Tanya Vito of Mullica Hill, New Jersey, is 21 weeks pregnant. She has to spend sometime outside during her work selling autos, but she's doing what she can to stay cool.
"I just try to sit down in the shade or inside. I drink lots of fluids and just try to keep hydrated and as cool as possible," says Vito.
Dr. Jeff Levine, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Virtua, says pregnant women are at a greater risk for heat-related problems for two reasons. First because they're carrying extra weight, and second, because their blood pressure drops.
"Usually in the mid trimester is when it dips but they usually run low anyway so they have to be careful ," says Dr. Levine.
If your blood pressure is low, dehydration can affect you faster. That's why he advises his patients to drink extra water and take it easy.
He also advises them not to wait if they develop any problems.
"If they are dizzy, feel like they are going to black out, call, sit down right away and get some help," he says.
Dr. Levine also offers some other tips.
* Try to avoid salt and caffeine
* Wear lighter colored and loose clothing
* Try to avoid going outside during the midday when temperatures are the highest
* If you plan to exercise, work out indoors in an air conditioned area
* If you don't have air conditioning in your home, try to stay with family/friends who do have air conditioning
