Tengrinews.kz — Abnormal heat continues to grip Kazakhstan. Doctors are advising pregnant women to be particularly cautious in such weather. Tengrinews.kz spoke with an obstetrician-gynecologist to find out which symptoms expectant mothers must not ignore.
Why the heat is more dangerous for pregnant women
Raushan Dautova, an obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category, explained that a pregnant woman's body functions quite differently from others: the strain on the cardiovascular system is incomparably higher.
"By the second trimester, the volume of circulating blood in pregnant women increases by 30–50 percent, which places a greater load on the heart. In hot weather, blood vessels dilate, blood pressure may drop, and the heart has to work harder to maintain normal circulation and cool the body. This increases the risk of fainting and can impair blood supply to the fetus," the doctor explained.
According to her, those at particular risk include women with anemia, edema, cardiovascular diseases, and expectant mothers over the age of 35.
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Symptoms you should not ignore
The gynecologist recommends not ignoring any signs of feeling unwell. If you experience dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, or a pulling pain in the lower abdomen during the heat, these may be signs of overheating or another condition requiring attention.
What should you do in such a situation? According to the doctor, it is necessary to move to a cool place, lie on your left side to reduce the pressure on major blood vessels, and slowly drink water in small sips.
However, there is one symptom that requires an immediate call for an ambulance.
If the skin is hot and dry and there is no sweating, you must call an ambulance immediately. According to the doctor, heatstroke during pregnancy is dangerous and, in severe cases, can trigger premature placental abruption.
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How much water to drink
According to the specialist, many pregnant women intentionally limit their water intake for fear of swelling. However, in hot weather, dehydration poses a much greater danger to the body.
Unless a doctor has recommended restricting fluid intake for medical reasons, an adult is advised to drink about 2–2.2 liters of water per day in small portions every 30–40 minutes during hot weather.
According to the doctor, the best choice is ordinary drinking water at room temperature.
"You shouldn't drink ice-cold water either. It's better to choose room temperature water with a slice of lemon. Or prepare homemade cranberry juice without sugar. Avoid all 'chemicals': sodas with dyes cause flatulence and bloating," Dautova advised.
When to go outside and how to dress
The gynecologist recommends not going outside between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and suggests moving walks to the early morning or evening.
"Stay home, dear expectant mothers, during forty-degree heat. If there is an urgent need to go out, you should wear light-colored clothing made of natural fabrics, a head covering, and always carry a bottle of water. Drink in small portions," Dautova noted.
The doctor also advises carrying a pregnancy record card with doctor contact details—in case you feel unwell outdoors and require emergency assistance.
What is strictly forbidden
The doctor also listed what pregnant women should avoid in hot weather. First and foremost, this concerns ice-cold water, cold showers, and strong blasts of cold air from air conditioners.
"A sharp temperature drop of about 10 degrees can trigger increased uterine tone. Therefore, it is better to set the air conditioner to 24–25 degrees and direct the airflow upwards rather than at the person."
Second is intense physical activity. According to the doctor, these increase the risk of dehydration in hot weather, so it is better for pregnant women to forgo active workouts.
"In the heat, it is better to limit yourself to calm walks, breathing exercises, or exercises recommended by your doctor," Dautova clarified.
Third is sleeping on your back, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. This position can impair circulation and cause discomfort, so the doctor recommends sleeping on your side, preferably the left.
Fourth is changing medication dosages on your own. According to the doctor, even if it seems that the body is reacting differently to medications in the heat, you must not adjust treatment without consulting a specialist.
"If we are treating hypertension in a pregnant woman, we adjust the medication dosage only during an in-person appointment if necessary. You must not decrease or increase the dose yourself—any changes to treatment must be discussed only with a doctor," the gynecologist emphasized.
The doctor also recommended that pregnant women measure their blood pressure in the morning and evening, even if they feel fine.
"If you feel weak, do not ignore your body's signals and be sure to rest. If your condition worsens, do not delay measuring your blood pressure and, if necessary, contact your doctor. The most important thing now is to go through your pregnancy calmly, preserving both your health and that of your child," the specialist emphasized.
Weather forecast for Kazakhstan in the coming days
Kazhydromet warned that central and eastern regions of Kazakhstan will continue to experience extreme heat of up to +41 degrees Celsius.
The hottest weather is expected in the south, southeast, and parts of southwest Kazakhstan. Forecasters predict mostly dry weather in these regions, with short-term thundershowers possible only in the mountainous areas of the southeast. Daytime temperatures will rise to +41...+46 degrees., which is above the climatic norm.
Meanwhile, from July 16 to 18, unstable weather is expected in the west, north, center, and east of the country. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast, with heavy precipitation expected in some areas on July 16 and 17. Hail and squally wind gusts are also possible.
Amid the precipitation, the heat in the west of the country will begin to gradually subside. Daytime temperatures will range from +22 to +35 degrees, while the north is expected to see a brief drop to +21...+36 degrees.