As the ancient saying goes, "Pregnant women experience three periods of extreme heat, with a fire stove in their bellies." This vividly depicts the "boiling" state of expectant mothers in the scorching summer. Pregnant women have a strong metabolism, with an increased intake of food and an increased excretion of waste. Their basal metabolism is about 10o/6 higher than that of normal individuals. In addition, pregnant women have active sweat gland secretion and excessive sweating, making them particularly prone to heatstroke.
So how can pregnant mothers survive the hot summer? Here is a set of guidelines for expectant mothers to safely spend the summer.
Clothing: It is advisable to choose loose and breathable clothes, preferably made of cotton. Try to avoid using sanitary pads and keep the external genital area clean and dry, changing underwear frequently. Expectant mothers tend to sweat more and have increased secretions, making them more susceptible to bacterial infections. It is best to shower every day in the summer.
Diet: Drink plenty of water and consume fresh vegetables and fruits, paying attention to a balanced diet. In order for the fetus to develop well, sufficient nutrition must be taken in. Nutrients such as protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins should be balanced and not consumed in a biased manner. Anemia may occur during pregnancy, so it is necessary to eat some iron-rich vegetables such as spinach, pork liver, and egg yolks.
Living: Keep the indoor air circulating, and the air conditioning temperature should not be too low. Keep the indoor air clean and hygienic. It is advisable to ventilate the room as much as possible on normal days and avoid having the air conditioning and fan blowing directly at the expectant mother while sleeping.
Activities: Try to avoid going out when the sun is strong at noon. If going for a walk, use a sun umbrella or wear a sun hat for sun protection.
In addition, pay attention to breast care. Wear a loose and soft bra to protect the nipples. If the nipples are inverted, it is recommended to pull them out several times a day during the late stages of pregnancy to prepare for breastfeeding after delivery.
