Our UK summer's are getting hotter and hotter, and records were recently broken when it reached over 40 degrees. It's hard enough to cope in the extreme heat when you're not pregnant, so when you're faced with the possibility of going into labour when temperatures are well over 30 degrees, it can be a pretty daunting prospect.
Why are labour wards so hot?
Hospitals in general tend to be on the toasty side for obvious reasons - no one is going to feel better if they're feeling chilly. Labour wards in particular are always a few degrees warmer as newborn babies can easily lose heat from their bodies when they're born. So while it might seem a little crazy to have the heating on during the summer (not to mention VERY uncomfortable for us mums), it's all to keep your baby safe and healthy.
Ways to stay cool during labour
If you're due in the summer months, you'll want to equip yourself with the best ways of keeping yourself cool during labour, as it's pretty tiring work!
Wear cool clothes - Wearing light and loose clothing will help your skin to breathe. We particularly love a nice oversized linen shirt for the summer!
Fans - There should be a fan in your room which you should ask to be kept on until your baby arrives. It might also be worth taking your own handheld fan too to keep you extra cool. If you can get your hands on an ice pack, it's often a good idea to place this in front of the fan to keep the breeze cool.
Keep the sun out - Close the blinds or curtains if you have them to keep the sun out, especially if the sun is shining directly onto the window as it's only going to make things hotter!
Windows - If you're lucky enough to be in a room with windows, keep them opened until your baby arrives.
Water sprays - There are plenty of cooling face mists on the market that can provide a quick boost of cool when you really need it.
Stay hydrated - Make sure you drink plenty of water. It's a good idea to bring a flask of water as it will stay nice and cold despite the hot temperatures.
Bobbles and headbands - There's nothing worse than you hair getting stuck to your sweaty neck or face so grab a bobble and get those locks tied up into a comfortable bun.
Cool snacks - Send your birth partner out to get you a nice cooling and fruity ice lolly or ice pop to suck on during labour.
Cold flannels - A nice cold flannel on the head or on the back of the neck is a good way of keeping cool. Ask your birth partner to regularly soak the flannel in cold water to keep it nice and cool.
What happens if I overheat?
Your body is already working harder to stay cool in the heat, so first and foremost, the warmer you are, the more difficult labour is likely to feel - a bit like hiking up a mountain during a heat wave. The good news is that it should be pretty easy to cool down if things get too much.
If your temperature rises too much, your heart rate will increase and so will your baby's. But try not to worry - your midwife will be keeping a close eye on you, and if your heart rate is on the rise due to being too hot, they will make sure you're cooled down effectively.