Pregnancy is a physically demanding journey. Add in record-high summer temperatures, and the risks grow, especially for patients without reliable access to air conditioning, hydration, or transportation. July is one of the hottest months in the U.S., making it a critical time for care teams to stay connected and proactive. 

Delfina helps care teams stay connected with patients during the summer months, equipping them with the data, education, and tools they need to support safe, personalized care.

Why heat can be dangerous for pregnant people

According to the CDC, pregnant people are more susceptible to heat-related illness than the general population because the body is already working harder to cool down both the pregnant person and the developing baby. 

This increases the risk of:

• Heat exhaustion or heat stroke
• Dehydration, which impairs the body’s ability to regulate temperature, and can trigger early contractions
• Fever or elevated core body temperature, which has been linked in some cases to birth defects and pregnancy complications (NIH)

“Heavy sweating can remove salt and minerals from your body. Talk to your doctor about how to safely replace salt and minerals lost through sweating.”
— CDC: Heat and Pregnancy

But there’s more to the story. A growing body of research from the NIH and other experts suggests that heat exposure during pregnancy may also contribute to serious health outcomes such as:

• Preterm birth (before 37 weeks)
• Stillbirth, particularly in the final weeks of pregnancy
• Low birth weight (LBW)
• Shortened gestation, even when still full-term
• Congenital heart defects, especially when exposure occurs during early fetal development

These risks appear to vary based on trimester, local climate, access to cooling, hydration, and healthcare. Researchers also note that pregnant individuals from underserved communities, including Black and Hispanic populations, may be more affected due to systemic barriers like limited access to air conditioning, nutritious food, and prenatal support.

How Delfina helps

Delfina Care helps birthing individuals stay healthy during pregnancy and postpartum by providing care that focuses on their bodies, minds, and everyday lives. With access to virtual doulas, education, breastfeeding support, mental health care, and nutrition, Delfina ensures all members receive high-quality, evidence-based, accessible care.

Delfina’s maternal care platform also helps providers deliver personalized, equitable care, even during challenging seasons like summer, by:

✔️ Providing proactive, personalized care through remote monitoring of vital metrics such as blood pressure and weight. This approach ensures patients feel supported while enabling early interventions that help prevent complications like preeclampsia and preterm birth.
✔️ Providing culturally relevant, bilingual education to help patients stay hydrated, cool, and empowered with the right information
✔️ Equipping care teams with actionable insights and streamlined workflows to empower patient self-management, support earlier interventions, and meet updated ACOG guidelines for individualized care, giving every family a stronger start.

By staying connected with patients wherever they are, Delfina makes it easier to catch heat-related problems early and keep care on track, even during the hottest days.

Tips to share with patients

Here are CDC-recommended tips you can share with your patients, especially those at higher risk:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even before feeling thirsty.
• Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours (typically 11 a.m. – 3 p.m).
• Rest often and find shade or indoor cooling when possible.
• Replace minerals lost through sweat with doctor-approved options.
• Watch for signs of heat-related illness like dizziness, headache, rapid heartbeat, or nausea.
• Use compression socks or elevate feet to help reduce swelling.
• Stay weather aware. Hot days can quickly turn dangerous with severe storms, lightning, or flash floods. Encourage patients to check alerts from trusted sources like the National Weather Service and avoid unsafe areas during extreme weather.
• Check local HeatRisk forecasts and air quality levels before making outdoor plans: HeatRisk Dashboard
• Encourage patients to create a heat safety plan with their care team and to seek immediate medical care if they show symptoms of heat illness.

For many patients, summer brings more than just discomfort, it brings serious health threats. By staying proactive and connected, providers can make a life-changing difference. Delfina’s tools and support make it easier to do just that.

Want to see how Delfina can help your practice support pregnant patients throughout their entire journey, no matter the season? Let’s connect! Click here to schedule a free demo today.