Doctors warn pregnant women to stay out of the sun

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) in Britain have issued a warning to pregnant women.

They say women in early pregnancy should stay out of the hot sun in order to protect their unborn babies.

The experts also warn that extra sensitivity to high temperatures can make expectant mothers feel unwell.

Their advice is opportune as temperatures begin to rise across the country.

The RCOG says studies suggest that babies can be affected by heat during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and exposure to high temperatures in the first three months could lead to slightly lower birth weight.

Exposure to low temperatures in the final three months of pregnancy has also been found to be detrimental to the baby.

A study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2005 found that exposure to high temperatures in the first three months could lead to babies being born with a slightly lower birth weight.

Such babies are prone to a low IQ and learning disabilities and are also more likely to exhibit behavioural problems at school.

Researchers say that an "increasing occurrence of temperature extremes, in particular, heat waves" could have important public health implications.

The RCOG made its comments in anticipation of a heat wave this summer and because babies develop most rapidly in the first three months of pregnancy and pregnant women are also more sensitive to high temperatures.

The College does not want to create panic and says women should just take steps to protect themselves by staying out of the sun, wearing loose clothing, keeping well hydrated and eating healthy food little and often.

Pregnant women should also avoid tea, coffee and alcohol, which can all increase the risk of dehydration and avoid avoid strenuous exercise which can raise the body temperature even further.