LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As heat blankets Kentucky and southern Indiana, it’s important to limit the amount of time spent doing physical activities outside and to stay hydrated.
Doing so can help prevent you from developing heat-related illnesses, but those who are pregnant are more likely to develop heat exhaustion and heat stroke quicker than those who are not.
According to the CDC, pregnant women are more likely to develop heat-related illnesses faster because their body must work harder to cool down itself and the developing baby.
"Pregnancy takes a toll on your body," Dr. Tiffany Tonismae, with the University of Louisville Health, said. "Your metabolism already makes your temperatures that much higher. So, adding even a little bit of heat and the humidity...makes it even worse.”
Tonismae said its important for pregnant women to be in the shade and air conditioning as best they can when the temperatures begin to get too high. She also advised drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
"If you're wearing layers of clothing, you want to make sure that it's light and airy, and that it's something that's breathable so that you can actually have that sweating response which helps cool the body," she added.
Symptoms of heat-related illness can include feeling lethargic and you may notice someone become slower and their mental acuity may be off a little.
"As a patient yourself, if you start getting a headache, blurry vision -- it's time to think about moving inside and getting checked out," Tonismae said.
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