An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Summer safety tips for pregnant women

  • Published
  • By 375th Medical Group
  • 375th AMW
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Pregnancy can be a wonderful time in a woman's life, but it can also be a time of difficulty--especially, during the hot summer months. During the summer, a pregnant woman must take extra precautions to keep her and her unborn baby safe and healthy.
Below are some ways to stay safe:

Drink plenty of fluids: Pregnant women are at greater risk for dehydration due to their body's increased need for fluids. Dehydration in pregnancy can increase the body temperature, enhance fatigue, increase nausea, decrease amniotic fluid, or cause preterm labor and birth. It's easy to become dehydrated during the hot summer months, and recognizing signs and symptoms of dehydration is vital. These include: dry mouth, feelings of thirst, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, dry chapped lips, dark yellow urine and foul-smelling urine. To prevent this, make sure to drink plenty of water.

Food safety: Make sure to keep food refrigerated or on ice up until you are ready to cook or eat it. Food borne illness can pose a serious health risk to both you and your unborn baby. All meat should be cooked thoroughly. Deli meats should be heated to prevent bacteria. Try to only eat freshly prepared foods and avoid eating food items that have been sitting out for prolonged periods of time.

Heat stress: Pregnant women are at risk for becoming overheated easily due to the physical changes of pregnancy. Make sure to stay cool and avoid over exposure to the sun. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water in a 24 hour period. Eating lighter meals can also help you stay cooler. Large meals increase your metabolism, which can make you feel overheated. To stay cool, try making healthy popsicles by freezing fruit juice or yogurt. If you start to feel lightheaded and dizzy, rest on your left side in a cool place and drink water. If you do not feel better after resting, go to the emergency room to be evaluated.

Sun safety: If you have to be out in the sun, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use sunscreen. Be sure to rest frequently in a shady area. You can quickly cool off by taking a dip in a swimming pool. If you do not have a full-sized pool, lie in a kiddie pool or just soak your feet in cool water.

Summer travel: Prior to traveling, always check with your obstetrician to make sure it's safe for you to travel. Ensure your car is in good working order before traveling and bring plenty of water for traveling long distances by car. Also, plan for frequent pit stops. It is recommended that you stop to walk around and empty your bladder at least every two hours. Again, be sure to drink water before, during and after the trip. And as always, buckle up and follow Air Force driving safety guidelines.

Check airline rules before flying when pregnant.

Have a safe summer while enjoying your pregnancy and staying healthy.