I’ll be attending an outdoor wedding this weekend. Temperatures are supposed to reach the eighties, and with isolated thunderstorms in the forecast, it’s likely to be quite humid as well. One of my good friends is just weeks away from her due date and will be standing up in the wedding. We were wondering if the sweltering heat would bring on labor. There is no evidence that hot weather can bring on labor for a full term pregnant woman, but there are other precautions for those who are expecting during these hot summer months, particularly those who have asthma.
Hot and humid weather can be a trigger for asthma symptoms. Pregnant women who have asthma and go to the ER while experiencing an attack will not necessarily receive the same treatment as other asthma patients, a problem which could land them right back in the ER with another attack. A recent study from Ohio State found that pregnant women were not being given steroids as often as non-pregnant women. The result was that they were four times as likely to return to the ER with asthma symptoms within two weeks after initial treatment. While some pregnant women with asthma worry about the effects the asthma medications could have on the baby, they are safe and it is extremely important that pregnant moms are breathing well. After all, if a pregnant woman isn’t getting enough oxygen in her blood, the baby will be deprived of oxygen as well.
Pregnant women who suffer from asthma should take care to avoid triggers like high heat and humidity, but if they do suffer from asthma symptoms, they should seek full treatment immediately.
And if you do not suffer from asthma, make sure you find a nice air-conditioned place to hang out this weekend. Pregnancy and hot weather make for one extremely uncomfortable mama-to-be.