Extreme warmth can have a big affect on ladies’s reproductive well being. Also referred to as warmth wave, an prolonged interval of extraordinarily scorching climate, can have an effect on our bodily in addition to psychological well-being. In ladies, such climate may cause menstrual irregularities, decreased fertility and exacerbate signs of situations like endometriosis. Heat wave can particularly be troublesome for anticipating moms as they’re extra in danger to get heat-related diseases and these situations can result in problems in being pregnant from untimely supply, preeclampsia, to neural tube defects. (Also learn: Delhiwale: The refugees of a record-breaking heatwave)

“Health burden of ailments resulting from elevated warmth are elevating as the common world temperature rises. Heat waves have gotten extra frequent, intense and longer lasting. Heat wave situations will happen on 50% of days through the heat season in lots of cities. Worldwide round 200 research have documented that there are destructive impacts of publicity to excessive ambient temperature on maternal and new child well being. The time period excessive warmth is used to indicate heatwaves and excessive ambient temperatures to incorporate full vary of temperature patterns which will lead to adversarial well being outcomes associated to warmth both straight or not directly, says Dr Sapna Raina, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Robotic Surgery, Narayana Health City, Bangalore.

“Extreme heat can have a range of negative impacts on women’s reproductive health, from menstrual irregularities to reduced fertility. The effects of heat on reproductive health are more pronounced in women who are pregnant or have underlying health conditions,” says Dr Seema Sharma- Associate Director- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paras Health, Gurugram.

“Extreme heat can have a negative impact on menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, and menopause (in all stages of women’s life). It has been documented that heat stress can alter the hormonal balance in the body and disrupt the menstrual cycle. This leads to irregular periods, heavier bleeding, and increased pain during menses (dysmenorrhoea). In extreme cases, heat stress can even lead to amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation. The most immediate impact of extreme heat is dehydration. When the body becomes dehydrated, it can lead to a variety of health issues such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Dehydration can also affect the reproductive system by reducing cervical mucus and thereby making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. This will impact negative for women to conceive and is responsible for fertility issues,” says Dr Madhu Juneja, Senior marketing consultant obgy Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Pune, Kalyani Nagar, MBBS MS (obgy) fellowship in infertility.

Irregular durations

“Firstly, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat stress, causing dehydration, fatigue, and nausea. This can disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause irregular periods. Studies have shown that women who experience heat stress are more likely to have shorter menstrual cycles and heavier periods,” says Dr Sharma.

Fertility points

“Heat exposure can also decrease fertility in women. High temperatures can cause damage to the eggs, reduce their quality, and impair ovulation. Studies have shown that women who are exposed to extreme heat are more likely to experience fertility problems and have a reduced chance of conception,” as per Dr Sharma.

Pregnancy problems

“Complications during pregnancy: Heatwaves can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Dehydration brought on by hot weather can cause preterm labour, premature birth, and low birth weight in infants. Pregnant women exposed to extreme heat may also face an increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other pregnancy-related complications, which can have long-term health consequences for both the mother and the baby,” says Dr Ritu Sethi, Director, The Aura Speciality Clinic, Gurgaon and Senior Consultant- Gynaecology, Cloud Nine Hospital, Gurgaon.

“Pregnant women are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions can lead to complications in pregnancy, such as premature labour and delivery, preeclampsia, and neural tube defects,” says Dr Sharma.

Mental well being

“Extreme heat can also have significant mental health impacts on women’s reproductive health. Heat-induced stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances can affect women’s mental well-being and overall reproductive health,” says Dr Sethi.

Dr Sapna Raina suggests measures to keep away from warmth publicity

• Drink loads of water and take breaks within the shade or an air-conditioned space. Avoid scorching working environments which don’t gives ample cooling breaks.
• One working in a scorching atmosphere ought to seek the advice of physician or speak to office security officer to learn the way to cut back publicity to warmth or danger of warmth exhaustion.

Dr Madhu Juneja provides extra preventive suggestions for ladies:

• Avoid strenuous exercise through the peak warmth hours and search medical consideration if warmth stroke happens.
• Pregnant ladies ought to be notably vigilant about staying cool and hydrated and may search medical consideration in the event that they expertise any signs of warmth stress.