Silly Q

[Floopy21]

So I know you're not supposed to have hot baths/go in saunas, etc, but what about hot holidays? Am I being silly? I'm off to Greece at about 16 weeks pregnant in July & the last time I went teperatures soared way into 30's. Is this going to be dangerous to my bump? Sorry if it's a very silly question!

[BertieBotts]

I'm sure it will be fine! Women in hot countries have just as healthy pregnancies as we have

[nickytwotimes]

It's fine.
You might be a bit uncomfortable, but your baby will be grand.
Fwiw, I have had hot baths throughout both my pg as have loads of people.
Don't worry yourself and have a wonderful holiday - good time to go at 16 weeks. Usually feel reasonable about then.

[Floopy21]

Thank you both. Will sun myself without worry now (responsibly!)

[ReshapeWhileDamp]

It's fine! You regulate your own body temperature perfectly - it's only in unnaturally hot environments where you're completely immersed, like a sauna, that you risk raising your core temperature.

Enjoy yourself - I am !

[vmcd28]

yes, i think (but I'm no expert) with saunas, hot baths etc, the problem is partly the going in and out of the extreme temperature. ie your body doesnt regulate itself in those conditions.

[japhrimel]

Don't sunbathe and make sure you wear a hat and stay out of the sun when you can.

The issue with any excess heat is that if it raises your body temperature (to the point where you are sweating and can't stay like that for long) then it's the same as having a fever.

So Greek women are less likely than you to get overheated in their summer as they are already acclimatised to the weather.

[Mcyorkshire]

I was told by a friend that yr skin is more susceptable to burning during pregnancy so will be wearing v strong factor suncream when I go away next week (will also be 16 weeks).

[porcamiseria]

it will be fine, think of all the libyan babies!!!!!

[DomesticG0ddess]

Baby will be fine, you just might feel uncomfortable and want to sit in the shade a lot. You just have to make sure you don't over do it on the sunbathing and avoid sunburn, but that's just common sense anyway.

[japhrimel]

Do remember though that heatstroke in you could be fatal to your baby, so REALLY don't overdo it on the sunbathing.

[Floopy21]

Goodness japhrimel. heatstroke = shivery/headachy/slightly dehyradted? or more serious?

[moonstorm]

Heatstroke = very, very serious x

"heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated. "

see here

[japhrimel]

Heatstroke can range from dizzy, nauseous and slightly dehydrated to needing immediate hospitalisation. I've had it before (it's horrible!) and got it quite easily - just staying out in the sun a little bit longer than ideal (because I was working at the time and didn't realise the risk).

Just be very careful when in a hot country or when sunbathing at all. By the time you felt uncomfortable, you could already be in enough trouble to cause issues, so if you do go sunbathing, make sure you keep really well hydrated and get out of the sun before you get uncomfortable. Wearing a hat can make a big difference by shading your head at least.