Virginia Department of Health provides heat safety tips to pregnant people

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — With extreme heat seen this summer, the Virginia Department of Health is sharing tips for pregnant people who are more at risk for heat-related illness and dehydration.

Public Health Nurse Joane Bradshaw works with Richmond and Henrico Health District’s Maternity Navigation, where she frequently sees pregnant folks and new parents. She says that pregnant people, especially in their second and third trimesters, will feel hot more quickly.

Bradshaw encourages folks to remain indoors if possible on major or extreme heat risk days. If they do have to run errands or get outside, she recommends using the early morning and evening hours when it’s cooler.

Bradshaw suggests that pregnant people take the following steps to keep themselves and their growing baby hydrated:

• Make friends with your water bottle. Guzzling water during short periods is harder for pregnant people with growing stomachs. Bradshaw says she advises clients to keep a water bottle with them throughout the day and to take sips often.
• Check your pee. “ Light yellow or clear urine is usually an indication that you’re getting enough fluids . And again, you’re drinking for two. The mom’s kidneys are working double for herself and her baby,” Bradshaw said.
• Try making DIY flavored water. Staying away from drinks with a lot of caffeine and sugar. Bradshaw adds fresh ingredients to water as a way to increase flavor naturally. Her go to’s are fresh pineapple or cucumber, which infuse in a chilled water pitcher in the fridge.
• Keep hydrating during breastfeeding. Once your baby arrives, hydration is still important. “I would highly recommend that every time you feed the baby, you also have a glass of water,” Bradshaw says. “While the baby’s drinking, you drink too. It’s a reminder that you do need additional fluids, regardless of the weather. Breastfeeding involves fluid leaving your body, so you need to replenish it.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRIC ABC 8News.