the center of their abdomen.

If you’re pregnant in the summer, exposing your skin to the sun can increase these skin changes and discoloration, so it’s even more vital to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. If you can, avoid being in the sun between the hours of 10am and 4pm, and if you do have to go out use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and wear a wide-brimmed hat for additional protection.

Itchy skin

As your bump grows and stretches the skin of your abdomen you’ll likely notice your skin feels tight and itches. You may also feel itchy in other areas where your skin is stretched, such as your breasts and thighs, particularly if you gain excess weight during your pregnancy. The summer heat can exacerbate this by drying out your skin still further. Drinking plenty of fluids (preferably water – avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee as these deplete your body of water) will help alleviate the dryness and you also should slather on lots of moisturizer after your shower or bathe.

When your skin is particularly itchy, soaking in a tepid bath with baking soda added to the water can help. Your OB-GYN or midwife may be able to suggest a safe over-the-counter anti-itching treatment.

If you feel that your itching is excessive, especially towards the end of your pregnancy, and you are experiencing itching on the palms of your hands tell your caregiver immediately as this can be a sign of a pregnancy condition called cholestasis, which could harm your baby.

Swelling

In pregnancy the amount of fluid in your body increases in order that your body can produce amniotic fluid and also that it has extra blood volume to carry oxygen and nutrients through the placenta to your growing baby, as well as remove his waste products from your system.

This increased fluid can result in edema – swelling – which you’ll notice mainly in your hands, ankles and feet, since it’s harder for the extra blood to flow upwards. Summer humidity can make swelling worse because extra moisture in the air makes it difficult for your body to cool itself.

Avoiding standing or sitting for long periods can help, as can elevating your hands and feet higher than your heart whenever you can, but if the swelling isn’t alleviated be sure to tell your caregiver. Swelling also can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a potentially serious pregnancy condition that is particularly common after week 20. Other symptoms include headaches and visual disturbances and it’s one of the reasons why your caregiver checks for signs of swelling and also checks your urine for the presence of protein (another symptom) at each prenatal check.

If your work means you have to spend a lot of time on your feet, consider wearing support hose and be sure to elevate your feet at every break. Take the precaution of removing any rings that might be rendered too tight as your fingers swell.

Dehydration

While your fluid volume increases in pregnancy, you’re still at risk of dehydration and this can be worsened by the fact that you’ll be perspiring in order to cool down. Dehydration can be very harmful to your unborn baby because it can increase his heart rate and raise the risk of preterm labor. If you notice he isn’t as active as usual, contact your caregiver straight away, especially if you’ve been noticing signs of dehydration (excessive thirst, constipation, fatigue).

Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water, limit your time outdoors in the sun and heat if possible, and use a fan to keep you cool at your desk or in your home. Avoid eating salty food and snacks, as high sodium levels leech fluid from the body.

Also see gurgle’s tips for keeping cool in the heat.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 05/07/2009

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