BEAT THE HEAT Pregnancy summer comfort tips on how to stay cool and beat the heat! HEAT WATCH Signs of dehydration: Thirst Dizzy/lightheadedness Dry/chapped lips Dry skin Fatigue Constipation Less-active baby Heat cramps - Perspiring too many electrolytes leads to painful muscle spasms. Signs of heat exhaustion: Skin feels cool, moist, and pale Headaches Nausea Weakness Exhaustion Dizziness Mental confusion Rapid, weak pulse Shallow breathing Signs of heat stroke: Fever of 104 degrees F or higher Combative behavior Staggering Faintness The summer can dip into unbearable triple digits, and the only thing worse than being too hot is being too hot and pregnant.  Fluid retention may actually contribute to dehydration, making it a dangerous environment for your baby. Dehydration can cause your baby's heart to beat faster, and plus your baby is always 2 degrees F warmer than you are, without the ability to sweat to cool down.  Fetal heat stress is the most damaging during the first trimester, which could lead to common birth defects like heart problems and nervous system malformation.  Here are some tips for all women on how to beat the heat, plus some special tips for our preggo mommas. How To Keep Cool: Turn on the A/C and stay indoors from 10-4, the hottest part of the day. If you don’t have A/C, turn on the fans and close the blinds to keep the sun out. Stay hydrated- this is key in preventing heat stroke for all women.  Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.  Drinking lots of water cools down your body, and counters the swelling in hands and feet that comes during pregnancy. Eat lighter meals, avoid cooking with the oven and make some healthypopsicles. Stay away from caffeine, which actually depletes your body of water (and can be passed on to your baby). Wear roomy, light-colored clothes made from naturally light fibers like cotton.

When leaving the house, pack light and combine errands.  Get help from your family or friends to carry the load. Bring along a mist spritzer or mini fan to keep you cool outdoors, and stick to the shade. Bring a hat and rest often. Workout in the evenings only, or at an air-conditioned fitness center. Swimming is a great way to cool off and get a workout. Avoid hot baths completely if pregnant, and only take a short, hot shower if you must.