Approfondimenti scientifici
Summer birth: maximizing maternal–fetal health and comfort
The summer season offers a unique environmental context which, if managed consciously, can enhance several aspects of the perinatal experience, contributing positively to maternal–fetal health. Rising temperatures, lifestyle adaptations, and natural endocrine variations linked to seasonality are dynamic factors capable of interacting in a complex but potentially harmonious way with the physiology of pregnancy.
This paper analyzes, from a proactive perspective, the scientific literature on childbirth during the summer months, with particular attention to maternal thermoregulation, clinical care planning, psychophysical comfort, and neonatal outcomes.
Impact of high temperatures on pregnancy
Childbirth, the physiological event par excellence, is influenced by multiple environmental, biological, and psychosocial determinants. In this context, obstetric seasonality emerges as a growing field of scientific interest: summer, with its specific climatic features, represents an opportunity to promote more personalized obstetric care, oriented towards prevention and overall well-being.
During pregnancy, the female body demonstrates an extraordinary ability to adapt thermally, thanks to peripheral vasodilation, increased sweating, and modulation of basal metabolism. These mechanisms, particularly stressed during the summer months, require adequate support through simple educational strategies, which can translate into optimal thermal regulation and improved maternal comfort.
Obstetric planning in the hot months
Current evidence (Kuehn & McCormick, 2017) highlights the importance of planning obstetric care in relation to environmental thermal changes. Some observational studies suggest that very hot days (>35°C) are associated with greater activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, a phenomenon which—if well monitored—can be addressed through effective preventive measures such as thermal rest, proper hydration, and strengthened clinical follow-up.
Modern air-conditioned delivery rooms, designed to provide thermal stability and sensory comfort, contribute to optimizing pain perception and improving the effectiveness of analgesic techniques. Furthermore, thermally controlled care environments promote optimal hemodynamic management even in the more complex postpartum contexts.
Hydration and summer nutrition
On the hydro-electrolytic level, summer calls for a careful emphasis on physiological hydration, a cornerstone for supporting uteroplacental perfusion and promoting maternal–fetal well-being. Regular fluid intake, combined with a diet rich in seasonal micronutrients and antioxidants, represents a simple but highly effective strategy for maintaining homeostatic balance even in the hottest climates.
The newborn too, thanks to its remarkable adaptive plasticity, benefits from a properly managed summer environment. Some evidence suggests an increase in physiological bilirubinemia during the summer months, a condition easily controlled through early promotion of breastfeeding and targeted parental education on managing the domestic microclimate and neonatal hydration.
Psychophysical well-being and circadian rhythm
Finally, the summer season—associated with longer days, greater exposure to natural light, and opportunities for outdoor physical activity—can have positive effects on maternal mood and circadian rhythm, fostering the release of serotonin and melatonin and supporting a harmonious pregnancy experience.
Physiological mechanisms of increased heat perception
During pregnancy, the maternal body activates complex physiological mechanisms to support the baby’s growth. This is why many expectant mothers perceive more heat even in cool environments:
- Increase in basal temperature: in the early months, the hormone progesterone induces a slight rise in body temperature.
- Greater blood flow: to nourish and oxygenate the fetus, blood volume increases, intensifying cardiac workload and generating a sensation of skin warmth.
- Activation of sweating: the body adapts by favoring heat dispersion and toxin elimination, making the skin more reactive.
Practical recommendations for managing pregnancy in summer
To promote maternal–fetal well-being during summer, it is advisable to follow some evidence-based strategies:
- Maintain a thermally favorable environment (temperature between 20°C and 24°C, relative humidity 40–60%) at home and in places of prolonged stay.
- Avoid direct sun exposure during the central hours of the day (11:00–17:00), preferring shaded and ventilated environments.
- Wear breathable, hypoallergenic clothing, preferably made of natural fibers (cotton, linen), to facilitate body heat dispersion.
- Consume at least 2.5–3 liters of fluids per day, preferably low-mineral water, supplementing with oral solutions rich in electrolytes in case of heavy sweating.
- Follow a diet rich in fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, which provide vitamins, antioxidants, and essential minerals.
- Limit the consumption of sugary drinks, caffeine, and high-protein foods during hot hours, as they can increase thermogenesis.
- Maintain moderate, regular physical activity, preferring cooler times (morning or evening), with activities such as walking, swimming, or gentle prenatal exercise, which promote circulation and reduce dependent edema.
- Favor air-conditioned or shaded outdoor environments, avoiding prolonged or excessive exertion.
- Attend prenatal check-ups regularly, with particular attention to blood pressure, body weight, fetal heart rate, and uterine dynamics.
- Detect and record any early signs of uterine activation (rhythmic contractions, sensation of pelvic tension) and discuss them promptly with the obstetric team.
- Use hydration calendars and fetal movement monitoring charts to foster maternal awareness and active involvement in pregnancy management.
- Promote moments of relaxation, mindfulness, or guided breathing, which support neurovegetative balance and reduce the perception of environmental stress.
- Maintain a network of family and professional support, with the possibility of remote obstetric or psychological consultation when necessary.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Optimizing postpartum care. Committee Opinion No. 736, 2018.
Auger N, Fraser WD, Sauve R, et al. Risk of preterm birth associated with maternal exposure to extreme heat: A retrospective cohort study. Environ Health Perspect. 2014;122(10):1100–1106.
Kuehn L, McCormick S. Heat exposure and maternal health: A systematic review. Environ Res. 2017;156:730–740.
Wesselink AK, et al. Ambient temperature and risk of stillbirth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Health Perspect. 2020;128(8):086001.
