CSRA’s heat wave could cause problems for mothers-to-be
AUGUSTA, Ga. - There are new warnings for expectant mothers sweltering in the region’s heat.
We have a stretch of hot days ahead across the CSRA, and now a new study is showing that if you’re not careful it could cause pregnancy issues.
This new study involved Emory researchers, and the results show this extreme heat is impacting millions of pregnancies nationwide.
One Georgia OB-GYN said there are steps you can take to avoid trouble.
“I think we need to just really tell pregnant women to just be smart about staying cool when it is really hot,” said Dr. Sujatha Reddy.
Reddy said the new study should serve as a reminder for pregnant moms to proceed with caution during this stretch of hot weather days to avoid complications.
MORE HOT-WEATHER COVERAGE:
How to keep your pets cool and safe in CSRA’s high temps
We’re on your side with how you can keep your family pets cool and safe as temps keep getting hotter.
Doctors give tips to concerned CSRA parents
We talked with some local parents who are concerned on how to keep their children and themselves safe as temperatures are expected to in the high 90′s with heat index values near and above 100 degrees this week.
“Very hot temperatures outdoors, there’s a risk of miscarriage,” Reddy said.
The study found that four or more consecutive days of temperatures of 95 degrees or higher in Georgia could cause premature births.
The study found that premature births, where mothers delivered at less than 37 weeks, increased.
Reddy said she was not shocked by the research.
“While delivering a few weeks before your due date can be normal, depending on how early it is, there obviously can be implications to the pregnancy and the health of the child,” Reddy said.
She said more research needs to be done on this issue, but for now, moms can take steps to reduce heat-related complications during their pregnancy.
“Wearing loose clothing if you’re going to be outside, drink water, water, water, hydrate, try to limit your time out in the sun, and if you have to be outdoors, do it not at the peak sun hours. Be inside when it’s really hot. Listen to your body,” Reddy said.
Reddy said although the study shows a small increase in premature births, mothers need to take these warnings seriously during this stretch of hot summer days.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
