Giving birth in the summer: all the advice
Giving birth during the summer can have many pros and cons . Most of the problems can be related to heat, but they can be solved easily by following a few tips.
Being nearly 40 weeks pregnant comes with its own set of aches and pains. What happens if we are expecting a baby during the summer months?
For both pregnant and new mothers, summer weather can be a big deal. And it’s not just about withstanding high temperatures. Many women wonder if the climate could have a negative effect on their children as well.
What are the benefits of giving birth in the summer?
Let’s start by saying that summer offers large amounts of vitamin D and does not imply any additional difficulty compared to other seasons.
Many women are afraid to give birth during the summer because the doctors may be on vacation. But thankfully, hospitals are always prepared for this, staffed and ready. There will always be sufficient staff to attend summer births and look after both mother and child
The advantages of giving birth in the summer
Giving birth in the summer has its perks, for example warm weather increases our sense of happiness and well-being. The days are longer and we have more time to be outdoors. In addition to improving our mood and overall outlook, summer also provides us with a large amount of vitamin D. Summer weather gives us the chance to get more exposure to the sun. As a result, both mother and baby can absorb more vitamin D, which contributes to the formation of bones and calcium.
Of course, it’s important to take the proper precautions before heading outdoors with a newborn.
The disadvantages of giving birth in the summer
Summer heat means sweating and intense exposure to the sun. These are factors that especially affect pregnant women and newborns. This is why it is important to be very careful.
When you consider the problems that pregnancy or childbirth during the summer can bring, the heat is probably the first factor that comes to mind.
Pregnancy itself causes women to experience a higher body temperature. This, coupled with the seasonal heat, can make expectant mothers feel stiflingly hot.
This can also intensify other common unpleasant pregnancy symptoms. Sweltering heat isn’t exactly your best ally when your legs are swollen or you have trouble falling asleep
How to deal with childbirth in the summer
Maintain a balanced diet. The heat can reduce your desire to eat, but you should be careful to maintain a balanced diet. Choose lighter foods and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
The best alternative to combat dehydration is to drink water.
If your delivery involved an episiotomy or C-section, you need to pay special attention to your stitches. Wash the area thoroughly and avoid submerging yourself completely in water the first few days after your baby is born.
Use light, breathable clothing. This applies to both mother and child. In addition to opting for natural fibers that let your skin breathe, you should also choose loose-fitting clothing and light colors. Moms should also make sure to wear strong sunscreen and keep newborns out of direct sunlight.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.