Pregnancy and Kansas Summer

Kansas weather in the summer has a few random settings: broil, bake, sauna, and roast. ☀️🥵
When you are growing a human, your baseline body temperature is already elevated, making it a little more work to keep your cool, but a few proactive, preventative measures can keep you and your baby comfortable and thriving.
Here are my top recommendations for navigating the Kansas summer heat safely.

Timing and Environment: 

• Own the Morning: Shift your outdoor activities, walks, or errands to the early morning hours before the sun hits its peak.
• Embrace the AC: Now is the time to enjoy all the air conditioning you can get. If you don't have central air, set up a high-powered fan in your main living spaces to keep the air moving.
• Seek the Shade: If you have to be outside, make the shade your best friend.
• Dress for Breathability: Swap tight or synthetic materials for loose, lightweight clothing made of natural fibers like cotton or linen that allow your skin to breathe.

Hydration & Creative Cooling:
Staying well-hydrated is a non-negotiable partnership between you and your body during pregnancy, as dehydration can trigger early contractions.

• Level Up Your Hydration: Keep a water bottle with you at all times, and consider freezing fruit or reaching for popsicles as a delicious way to keep your core temperature down.
• Get in Touch with Your Inner Child: If you are outdoors, don't be afraid to play! Walk through a sprinkler to cool off, sit in a wading pool, or at least stick your feet in one.
• Use a Cooling Towel: Keeping a damp, cold towel draped around your neck or wrists can instantly lower your perceived body temperature.

Clinical Safety:
Part of being safe means being knowledgeable about how your body handles extreme heat. Pregnant women are much more susceptible to heat exhaustion.

Be mindful of the early signs of heat-related illness. If you start having any of the following symptoms, get into the air conditioning immediately and drink cool water:

• Excessive Sweating: Sweating heavily or feeling clammy.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired, weak, or completely drained.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady on your feet.
• Nausea: Experiencing a sudden upset stomach or waves of nausea.

Midwife Rule of Thumb: If you move into the AC, hydrate, and these symptoms do not improve within an hour—or if they progress to vomiting, a racing pulse, or confusion--Go to the ER immediately.

Pregnancy during the summer requires a little extra grace and a slower pace. By listening to your body, prioritizing rest, and using these simple tools, you can safely enjoy the summer months while protecting your and your baby’s wellness.


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