Sweating, hot flushes, feeling hot or feeling cold… whilst it may be uncomfortable, temperature changes are a completely normal part of pregnancy. Show
Here we share our top tips for coping with hot flushes and night sweats before and after giving birth. Are hot sweats normal during pregnancy?During pregnancy your body temperature will rise slightly - which is completely normal. And as sweating is the natural way of trying to cool down and regulate your body temperature, doing so during pregnancy is also common. It is this sweating in pregnancy which will cool you down and prevent overheating (which could potentially be unhealthy for you and your baby). The hormonal changes during pregnancy can also stimulate your brain (the part called the hypothalamus) and make your body think that it is even warmer than it is, so you might sweat more than is actually required. When will I experience hot flushes and how long do they last?Overall, studies show that up to 35% of pregnant women report hot flushes during pregnancy and postpartum. Typically, increased sweating and hot flushes (or flashes) are more common (and intense) in the first and third trimesters. Night sweats in early pregnancy Often, feeling hotter can be the first sign of early pregnancy. Soon after you become pregnant, the changing hormones and increased blood flow cause an increase to your normal body temperature. It's therefore perfectly normal to experience night sweats in the first trimester. Night sweats during the third trimester The increased blood flow to your baby (as well as the additional weight you're carrying round!) can cause you to experience hot flushes and night sweats in the third trimester. What about night sweats after giving birth?Sweating is also more common in the postpartum period as your body tries to get rid of the excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. In addition, with your hormones changing again after delivery, you may experience night sweats (nocturnal hyperhidrosis). Common causes of night sweats during pregnancy and after birthThere are a number of reasons why you might experience hot flushes and sweating in pregnancy:
How to cope with hot flashes and sweating during pregnancyThankfully there are a number of things you can do to stop or relieve hot flashes and excessive sweating whilst pregnant. Some women also have drenching night sweats soaking their nightwear and sheets during pregnancy and into the postpartum period. This can drastically interrupt sleep and be uncomfortable so make sure to follow the below tips:
During warmer weather:
When should I be concerned about night sweats or flushes?If you are ever concerned about hot flushes or night sweats, it is important to reach out to your doctor, midwife or our expert practitioners at Naytal. Despite the common occurrence of these symptoms in pregnancy, occasionally they can signify something else going on (like hyperthyroidism discussed above). You should speak with a medical professional sooner if:
It is understandable that you may feel embarrassed by these symptoms, and of course they are often inconvenient: disrupting your daily routine and sleep. But hopefully, the above listed ways can help you to find some relief. As long as you maintain your fluid intake and keep cool in the ways discussed above, problems such as overheating and dehydration can be avoided. It is normal to sweat more and feel hot during pregnancy: it is a sign that your hormones are changing and your body is supporting a growing baby. In summary, night sweats and hot flushes are very common during pregnancy and after birth, and can often be helped by using a fan and wearing looser clothing. Get more advice from our team of experts at Naytal including what to do if you're losing weight during your first trimester and what to include in your birth plan. If you have any concerns about night sweats or flushes during the course of your pregnancy (or any other symptoms) our midwives are here to help. Speak to a midwife online for one-to-one guidance today. ReferencesThurston RC, Luther JF, Wisniewski SR, Eng H, Wisner KL. Prospective evaluation of nighttime hot flashes during pregnancy and postpartum. Fertil Steril. 2013;100(6):1667-72. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.08.020 Do you feel hot at 3 weeks pregnant?In some cases, hot flashes and sweating might be the first signs of pregnancy, but they are usually not that common because they do not happen to all women. Studies indicate that only around 20% of all pregnant women experience hot flashes in early pregnancy, meaning in the first weeks of being impregnated.
Does feeling hot mean pregnancy?Feeling warm or having occasional hot flushes can be an early sign of pregnancy. Anyone who suspects that they are pregnant should take a test or see a doctor. Feeling feverish can be a regular result of changes during pregnancy.
Do you feel hot or cold in early pregnancy?Most women feel warmer than usual during pregnancy. This is because of hormone changes and increased blood supply to the skin. Some women feel colder than usual in pregnancy. This does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with you or your baby's health.
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