Summer is a time of heat and outdoor activities, but for pregnant women, it also brings the challenge of coping with intense heat waves that can pose serious health risks. From dehydration to heatstroke, the heightened vulnerability of expectant mothers requires careful strategies to ensure their health and that of their developing babies. This comprehensive guide explores practical and effective measures to safeguard pregnant women during these critical months. Understanding the Risks for Pregnant Women in Summer Pregnancy demands a lot from the body, which is already managing increased blood volume and the energy requirements of carrying a baby. In the summer, these challenges are compounded by higher temperatures and humidity, which can lead to faster dehydration and overheating. This increased susceptibility makes it essential to adopt preventive measures against heat-related health issues. Hydration: The First Line of Defense Against Heat Water is a vital ally for pregnant women during hot weather. Staying well-hydrated is crucial, as dehydration can trigger complications such as overheating, urinary tract infections, and even preterm labor. At least 8-10 glasses of water daily are recommended. Using a reusable water bottle makes it easier to stay hydrated on the go. Read more: How to Travel Safely During Heat Waves Electrolyte Management Alongside hydration, maintaining electrolyte balance is critical. Loss of electrolytes through sweating can be significant in summer. Electrolyte-rich drinks or adding a pinch of salt to water can help restore balance. Natural sources such as coconut water are also beneficial. It is important to check with a healthcare provider before incorporating new items into the diet, particularly if there are underlying health conditions. Choosing the Right Clothing Appropriate attire can significantly influence body temperature. Pregnant women should opt for loose, lightweight, and breathable clothing. Fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal as they allow air circulation and help prevent overheating. Read more: Summer Tips for School-going Children Light colors are preferable because they reflect sunlight, whereas dark colors absorb it, increasing heat retention. Comfortable, well-fitting shoes are also essential to accommodate swelling in the feet, a common issue during pregnancy. Sun Protection Strategies Sun protection is vital for preventing skin damage and managing body temperature. A wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and sunscreen with at least SPF 30 are key to guarding against the harmful effects of UV radiation. Limiting Exposure to Extreme Heat It is advisable for pregnant women to minimize their time spent outdoors during peak heat hours—typically between 10 am and 4 pm. Planning activities during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, can reduce the risk of overheating. When outside, staying in shaded areas or using an umbrella can provide immediate relief from direct sunlight. Read more: How to Protect Outdoor Workers from Heat Stroke

The government has included pregnant and lactating women in the nationwide Covid-19 inoculation programme amid a worrying rise in Covid-19 hospital admissions across the country. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issued a notice regarding this Sunday. Although the pregnant women are now eligible for Covid-19 vaccination, they must follow some instructions before getting jabbed, according to the DGHS. They have to take the Covid shots from government vaccination centres with medical facilities after getting counselling from a registered physician there. Mothers-to-be who are unwell, suffering from chronic illness or have a history of vaccine allergy will not be allowed to take the jabs. Read: Covid vaccine seekers overwhelm Suhrawardy Hospital; chaos all around Also, they cannot take the second dose of vaccine if an AFI case is detected among them after taking the first shot. And expectant mums will have to provide all health information to the registered doctor before getting jabbed. Also, doses cannot be administered without the signed approval of a guardian or vaccine recipient and counselling a physician. However, the lactating mothers can take a Covid shot like everyone else. Earlier, the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group recommended the government for providing Covid vaccine to both mums-to-be and lactating mothers. Read: Bangladesh to procure 6 crore Sinopharm vaccine doses: Minister Expectant mums and lactating mothers were excluded from the Covid mass vaccination programme in Bangladesh from the beginning. Earlier this year, when Covid vaccination was initiated in countries across the world mums-to-be were excluded from the programme due to a lack of safety information. Now the UK Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend Covid vaccines for expectant mums and lactating women. Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalisations, and death and with the Delta variant, this is more urgent than ever, according to the CDC. "Pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with Covid-19 compared with non-pregnant people. If you are pregnant, you can receive a Covid-19 vaccine. Getting a Covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy can protect you from a severe illness Covid-19," it added.

Health authorities have decided to set up a separate unit for providing treatment to Covid-positive pregnant women, aiming to mitigate the huge pressure on the existing corona treatment facilities in Barishal. Divisional Health Director Dr Basudev Kumar Das said, “We will set up the unit at the 20-bed Ma O Sishu Kalyan Kendra in the city’s Kalibari Road. Pregnant women testing positive for Covid-19 will be treated at the dedicated unit." Read: Barishal division sees 16 new Covid deaths Besides, 20 beds will be added to each Upazila Health Complex in nine upazilas of the district for treating Covid patients. "Two more 300-bed private hospitals will also be turned into corona hospitals to reduce the huge pressure of Covid patients on the already-stretched Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital," the health director said. These decisions were taken at a virtual meeting with the divisional committee of the Health Ministry, in view of the worsening Covid-19 situation in the division, said Dr Basudev. Deputy Commissioner of Barishal Jashim Uddin Haider presided over the meeting held on Monday. Read: Barishal division logs record 31 Covid deaths in a day Dr Tayubur Rahman, deputy director of the divisional family planning department, said, “We can start admitting pregnant women at the Ma O Sishu Kalyan Kendra from Wednesday itself but the doctors and the nurses at the centre need proper training." "Besides, there is no oxygen plant available. However, steps are being taken to open it at the earliest," he added. Dr HM Saiful Islam, director of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital, said, “The diarrhoea and general wards of Barishal General Hospital were shifted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital, and the General Hospital is being prepared for corona unit, but only outdoor services will be available at the hospital.” Besides, steps are taken to prepare the 100-bed Ambia Memorial Hospital and 250-bed South Apollo Medical College & Hospital as Covid hospital if the situation worsens further, he said. Read: Barishal division logs 854 new Covid cases According to the health authorities, Barishal division has logged as many as 16 new Covid deaths in 24 hours till Wednesday morning. Besides, 773 people were found infected with the virus during the same period.

The High Court on Monday asked the government to let the court know within 72 hours its decision about providing Covid jabs to pregnant women.  The HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim passed the order after hearing a writ petition seeking steps to provide Covid jabs for pregnant women on priority basis. It also asked the attorney general to contact the health and family welfare ministry, Directorate General of Health Services and National National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) in this regard. Also read: Preparations underway to vaccinate 1 crore people by next week: Minister On July 31, four lawyers filed a petition seeking necessary steps from the government to provide Covid vaccine to expectant women on priority basis. The High Court also said the government is needed to take a specific decision within 72 hours. The Court also asked the attorney general to contact the authorities concerned as they declared the decision formally within this period. Also read: Do I need to get tested for COVID-19 if I’m vaccinated? “We do not provide any formal order as our health minister said that they will take decisions about the pregnant women. We hope they will announce a decision soon. But the attorney general should contact them,” said the HC. Advocate Mohammad Humayun Kabir stood for the petitioner while deputy attorney general Samarendra Nath Biswas represented the state.