Unseasonably hot days put pregnant women slightly at risk of early delivery. More than the discomfort that’s caused by regional heatwaves, the health risks of early delivery for both women and kids are numerous. Here’s why you’ll want to be extra careful on hot days and what it can do for you if you’re pregnant.
Linked to Preterm Births
Exposure to heatwaves during the week before birth is strongly associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery.
The hotter the weather gets, the greater the risk for both mother and child. Acute exposure must be avoided to keep it from triggering an earlier delivery.
If you’re pregnant and you’re exposed to heatwaves, that can accelerate labour for you. By understanding the temperature conditions that can affect you, you can take steps to avoid those conditions. You’ll know when to stay inside where it’s cool.
What are preterm births?
Preterm birth refers to any birth that happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy, which normally lasts for at least 40 weeks. The difference might not seem all that significant, but preterm babies can have a host of health problems because they hadn’t had the full term to develop.
Many of the infants suffer from respiratory problems and cardiac ailments, with some having difficulty control body temperature. Some are also at much greater risk of suffering a brain haemorrhage.
There are also other long-term health consequences that could come up, such as learning difficulties, cerebral palsy along with vision and hearing problems. Given all these issues, parents, especially pregnant women, are advised to take the necessary precautions to guard against preterm labour.
Also, if you think you might be at risk of early delivery, make sure your doctor and birth team know. Stay in touch with your team at a reputable private maternity hospital in Sydney.
Keep the team updated on your condition. That way, if things take a turn and you end up giving birth earlier than expected, your birthing team will be ready to meet you there.
What are the effects on the babies?
Hot weather also has an impact on infants. Exposure to extreme temperatures leads to lasting health consequences in babies. It serves as a shock to the early-life environment of an infant.
Those born with access to air conditioning didn’t demonstrate any lasting health problems.
What else do you need to know?
Due to global climate change, more and more places around the world see humid heatwaves. Humid air holds heat longer, and that keeps temperatures high overnight.
The result, then, are longer heatwaves. Given that observation, advice for pregnant people might need to include what to do to keep safe during the day and night. Monitoring temperature conditions where you are will help.
That way, you’ll know enough to stay home and not expose yourself to unnecessary risks if you go out. Staying in an airconditioned space is a must as this will eliminate the risks that come with warmer weather.
What hospital do you choose?
Consider a hospital with an excellent reputation for successful deliveries. You want to make sure you’re in the right hands. Check the qualifications of the doctors on staff.
You can also choose a doctor for your birthing team. Then ask them where they work or hospital they are affiliated to, and that’s where you should go when it’s time to give birth.
Make sure you check if there are any complaints or cases filed against any of the doctors on your birthing team. You might want to reconsider that decision if you want the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
What are your options?
What kind of environment will the hospital provide? Is it safe and secure? Do you feel like you’ll be in the best hands? Does the hospital offer classes that you might be interested in such as childbirth classes, prenatal classes, breastfeeding, or parenting?
What about the hospital’s policy about continuous electronic fetal monitoring? Is there an anaesthetist or anesthesiologist at the hospital in case you’ll need one? What are your pain relief options? How many support people can be with you during labour and birth?
Asking these questions will help you figure out if you’ve found the right hospital for your delivery.
How do you get answers?
Reach out to the doctors or midwives that are on your list. If you want them to take care of you during the delivery, talk to them about it. You’ll also want to ask friends and family who have recently given birth.
Get their take on things. Check the hospital’s maternity services. The detailed descriptions will help.
