When the summer sun blazes down in Maharashtra, stepping outside feels like walking into a furnace. But for expectant and new mothers, this heat is more than just discomfort—it’s a real health risk. Have you ever wondered how high temperatures can affect pregnant women or new mothers? Or what simple steps can help protect them and their babies? This article will walk you through exactly that—with expert tips, local context, and easy solutions that every family can follow.
As Maharashtra’s summers grow harsher year by year, cities like Nagpur, Nashik, and Mumbai often see temperatures shooting past 40°C. For antenatal (pregnant) and postnatal (recently delivered) women, this extreme heat can trigger serious health complications—from dehydration to premature delivery. With the right care and awareness, however, these risks can be greatly reduced.
Let’s explore how heatwaves affect mothers and what families, health workers, and communities can do to keep them safe.
Why Heatwaves Are Especially Risky for Pregnant and Postnatal Women
In Ayurveda, the body during pregnancy and post-delivery is considered to be in a sukshma avastha—a delicate state. Extreme heat puts additional stress on the body, and women in this phase are more likely to experience:
1. Dehydration Risks
- Dehydration can lower amniotic fluid levels, increasing the risk of preterm labour.
- New mothers may also see a drop in breast milk supply due to lack of hydration.
2. Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke
- Symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and rapid pulse may seem like pregnancy complications (such as preeclampsia), making diagnosis harder.
3. Increased Infections
- Hot and humid conditions make women more vulnerable to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and fungal infections—already common in pregnancy.
4. Mental Health Concerns
- Sleep becomes difficult in high night temperatures, worsening anxiety or depression in new mothers.
In Maharashtra’s rural areas, these issues are made worse due to limited access to fans, cool drinking water, and the need to travel long distances to health centres.
Simple Heatwave Prevention Tips for Healthcare Workers and ASHAs
ASHA workers, nurses, and midwives play a crucial role in maternal care. They can use the following strategies to protect mothers from the effects of heatwaves:
1. Teach Heat-Smart Habits to Mothers
Hydration is Key
- Encourage drinking 3–4 litres of fluids daily—plain water, coconut water (nariyal paani), or buttermilk (chaas).
- Distribute ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) packets to maintain electrolyte balance.
Cool the Body Naturally
- Suggest using damp cloths on necks and wrists.
- Recommend light cotton sarees or salwar kameez in soft, light colours.
Avoid Peak Heat Hours
- Advise staying indoors between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Prenatal visits should be scheduled during early mornings whenever possible.
2. Make Prenatal and Postnatal Care Heat-Friendly
Watch High-Risk Mothers Closely
- Regularly check blood pressure and urine output—both can hint at dehydration or early signs of complications.
Store Medicines Safely
- Teach families how to store essential medicines like insulin, oxytocin, or antibiotics in clay pots (matkas) or coolers, especially during power cuts.
Focus on Hygiene
- During postpartum recovery, promote perineal hygiene using boiled, cooled water to prevent infections in hot weather.
3. Suggest Seasonal Diet Adjustments
Eat Summer-Appropriate Foods
- Include hydrating fruits like watermelon (tarbooj) and cucumber (kheera).
- Avoid spicy or oily food that increases body heat.
Address Cultural Restrictions
- Some traditional postpartum diets limit water or food variety—explain how these can worsen dehydration.
Breastfeeding in Comfort
- Encourage mothers to breastfeed in shaded, airy areas and drink plenty of water to keep up their milk supply.
Community-Based Interventions That Work
1. Use Local Resources Creatively
Mobile Health Vans
- Deploy mobile clinics with cooling setups in areas like Vidarbha where heatwaves are common.
Cooling Centres in the Village
- Turn local schools or panchayat bhavans into cooling shelters with water, fans, and shade.
2. Blend Tradition with Caution
- Safe traditional drinks like aam panna (raw mango sherbet) can help cool the body.
- However, discourage overuse of items like gur (jaggery) for energy during heatwaves—it may increase body heat.
- Train dais (traditional birth attendants) to identify early signs of heatstroke.
3. Spread the Word Creatively
- Use Marathi posters and WhatsApp voice messages to explain heat-related risks during pregnancy.
- Promote affordable solutions like hanging wet jute sacks over windows to reduce room temperature.
Real Example: Nashik’s “Maa Cool” Campaign
In 2023, health workers in rural Nashik launched the “Maa Cool” project. Here’s what they did:
- Gave 500 terracotta matkas to pregnant women for storing clean drinking water.
- Trained ASHA workers to visit homes with portable BP monitors.
Impact: There was a 30% drop in heat-related hospital admissions among these women.
Special Challenges Faced by Maharashtra’s Women
- Urban Slums: Cities like Mumbai and Pune have overcrowded slums with little airflow and no green areas.
- Farm Labourers: Women in farming areas like Marathwada often work in open fields even during high heat.
- Power Cuts: Frequent electricity cuts disrupt storage of vaccines and essential medicines.
What We Can Advocate For
- Push for extended maternity leave during heatwave periods, especially for outdoor workers.
- Demand solar-powered cold storage facilities in PHCs (Primary Health Centres) to keep medicines safe.
Easy 5-Step Summer Safety Checklist for Mothers
- Sip water every 30 minutes—even if you're not thirsty.
- Rest in the shade for 15 minutes after every hour of work.
- Keep a daily track of your baby’s movements.
- Use a wide-brimmed hat and cotton dupatta for sun protection.
- Call a doctor if you experience headaches, swelling, or reduced urination.
Let's Make Pregnancy Safer in the Heat
If you’re a healthcare worker, start “Summer Safe Pregnancy” awareness camps in your area. Partner with Anganwadi centres to reach more families. Use radio stations or local leaders to share heatwave alerts. And don’t forget to document heat-related cases to influence government policy for maternal health.
Final Thought: A Shared Responsibility for Safe Motherhood
In Bharatiya Sanskriti, motherhood is considered divine—“matru devo bhava” (Mother is God). Protecting mothers during extreme summers is not just a medical need—it’s our collective dharma. Nurses, midwives, and communities can come together with science, tradition, and compassion to keep mothers safe during these intense seasons.
Cautionary Note: This article offers general guidelines. Always consult a doctor for any pregnancy-related health issue, especially during extreme weather conditions.