THE heat is on – literally!

We have just had the hottest day of the year and based on recorded data, the hottest day ever. Staying cool, keeping well hydrated now becomes literally a matter of life and death for expecting mothers, as one possible complication of extreme heat exposure to a pregnant woman is pre-term contractions which may progress to pre-term birth.

What is pre-term birth?

Pre-term birth is defined as any birth occurring prior to 37 weeks or after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Why is this important? Pre-term birth is one of leading causes of a newborn becoming ill and suffering a complication of this illness (morbidity) and death of a newborn (mortality) globally.

Impact of excessive heat on pregnant women

Pregnant women are at increased risk to suffering complications from excessive heat due to a number of reasons. Firstly, due to the physiologic changes associated with pregnancy they may not realise they are becoming severely hyperthermic (overheated) and dehydrated until it is severe. Core body temperature can increase in pregnancy making the threshold for “overheating” lower. The excessive heat is associated with pre-term contractions.

The exact cause of this has not been identified; however, the main theories proposed are the body in its efforts to cool down increases blood flow to skin and sweat glands, this reduces blood flow to the (uterus) and stimulates contractions. Another theory proposed is increased blood flow to the brain and in particular the pituitary which leads to increased hormone production which stimulate contractions.

Are these really contractions?

Women who are progressing through their pregnancy may be all too familiar with Braxton-Hicks contractions which are perfectly normal. However, if you are noticing that you are having abdominal pains that are increasing in severity and are coming more frequently, and your are not at term, consult your obstetrician immediately.

Prevention is better than cure!

Yes, grandma was right! Prevention is better than cure. It is best to avoid this risk than trying to treat the pre-term labour. Ways to avoid hyperthermia include staying inside if possible. If you have access to air-conditioning units or fans use them. Ice packs and sponge baths can also be used.

If being outside in the heat is unavoidable pay keen attention to your fluid intake in particular, fluids that contain electrolytes. Monitor your urine output if you are not going to the bathroom as often as you are used to; this could be an early sign of dehydration. If you are pregnant and have been exposed to excessive heat and feel unwell or start having abdominal pains, seek help urgently.

An expecting mother has so many things on her mind including now the environment. During these very adverse weather conditions, please pay careful attention to any changes in your body or foetal movements and if you are feeling overwhelmed with this heat seek help!

Dr Jordan Hardie is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Contemporary Medical Affiliates, 1 Stanton Terrace, Suite #7. Contact him by calling 876-505-5829 or sending an email to drjhardieOBGYN@gmail.com