Ask Our Expert - Getting Overheated When Pregnant

September 07, 2008

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Specializing in pregnancy and birth.


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Ask Dr. Greenfield Getting Overheated When Pregnant

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Greenfield, I am concerned that I may have gotten overheated yesterday. I am eight weeks pregnant, and we were walking around a flea market in the heat. I was drinking water but eventually had to leave because it was too hot. Do you think this may be a problem? — Heather in Irving, TX

ANSWER	July 18, 2001


Dear Heather, You are right to be concerned about getting overheated in pregnancy. When your temperature goes up, the baby is even hotter. And there is some association between a rise in body temperature and birth defects. Research has shown, though, that pregnant women feel really horrible when their temperatures do rise from being overheated, which leads most to naturally seek a change in environment at that time. You were smart to leave when you started to feel bad. While it is unlikely that one brief episode will cause any problems, it does make sense to plan your activities so that this doesn't happen again. And make sure to mention it to your practitioner at your next appointment. Take care. — by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

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