Pregnancy can be a thrilling yet nerve-wracking time for mothers-to-be. As your body changes, pregnant women are also highly advised to be more aware of their babies’ well-being and comfort. While pregnancy can be uncomfortable on its own, there are some things that mothers should be extra cautious about.
There is always the potential for a baby to overheat in the womb, which could be a result of external or internal factors that cause the mother’s body temperature to rise to dangerous levels.
Monitoring your body temperature, as well as being able to recognize when your baby is too hot, is vital to prevent it from affecting both the mother and the baby.
Today, we’ll be going through 15 telltale signs that indicate your baby is overheating, as well as how you can prevent it.
15 Signs The Baby Is Overheating In The Womb
1. Maternal Body Temperature Has Increased
One of the most obvious signs of overheating is if your own body temperature is rising. If you feel as if you’re overheated and flushed with red skin, and if the environment around you isn’t that warm, then both you and your baby may also be too hot. Check your body temperature to ensure that your fetus isn’t also overheated.
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2. Dehydration and Excessive Thirst
Maternal dehydration in pregnancy is a side effect of overheating. The body’s natural reaction to heat is to sweat in order to cool itself down. If you feel as if you’re constantly thirsty despite having consumed a lot of water, it’s time to cool down and replenish the amniotic fluid around your baby. Feeling dehydrated can also result in dry mouth, tiredness, or dizziness.
3. Sweating Excessively
As mentioned above, sweating is a way to cool your body down. But if you find that you’re sweating more than usual, even without engaging in physical activity or in environments with lower temperatures, then it’s time to cool down. Excessive sweating in pregnancy can also result in you losing important electrolytes.
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4. Elevated Heart Rate or Palpitations
You may also notice an increase in your heart rate or palpitations if your body is overheating. If your body is working hard to cool down, this may also be an indication that your baby is overheated. Pay attention to if you’re more breathless at rest or if your heart is beating faster than usual.
5. Feeling Dizzy or Lightheaded
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, especially in combination with the other symptoms above, may also be a telltale sign that your body is overheating and struggling to keep its temperature low. The dizziness and feeling faint can be caused by dehydration or by reduced blood flow to your brain.
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6. Tiredness and Fatigue
Fatigue is normal during pregnancy, but if you’re feeling unusually tired or lethargic (especially in the warmer weather), then this may be the result of your body working extra hard to try to cool itself down. When you’re overheated, it uses up more of your energy, leaving you feeling exhausted.
7. Swollen Feet and Ankles
Feet and ankle swelling is another sign that your body is having trouble regulating its temperature. Swelling is normal during pregnancy to some degree, but if you start to notice that your feet or ankles are swelling in more extreme temperatures, it could be a sign that your body is overheated.
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8. Skin Rash or Hives
Skin rashes and hives are a common symptom of overheating. Prolonged exposure to the sun can also cause heat rash and sunburns, as well as trigger allergic reactions. Keep an eye on your skin for unusual blotches, rashes, or hives that could be caused by being too hot.
9. Reduced Fetal Movement
We’ve saved the most important sign for last. Reduced fetal movements can be a sign of fetal distress, which could be due to the baby overheating in the womb. If you notice that your baby is not as active or moving with the same intensity as usual, it’s time to contact your midwife or doctor immediately.
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10. Clammy or Cold Skin
Hot flashes and sweating are typical reactions to overheating, but your baby’s response to heat may be different. If you find that your skin is clammy or cold even though the environment around you is hot, then it could be a sign that your baby is overheated.
11. Trouble Sleeping
It is not uncommon for pregnant women to struggle with sleeping, especially during the later stages of pregnancy. However, if you find that you’re overheating at night and struggling to fall asleep, or if you can’t find a comfortable position to sleep in, then this could be a sign that your body or your baby is overheated.
12. Nausea and Vomiting
Feeling dizzy and nauseous are some of the more common symptoms of dehydration, which can result from overheating. If you find that you start vomiting, or if you’re feeling nauseous for no apparent reason, this can also be a sign that your body is overheated.
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13. Feeling Overheated During Physical Activity
Regular exercise is always encouraged for pregnant women. However, you must be careful when it comes to heat exposure or during physical activities. If you feel as though you’re overheated even during mild physical activity, like taking a walk or doing some stretches, then it’s time to take a break.
14. Hot Flashes
Hot flashes and sweats are common in the third trimester, but if you find that you’re experiencing hot flashes more often or with more intensity, then it could be a sign that your baby is overheating. Hot flashes usually come with sweating, but they may also cause dizziness and general discomfort.
15. Changes in Urine Color
Changes in urine color can be a good way of monitoring hydration levels. If your urine is a dark yellow or amber color, it’s an indication that you’re dehydrated. This is usually a result of not drinking enough water or sweating excessively, which may be a sign that you’re overheated.
What To Do If You Suspect Your Baby Is Overheating
If you start to notice some or all of the above signs, then it’s time to take a break and cool down. To cool your body and your baby down, you can take a few measures:
Drink Water
Drinking a lot of water will help keep your body temperature down and also replenish the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby. If you’re dehydrated, then the amniotic fluid level will also be reduced, which is why drinking water is important.Go Somewhere Cooler
Take a break and move to a cooler area with air conditioning or a fan. Avoid being exposed to the sun for long periods of time, and take it in shifts, with breaks in the shade or in a cooler room.Wear Loose Clothes
Loose clothing allows your body to breathe and cool itself down, so avoid tight clothing during the warmer months. Cotton is one of the most comfortable and breathable types of clothing materials.Take a Cool Shower
A cool shower or a cold bath can also help to cool down your body quickly.Rest and Avoid Physical Activity
If you start to feel overheated, take a break and rest. Try to avoid engaging in physical activities during periods of heat.Contact Your Doctor
If you’re concerned that your baby is overheating, or if you notice a significant change in your baby’s movement or behavior, then contact your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Staying hydrated and keeping an eye on your body temperature is just one part of keeping your baby safe during pregnancy. Make sure to monitor how your baby is feeling, especially if you start to experience any of the above signs that could be indicative of overheating.
Trust your instincts, and if you notice that your baby is acting unusually or differently, then contact your doctor for further consultation. By following the steps above, you can ensure that you and your baby have a comfortable pregnancy experience.
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