Heat and Pregnancy

Protect you and your developing baby’s health on hot days.

Why does pregnancy increase your risk of getting sick from heat?

• Pregnancy can make you more likely to get heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or other heat-related illness sooner than those who are not pregnant. This is because your body must work harder to cool down both you and the developing baby.
• Pregnancy can also make you more likely to become dehydrated. This also means you won’t be able to cool yourself as well by sweating.

I’m pregnant, why should I be concerned about heat?

• In very hot environments or during strenuous activity, your core body (internal body) temperature may rise.
• In some cases, increased internal temperature and fever during pregnancy have been linked to birth defects and other pregnancy complications.

• Follow additional tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.
• Heavy sweating can remove salt and minerals from your body. Talk to your doctor about how to safely replace salt and minerals lost through sweating.
• Do not engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.
• Check the local news for health and safety updates regularly.

Learn how to spot heat-related illness.

• Seek medical care immediately if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of heat-related illness.

Check your local HeatRisk and Air Quality

Enter your zip code on the CDC HeatRisk Dashboard for the heat risk forecast in your area and recommended actions to protect your health.

• Plus, check air quality levels – so you can plan your week with your health in mind.

• Natural Disasters and Severe Weather
• Extreme Heat | Ready.gov
• Extreme Heat Safety | Heat Exhaustion Safety | Red Cross
• Heat Safety Tips and Resources (weather.gov)