By Daily Press staff
Summer is here and the Southland is reaching record temperatures. The heat can be hard on anyone, let alone pregnant women, doctors say.
“Just because it’s hot there’s no reason why you can’t spend time outdoors during your pregnancy,” advises Jon Matsunaga, M.D., an Ob/Gyn specialist and chair of the Ob/Gyn department at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. “If you’re going to be outside in the sun and heat for any length of time it’s important to drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration and keep your body from overheating.
“You should also limit your sun exposure to either mornings or late afternoons, when the sun is less intense,” he added. “Direct sunlight is particularly strong between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s best to avoid overexposure during those hours.”
Expecting women who plan to engage in any outdoor activity, such as walking or gardening, should try to do it in the early morning or evening when the temperature is cooler. When sitting outside, Dr. Matsunaga advises his patients to stay in partial shade, rather than direct sunlight. Keeping a spray bottle of water handy and spraying yourself whenever you start to feel too warm also can be helpful.
“Overheating your body during pregnancy should be strictly avoided, so stay indoors or in the shade if outdoor temperatures exceed 90 degrees or more,” he said. “If you do begin to feel lightheaded or dizzy, get out of the sun immediately.
“You should also pay attention to local air quality warnings and limit your outdoor activity on days when the air quality is poor.”
Everyone should apply sunscreen if they plan to spend time outside, and pregnant women need to be extra vigilant as hormonal changes during pregnancy can make skin more prone to burning and blotching, doctors say.
The type of clothes you wear outdoors can also help you stay more cool and comfortable, Matsunaga said. Wear light-colored clothing that reflects sunlight and avoid dark colors that will make you feel hotter, he added. Certain fabrics like cotton also breathe more than others, allowing more air to circulate next to your skin, so stick to all-natural fabrics and steer away from clothing made with synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, Matsunaga suggests.
Other tips Dr. Matsunaga suggests include: ■ Putting your feet up and avoiding lying flat on your back will help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation. ■ Jumping into a cool shower or the swimming pool whenever you feel too warm. ■ Staying away from salty foods as they will cause your body to retain more water, which will lead to increased swelling. ■ Taking frequent naps, particularly if you’ve been outdoors for any length of time. Prolonged heat can sap your energy levels, and pregnant women need more rest in order to feel better.
To find an Ob/Gyn like Dr. Matsunaga (or any type of physician), log onto the Saint John’s Web site at www.stjohns.org. Select “Find a Physician” and respond to the computer prompts. Browsers can choose from a wide range of specialists, which are then sorted by location, gender and language. The service instantly refers patients to one of Saint John’s experienced and caring physicians.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 28, 2005. Read the original PDF.