Mississippi health officials urge pregnant women to avoid summer heat

The Mississippi State Department of Health and its Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program urged pregnant women to avoid extreme heat this summer, saying exposure at any point in pregnancy has been linked to preterm birth, low birth weight and stillbirth, the department said.

MSDH said Mississippi has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the nation and that reports show one in 100 live births ends in tragedy before the child’s first birthday. The department added that a single day of extreme heat exposure can lead to negative pregnancy outcomes.

Weather forecasts this week show temperatures across the state in the low to mid-90s, rising toward 100 degrees by the weekend, the department said. MSDH noted that pregnant women have a harder time keeping cool because their bodies are working to support two people.

MSDH advised expectant mothers to watch for dizziness, heavy sweating, rapid heart rate, vomiting, headache and fainting as signs of heat exhaustion. The department recommended staying in air-conditioned areas, eating water-rich foods such as melons and cucumbers, drinking eight to 12 cups of water a day and avoiding sugary, highly caffeinated or high-sodium drinks. It also advised avoiding the hottest part of the day, staying in the shade and wearing sunscreen, loose clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.

MSDH said symptoms that do not diminish should prompt medical attention. The department advised women to contact a health professional for decreased fetal movement, contractions that do not subside, a fever higher than 100.4 F, confusion, labored breathing or fainting.

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