The Warning Signs Pregnant Women Should Never Ignore In A Heatwave

The UK’s in the grips of a heatwave that’s showing no signs of cooling off.

On 22 June, the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued rare “red” heat alerts for Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Temperatures are expected to reach at least 39°C, with the Met Office saying “there remains a chance of this being exceeded in places”.

Elderly people and those with underlying health conditions were already flagged as most at-risk from these warmer temperatures, however this latest red alert indicates “a risk to life for even the healthy population”.

For those who are pregnant – especially in the third trimester – the soaring temperatures will feel very uncomfortable right now.

But there are also health risks pregnant people need to be aware of when the mercury is rising.

Clarissa Battaglino, founder and head of midwifery at The Motherhood Practice and an advisor to Carea, told HuffPost UK: “Pregnant women are more vulnerable to heat-related illness because pregnancy naturally increases metabolic demands, blood volume, heart rate, and core body temperature.

“During the third trimester, these physiological changes are even more pronounced, making it harder for the body to regulate temperature effectively.”

Battaglino said the greatest immediate risks are:

• Dehydration,
• Dizziness,
• Heat exhaustion,
• Fainting,
• Headaches,
• A drop in blood pressure.

“Dehydration can also contribute to Braxton Hicks contractions and, in some cases, may increase the likelihood of preterm contractions,” added the expert.

“For women with underlying conditions such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, or cardiac conditions, extreme heat can place additional strain on the body.”

The midwifery expert said a common misconception is that feeling less foetal movements is “normal” in hot weather.

But she warned: “Any reduction in a baby’s usual pattern of movement should be assessed promptly, regardless of the temperature.”

If pregnant women experience any of the below symptoms, they should reach out to their midwifery team or triage:

• Persistent dizziness,
• Fainting,
• Severe headaches,
• Confusion,
• Vomiting,
• Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath,
• Feeling unusually weak,
• Racing heart,
• Very dark urine or not passing urine as often,
• Feeling unable to cool down,
• Reduced foetal movements,
• Vaginal bleeding,
• Fluid loss,
• Regular painful contractions,
• Visual disturbances,
• Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet,
• Pain beneath the ribs.

Marie Watkyns, founder of Little Light Support and an advisor to Carea and partner for Carea Connect, added that if someone’s showing signs of heatstroke, such as confusion, collapse, seizures, very high temperature, fast breathing, or being very unwell after attempts to cool down, “this is an emergency and 999 should be called”.

1. Drink regularly throughout the day, rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.

“Water should be your main source of hydration, but drinks containing electrolytes may be helpful if you are sweating heavily or experiencing vomiting,” said Battaglino.

You can also keep hydrated with the food you eat. Watkyns noted that watermelon, cucumber, oranges, yoghurt, smoothies or ice lollies might help, especially if you feel nauseous or can’t face large meals.

2. Stay indoors or in the shade.

Where possible, stay indoors or in shaded, well-ventilated environments between 11am and 4pm. Wear loose, lightweight clothing and avoid strenuous physical activity during peak temperatures.

Watkyns advises setting up a cooling station at home. “Choose the coolest room in the house and keep water, snacks, a fan, a spray bottle, a damp flannel and a phone charger nearby,” she said. “This reduces unnecessary movement and helps you rest properly when the heat feels overwhelming.”

3. Listen to your body and your baby.

Rest when needed, cool down promptly if you feel overheated, and seek medical advice if you notice reduced foetal movements or feel unwell.

Watkyns ended: “The important message is not to panic, but not to dismiss symptoms either.”