Home Pregnancy During a UK Heatwave: How to Stay Safe and Why Planning Ahead Matters

Pregnancy During a UK Heatwave: How to Stay Safe and Why Planning Ahead Matters

23.06.2026

4 mins of reading

With temperatures rising across the UK this week, many expectant parents may be feeling more uncomfortable than usual. While most people enjoy warm summer weather, pregnancy can make coping with heat more challenging.

According to the NHS, hot weather can increase the risk of dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, all of which can have a greater impact during pregnancy. Staying cool, hydrated and well-informed is therefore especially important for both mother and baby.

Why does pregnancy feel hotter?

During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes to support your growing baby. Increased blood volume, higher metabolic activity and hormonal changes can all make you feel warmer than normal.

As pregnancy progresses, carrying additional weight can also make it harder to regulate body temperature. During a heatwave, this can lead to increased fatigue, swelling, dizziness and discomfort.

Research has also suggested that extreme heat may be associated with dehydration, reduced blood flow between the placenta and baby, and an increased risk of heat-related illness. While most pregnancies progress normally during hot weather, taking sensible precautions is important.

NHS Tips for Staying Safe During a Heatwave

The NHS recommends several practical steps to help pregnant women stay safe in hot weather:

#1 Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Water is the best choice, and you may need more than usual during periods of extreme heat.

#2 Avoid the hottest part of the day

Try to stay indoors or in the shade between 11am and 3pm when temperatures and UV levels are highest.

#3 Wear loose, lightweight clothing

Choose breathable fabrics such as cotton and wear light-coloured clothing whenever possible.

#4 Keep your home cool

Close curtains and blinds on sun-facing windows during the day and open windows at night when temperatures drop.

#5 Avoid strenuous activity

If you need to exercise, try to do so early in the morning or later in the evening when conditions are cooler.

#6 Know the signs of heat exhaustion

Symptoms can include:

Dizziness
Headache
Excessive sweating
Feeling sick
Fast heartbeat
Weakness or fatigue
High temperature

If symptoms do not improve after cooling down and drinking fluids, seek medical advice immediately.

Looking Beyond Pregnancy: Planning for Your Baby’s Future

Pregnancy is often a time when parents start thinking not only about birth, but also about their child’s future health and wellbeing.

One option that many families explore before delivery is cord blood and cord tissue banking.

After your baby is born, the umbilical cord and placenta contain valuable stem cells that would otherwise be discarded. These stem cells can be collected safely after birth without affecting mother or baby.

Today, cord blood stem cells are already used in the treatment of more than 80 serious blood, immune and metabolic disorders. Researchers are also investigating the potential of cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in regenerative medicine, including applications in neurology, orthopaedics, cardiovascular disease and immune-related conditions.

Why Birth Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

Unlike many healthcare decisions that can be made later, stem cell collection can only take place at the time of birth.

The current heatwave serves as a reminder that while we cannot predict every future health challenge our children may face, we can take steps to prepare for the future when opportunities arise.

Cord blood and cord tissue banking gives families access to a unique biological resource that may support future medical treatments as stem cell science continues to evolve.