Giving Birth In Summer: Pros And Cons
Being almost 40 weeks pregnant entails a lot of inconveniences. The time to give birth approaches and the list gets longer and longer.
But in addition to the usual annoyances of a pregnant woman, the weather and climate can influence the emotions of mothers and children. What happens if we have to give birth in summer?
For both pregnant women and women who have recently become mothers, the stifling heat of that time is often the biggest problem. And not just for having to withstand high temperatures: there are also doubts that can affect the baby in some way.
But giving birth in the summer has both advantages and disadvantages. But for most of the annoyances that heat brings with it, there is an easy solution.
The benefits of giving birth in summer
Many mothers give birth in the summer. In fact, after the month of October, it is on this date that more births happen on average in Spain, for example.
Although it may seem like an irrelevant fact, this indicates that when the birth takes place in summer there is no additional difficulty compared to other seasons.
This means that when giving birth you will not need to take any special measures due to the summer. And even if it’s vacation time, the medical team takes turns. There will always be enough doctors and nurses to receive and care for the new offspring.
But in addition to not representing any significant problem, pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum on these dates have certain advantages.
- The first is that with good weather and the holiday season, the number of options for relaxation increases. Going to the pool or the beach, for example, and swimming calmly is good for both pregnancy and general health. It will also be easier to travel and enjoy the company of friends and family.
- Warm climates increase the feeling of joy and well-being. The days are longer and we have more time to enjoy. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be to work or finish a project: we also have more time to relax and make plans.
- In addition to providing energy and a more positive outlook, summer offers plenty of vitamin D. Taking advantage of the good weather, exposure to the sun is generally greater. Therefore, the mother and baby will absorb more of this vitamin, which contributes to the formation of bones and calcium.
Disadvantages of giving birth in summer
When thinking about the problems that can arise in childbirth, or simply in pregnancy, during the summer, the first thing that comes to mind is the heat.
Pregnancy alone implies greater body heat. Added to the high temperatures of the season, this makes mothers-to-be feel almost permanently suffocated.
This can contribute to intensifying other pregnancy discomforts. Stifling heat isn’t exactly the best ally for swollen legs or sleep problems, for example.
High temperatures can also affect your baby, which is why it’s important to keep your baby cool. Summer also involves sweating more and being exposed to a very strong sun, factors that we must be careful with.
How to combat nuisances?
- Maintain a balanced diet. Heat can reduce your desire to eat, but you should continue to maintain a balanced diet. Fatty foods force the body to work harder, generating more heat. Opt for light foods, with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Drink lots of water. With both heat and nursing, thirst increases. Decreasing the amount of salt in your food will help you stay hydrated, even if you shouldn’t eliminate it completely: salt is also beneficial for the formation of the baby. The best alternative to combat dehydration is water, but you can also drink fruit juice, milk or sports drinks.
- Increase hygiene. In the heat it is normal to sweat a lot, which can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. If you also need to have an episiotomy or a cesarean, you will have to take special care of the stitch area. Wash the area gently and try to avoid getting into a bathtub or swimming pool for the first few days after giving birth.
- Wear breathable clothing and sunscreen. This includes the mother and baby. In addition to using natural fabrics that allow the skin to breathe, try to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes.
It’s true that summer can add to the annoyances of pregnancy and the postpartum period, but it won’t be much different from what happens in other seasons.
However, these annoyances can be alleviated. So, if you’re giving birth in the summer, think that it ‘s the best time to enjoy your baby’s first days outdoors.
