Acıbadem Kozyatağı Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Assoc. Dr. Pointing out that during pregnancy, which coincides with the summer season, it is necessary to pay attention to drinking plenty of water and avoiding the harmful rays of the sun, Önder Sakin said, “Not taking enough fluids in hot weather can cause important health problems, especially dehydration, which can damage the organs.
Being under the sun during the hours when the sun’s rays are perpendicular to the earth can also cause spots on the body, and even worse, heat stroke, which can reach life-threatening dimensions. It is extremely important for the mother-to-be and the baby to take these two precautions, especially in hot weather.
10 EFFECTIVE SUGGESTIONS FOR SUMMER PREGNANCY!
Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Assoc. Dr. Önder Sakin explained to expectant mothers the rules they should pay attention to in order to have a healthy and comfortable pregnancy in the summer; made important suggestions and warnings.
PROTECT FROM THE HARMFUL RAYS OF THE SUN
There is an increase in melanin pigments, which cause darkening of the skin, due to many hormonal changes, especially the rising estrogen hormone during pregnancy. Assoc. Dr. Önder Sakin warned that as a result of the increase in melanin, darkening and staining can easily develop on the skin, and said, “What we call a pregnancy mask; Darkening and mottling, which are prominent on the nose, upper lip and cheeks, are frequently seen in the summer months.
Pregnancy mask can become much more obvious if you stay in the sun for too long and may not disappear after birth. In order to prevent such skin spots and to protect against heat stroke, do not go outside between 11:00 and 16:00 when the sun’s rays come at a right angle, if possible, use a high factor product at least 20-30 minutes before going out in the sun. Repeat the product every 2-3 hours, and never forget to use glasses and a hat.
FOR WATER EVEN IF YOU CAN’T THINK
The importance of water consumption during pregnancy is indisputable. Adequate water consumption is very important for the kidneys to work healthily and thus to remove toxins from the body. It also plays a key role in the prevention of many serious conditions such as urinary tract infections, premature birth, hemorrhoids and indigestion. In addition, not taking enough fluids in hot weather in summer can lead to dehydration.
In addition, the physiological decrease of amniotic fluid after the 34th week of pregnancy can cause many negative pictures such as narrowing of the baby’s movement area, compression of the entire cord, insufficient oxygen intake and growth retardation. Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Assoc. Dr. Önder Sakin pointed out that there is more fluid loss than normal through sweating and respiration, especially in summer, and said, “The amount of fluid taken daily should be at least 500 ml more than the amount lost. We recommend consuming at least 2 liters of water in summer for a healthy pregnancy. For this reason, you should drink plenty of water even when you are not thirsty in the summer months.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY TEMPERATURE
It is stated that an increase in body temperature above 39 C may cause some structural disabilities in the baby. For this reason, you should avoid doing excessive exercise in the summer, and situations that can raise the body temperature above 39 C, such as hot steam, sauna, Turkish bath and thermal waters. In addition, you should prefer comfortable and loose clothes, and if possible, you should use cotton clothes.
SWIM REGULARLY
It is important for the general health of the pregnant women that they do sports and swim in the sea, unless there are conditions such as bleeding, water leakage and the threat of premature birth. Assoc. Dr. Önder Sakin stated that swimming is recommended in almost every week of pregnancy in a way that will not cause trauma, strain and injuries, and said, “Swimming, which provides many benefits on our health, especially strengthening the muscles and regulating blood circulation, is among the healthiest and most appropriate sports during pregnancy. However, water sports such as jet-skiing, water skiing, underwater diving and water slides are not recommended during pregnancy.
DON’T STAY IN WET SWIMSUIT
Staying in a wet swimsuit after getting out of the sea is one of the important hygiene mistakes that cause genital infections to increase. In addition, synthetic clothes prevent the ventilation of the genital area. A closed, warm and humid environment with poor oxygenation also prepares the ground for fungal growth. Genital aeration, oxygenation and dryness both prevent the development of such complaints and reduce infections. For this reason, change your swimsuit immediately after getting out of the sea, take care to keep it dry, choose comfortable clothes and allow the genital area to ventilate.
STAY AT IDEAL WEIGHT
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can cause expectant mothers to spend the summer months heavier. More respiratory problems and tiring breathing, hot air, humidity and a heavy body can cause this process to be more difficult. Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Assoc. Dr. Önder Sakin said, “The recommended weight gain during pregnancy varies between 7-12 kilograms, although it is individual. We recommend keeping the weight gained at appropriate intervals and performing adequate and appropriate sports movements in order to prevent or lessen health problems. Yoga, pilates, swimming and brisk walking are the most suitable exercises for pregnancy.
FEED FREQUENTLY AND SMALLLY
Take care to eat frequently and in small amounts during the summer months. It will be beneficial to prefer foods that are lighter and easier to digest. Because, consuming heavy foods in the summer months can lead to digestive system difficulties, aggravation, and complaints such as constipation, gas and bloating. Take care to consume meat, milk, eggs, greens, seasonal fruits and nuts in certain proportions daily. For example, do not neglect 200-300 grams of red or white meat, 200-300 cc of fresh pasteurized daily milk and one well-cooked or boiled egg every day. Make it a habit to consume fruits and nuts in between meals.
BE CAREFUL IF YOU HAVE EDEMA
Edema is more common in summer. Blood pressure monitoring is important for expectant mothers with edema and should be done without delay. Doing regular short-term exercises for physiological edema, paying attention to protein diet, avoiding salt consumption, not standing for a long time, not sitting in the same position for a long time, moving the legs intermittently, resting by raising the feet, providing blood circulation and reducing edema are the things you should pay attention to. establishes the rules.
COMFORT YOUR SHOES
During pregnancy, there are loosening and enlargement of muscles, joints and tendons. Due to these changes, joint injuries, sprains, twists, dislocations and fractures are seen much more frequently in this process. In order to prevent these negative effects, take care to wear comfortable shoes with soft soles while walking and doing sports in summer.
SHOWER FREQUENTLY
Make it a habit to take frequent showers against hot flashes in the summer. However, it is very important to avoid very cold or extremely hot showers to keep your body temperature stable.