Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is It Safe To Go Out In Summer During 29 Weeks Of Pregnancy?
Question: I'm 29 weeks 3 days pregnant and I worry about everything harming my baby. This is my first pregnancy and everything has been great. I started with 2 early miscarriages and I think that's where my fear comes from. Well we've had a river floating trip planned this weekend for months and now it's supposed to be hotter than normal. The float takes about 3-4 hours and we get in and out of the river to cool off all the time. Well we're going in the morning hours from 9-1pm or so to beat the main heat of the day, but by the time we leave it looks like it will be about 104ish degrees. I'm terrified that warmth will affect my baby. I'm planning on using the river to stay cool. It's a bit over 70 degrees. Bring tons of water and use sunscreen of course and an umbrella. Can I safely enjoy my summers like normal, just making sure I stay hydrated and hang out in the river to stay cool in the heat? Please help this worry wart. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
You can do it, if due precautions are taken.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
I am honoured by your trust in me.
And yes, you are not a worry wart.
The unfortunate previous two experiences that you have had, have naturally made you over cautious, which is normal in my opinion.
Most women anyway become quite anxious during pregnancy, it is a hormonal thing , and I think it is a natural and normal reaction.
Now regarding your specific question.
It is wonderful to want to enjoy your summer, doing a bit of river floating.
104 degrees is harsh on the body, even for a non pregnant women.
The risk that we are worried about here is dehydration mainly.
Dehydration affects a pregnant woman more readily than it affects a normal person, and it can affect your baby if severe.
That is the only thing you need to watch out for.
As long as you stay hydrated, there is no reason why you cannot have this refreshing trip.
The river being cool is a plus in fact, as you can hop in and out to stay cool.
Also, carry lots of water and other drinks to make sure you stay hydrated ( no fizz or caffeinated beverages ).
Also, apart from plain water, have drinks containing lots of electrolytes ( home made lemonade is an excellent choice ).
Wear layered clothing, so that you can adjust according to the temperature.
Slather on lots of high SPF sunscreen.
Wear a sun hat of course / use an umbrella.
Eat light and fresh, a lot of salad, cucumber, melon etc.
Avoid overdoing it though.
Take a lot of rest, dont exert yourself beyond a limit.
Just floating for a few hours, lying down with a book, and taking an occasional dip in the river is just fine.
If you have long hair, wear it high or in a bun, to reduce sweating and to allow air circulation at the back of your neck.
Wear moisture wicking fabric.
Provided due care is taken, you can definitely continue indulging in these small bits of summer bliss !
Please feel free to discuss further.
Have a wonderful time !
You can do it, if due precautions are taken.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
I am honoured by your trust in me.
And yes, you are not a worry wart.
The unfortunate previous two experiences that you have had, have naturally made you over cautious, which is normal in my opinion.
Most women anyway become quite anxious during pregnancy, it is a hormonal thing , and I think it is a natural and normal reaction.
Now regarding your specific question.
It is wonderful to want to enjoy your summer, doing a bit of river floating.
104 degrees is harsh on the body, even for a non pregnant women.
The risk that we are worried about here is dehydration mainly.
Dehydration affects a pregnant woman more readily than it affects a normal person, and it can affect your baby if severe.
That is the only thing you need to watch out for.
As long as you stay hydrated, there is no reason why you cannot have this refreshing trip.
The river being cool is a plus in fact, as you can hop in and out to stay cool.
Also, carry lots of water and other drinks to make sure you stay hydrated ( no fizz or caffeinated beverages ).
Also, apart from plain water, have drinks containing lots of electrolytes ( home made lemonade is an excellent choice ).
Wear layered clothing, so that you can adjust according to the temperature.
Slather on lots of high SPF sunscreen.
Wear a sun hat of course / use an umbrella.
Eat light and fresh, a lot of salad, cucumber, melon etc.
Avoid overdoing it though.
Take a lot of rest, dont exert yourself beyond a limit.
Just floating for a few hours, lying down with a book, and taking an occasional dip in the river is just fine.
If you have long hair, wear it high or in a bun, to reduce sweating and to allow air circulation at the back of your neck.
Wear moisture wicking fabric.
Provided due care is taken, you can definitely continue indulging in these small bits of summer bliss !
Please feel free to discuss further.
Have a wonderful time !
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Oh thank you so much. I have been stressing myself out with worry over this and my doctor telling me this yesterday helped, but I wanted a 2nd opinion for extra comfort. So I can go and enjoy myself as long as I stay very hydrated and use the river to cool off. I don't need to stress about the heat at all affecting my baby because I'm taking care of myself in it? Am I understanding correctly?
Brief Answer:
Yes you are quite right.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the appreciation.
The heat would not affect the baby at all, as it is quite secure inside your uterus, wrapped in many cushions and layers, including the amniotic fluid.
THe uterus is quite a safe place that way !
Only if you are dehydrated, the baby's nutrition gets affected.
As long as you stay hydrated, the heat cannot directly affect your child.
Avoid the two pitfalls - dehydration and over exertion.
That is all.
You have the direct link to my profile, you can post a question directly to me anytime -
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-aarti-abraham/64623
Wish you a wonderful journey to motherhood!
Take care.
Yes you are quite right.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the appreciation.
The heat would not affect the baby at all, as it is quite secure inside your uterus, wrapped in many cushions and layers, including the amniotic fluid.
THe uterus is quite a safe place that way !
Only if you are dehydrated, the baby's nutrition gets affected.
As long as you stay hydrated, the heat cannot directly affect your child.
Avoid the two pitfalls - dehydration and over exertion.
That is all.
You have the direct link to my profile, you can post a question directly to me anytime -
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-aarti-abraham/64623
Wish you a wonderful journey to motherhood!
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. You've been very sweet and took the time to give me detailed answers. It's truly appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Take care.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for those kind words.
The appreciation is what keeps me going.
And do not call yourself a worry wart , you are yourself a very sweet, intelligent and perceptive person.
Wish you all the best always.
Take care.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for those kind words.
The appreciation is what keeps me going.
And do not call yourself a worry wart , you are yourself a very sweet, intelligent and perceptive person.
Wish you all the best always.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
