Some pregnant women in Phoenix 'should really avoid going outside,' doctor says

Arizona’s extreme summer temperatures can pose health risks to anyone — statewide last year, nearly 6,000 emergency department visits were attributed to heat. One group that is especially vulnerable to heat-related illness is pregnant women.

Dr. Desiree Brotsky chairs the OB-GYN department at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. She gives a stark reminder to her patients this time of year.

“If you’re in the third trimester and you live in Phoenix, you should really avoid going outside if at all possible,” Brotsky said.

Brotsky said pregnant women’s bodies are already strained.

“Their vessels dilate, their metabolism is higher, so they’re running hot as it is, and then they’re short of breath, they’re prone to dizziness, so all those things make them a lot more susceptible to heat-related illnesses,” Brotsky said.

She said heat has also been linked to increased risk for pregnancy complications like pre-term labor.

In addition to staying indoors, Brotsky recommends pregnant people take precautions like drinking extra fluids and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing. She said excessive sweating and dizziness are signs a pregnant person needs to get out of the heat immediately.