There is a saying: "Pregnant women during the hottest part of summer, carry a fire stove in their bellies." The scorching summer is undoubtedly a challenge for expectant mothers. During pregnancy, due to the increased metabolism, pregnant women produce more heat than normal, resulting in a temperature increase of about 0.5℃. Therefore, pregnant women are more sensitive to heat than the average person. So, how can pregnant women stay cool in the hot summer? What should they pay attention to while cooling down? How to avoid skin problems and other common diseases in summer... In fact, summer is not as unbearable for expectant mothers as they imagine. With some knowledge of protection, expectant mothers and their babies can have a comfortable and peaceful summer.
1. Try to minimize outdoor activities during the hot summer. When going out, always carry an umbrella and apply some sunscreen.
The summer sun's ultraviolet rays are very strong, and excessive sun exposure is harmful to the baby in the womb. So it is better to stay indoors as much as possible.
2. Take regular showers, but avoid taking baths or hot baths.
Pregnant women tend to sweat more, especially in the summer, so taking regular showers is beneficial. However, some pregnant women may feel tired after standing for a long time due to their heavy bodies, so they prefer to take baths to relieve fatigue. However, this bathing method is very detrimental to pregnant women and can even cause premature birth. Therefore, it is advised that expectant mothers should give up hot baths and avoid public baths for the sake of their health.
3. Treat colds cautiously.
Due to the decreased immune system during pregnancy, expectant mothers are more prone to catching a cold, especially in the summer. Because they are concerned about the adverse effects of medication and colds on the fetus, expectant mothers often don't know whether or not to use medication for treatment. Generally speaking, for mild colds characterized by sneezing, runny nose, and mild cough, special treatment is not necessary. Resting and drinking plenty of water will usually lead to a quick recovery. If necessary, Chinese patent medicines such as Yinqiao Jiedu tablets, Banlangen oral liquid, and cold relief granules can be taken, and they are effective. If the cold is severe and the pregnant woman experiences severe coughing, chest tightness, fever, etc., she should seek medical treatment promptly. When pregnant women have a cold and fever, they should avoid taking aspirin tablets, as it can cause skeletal, vascular, and renal deformities in the fetus, as well as prolong the duration of pregnancy and cause low birth weight, eye bleeding, skin bleeding, and hematuria in newborns. Anti-inflammatory drugs and similar medications should also be avoided by pregnant women.
4. Pregnant women can swim moderately. Whether pregnant women can swim or not should be determined based on their physical condition. What can be certain is that moderate exercise is beneficial for pregnant women.
5. Bitter foods have many benefits, but avoid bitter gourd. In the hot summer, appetite may decrease, and eating some bitter foods can improve this condition. Bitter taste not only stimulates the taste buds of expectant mothers, increases appetite, but also promotes gastrointestinal motility and aids digestion. Bitter foods also have the effects of clearing heat, relieving summer heat, and detoxification. Celery is rich in vitamin B2 and carotene; bitter buckwheat contains a large amount of protein, fat, and nutrients such as vitamin B2. These foods can clear heat, stimulate appetite, and invigorate the spleen. However, pregnant women should avoid bitter gourd, as the quinine in bitter gourd can stimulate uterine contractions and cause miscarriage.
