7 Healthcast: Pregnant In The Heat

Alissa Elizardo is in the final days of her pregnancy and she says staying cool has been an issue.

"Trying to stay in the AC as much as possible and drink lots of water," she says.

Expectant mom Leah Jordan says she's had to work through her pregnancy and the heat has made it hard.

"I ended up in the hospital a few times because I was working and I think it's just because I get so dehydrated," she says.

Dr. Darren Tate says dehydration is the most common problem he sees with expectant moms in this heat wave.

"The water requirements alone for pregnancy are much greater than for the average person," he notes.

Doctors suggest we drink six to eight glasses a day.

A pregnant woman should have at least ten to 12.

If that doesn't happen the woman can suffer from heat exhaustion, and the risks are all major concerns.

"It depends on what trimester she in, but there can be complications in all three. In the first trimester we worry about pregnancy loss," says Dr. Tate.

In the second trimester fetal malformations are a concern.

The third trimester concern is pre-term labor.

Dr. Tate says by being proactive expectant moms can beat the heat.

"A little prevention is worth a pound of cure, so we really tell people keep up with ten to 12 glasses of water a day every day, especially in the heat wave," he says.

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