Answer
Pregnant women are more likely to suffer heat exhaustion or in more serious cases, heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate and is usually caused by excessive exposure to heat. If not treated effectively, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which requires immediate emergency medical care.
Heat exhaustion can present with severe thirst, muscle weakness, nausea, fast or shallow breathing and elevated body temperature. Symptoms can be alleviated by moving to a cool place, sipping cool fluids and loosening or removing clothing.
Prevention is best achieved by staying in the shade when outdoors, taking frequent breaks when active outdoors, avoiding outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., drinking plenty of water, and wearing light-colored loose clothing. Pregnant women should move more slowly when out in the heat.
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