Introduction:
It is often said that pregnant women "glow." Well, that “glow” is probably partly due to sweating and night sweats during pregnancy. Excessive sweating and night sweats are normal during pregnancy, as are other factors. So, the mother should not worry when feeling hot and sweaty: it is just a part of the pregnancy routine.
What Are the Sweating and Night Sweats During Pregnancy?
Sweating is a natural way to help regulate the temperature. During pregnancy, the body temperature increases slightly. It is a natural byproduct of a baby's growth. When the mother starts to feel hot, sweat cools them down and prevents them from overheating, which can be dangerous for the mother and the baby. Additionally, hormonal changes can cause the brain's hypothalamus to think the body is even hotter than it is, which can trigger more sweating than necessary. That may be why it feels hotter than the actual temperature.
For the most part, sweating during pregnancy is nothing to worry about. However, sometimes excessive sweating is a symptom of something unrelated to pregnancy. Consult the doctor regarding any concerns about sweating.
What Are the Causes of Sweating and Night Sweats During Pregnancy?
The belly may feel a little warmer, and it is. However, all perspiration and night sweats come from changes throughout the body. These are some of the most common factors that cause sweating in the pregnant body.
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Hormonal Changes: Hormones cause many symptoms and discomforts associated with pregnancy, including a slight increase in body temperature and sweating.
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Increased Blood Circulation: More blood circulates during pregnancy, making the mother feel warm. In fact, at the beginning of the third trimester, the blood volume will increase by nearly 52 percent.
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Higher Metabolism: Burn more calories and generate more heat while waiting because the body is working harder, which makes sense. The mother works for two lives together: maintaining the body and growing a fetus inside.
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Weight Gain: Moving around can take more effort when carrying extra weight, especially in the third trimester, and that extra effort creates more heat. Additionally, holding the baby shifts the body's center of gravity, which can also cause the body to work harder to maintain balance and feel warmer.
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Weather: The mother will probably sweat more outdoors in hot, humid weather because the pregnant body must work harder to cool down.
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Physical Activity: During pregnancy, the mother may sweat more than usual when exercising, cleaning the house, walking, or participating in any other activity that stresses the body.
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Anxiety: Sweating is a natural response. As a result, the mother may experience excessive sweating during pregnancy while suffering from anxiety or mood swings.
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Illness: Fever from a cold, flu, or other illness can also increase body temperature, leading to increased sweating.
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Hyperthyroidism: An increase in thyroid activity during pregnancy is normal, which can lead to increased body temperature and sweating. However, hyperthyroidism goes beyond what is considered normal. An overactive thyroid can increase the heart rate and body systems, causing excessive sweating and other symptoms.
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Medicines: Sweating is a side effect of some medicines. This includes certain nausea medications that some pregnant women take to compensate for morning sickness.
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Food and Drink: Spicy diet can cause sweating, so limiting them in the diet can help control sweating. Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine during pregnancy. Spicy foods can cause heartburn as well as sweating.
What Is the Timing of Sweating and Night Sweats During Pregnancy?
Heavy sweating is normal throughout the pregnancy and the postpartum period. Many women start sweating very early in pregnancy. Hormonal changes and increased blood flow cause a slight increase in body temperature soon after becoming pregnant, and this small increase is enough to make the body hotter and sweatier than usual. Sometimes, this is one of the first signs of pregnancy that a woman notices.
Some women experience less sweating during the second trimester. However, it may return in the months after the due date to give birth, especially if the mother waits until after the third trimester during the heat of summer. Postpartum sweating is also completely normal. This is one of the ways the body gets rid of the excess fluid it carries during pregnancy. Additionally, night sweats (nocturnal sweating) due to postpartum hormonal changes may occur as the body regains balance after giving birth. After giving birth, the mother may continue to sweat for several weeks while hormones adjust and the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state.
How to Find Relief During Excessive Sweating During Pregnancy?
It does not have to be a hot, humid day to be hot and sweaty during pregnancy. Pregnant women also sweat during the cold winter months. There is not much to be done about pregnancy hormones and the body's response, but there are effective strategies that can be tried to find relief.
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Drink plenty of water while sweating.
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Wear light, breathable clothing.
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Wear layers that can be taken off when it starts to get hot.
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Take a daily bath with warm water to refresh the body and feel refreshed.
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Wear antiperspirant.
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Turn on the air conditioner or fan.
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Avoid foods and drinks that can increase body temperature and cause sweating.
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Bring a handheld fan while going out.
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Carry baby wipes in the bag for quick cooling during sweat.
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Sprinkle cool water on the face or apply a damp cloth to the forehead.
Try to follow the doctor's instructions about gaining weight because gaining weight can increase the feeling of being hot.
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When the Weather Is Hot Outside: Additional cooling techniques might be required when dealing with hot, humid weather during pregnancy.
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Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day; seek shade when possible.
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Apply sunscreen when going out.
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Plan to go out in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
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Exercise indoors in an air-conditioned area or outdoors during cool times.
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At Night: Night sweats are uncomfortable and tend to interfere with sleep, causing the mother to toss and turn, waking the mother up at night and requiring a change of clothes and bedding. To help get rid of night sweats during pregnancy and postpartum:
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Wear light, loose pajamas.
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Use lightweight bed sheets.
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The mother can also layer sheets and blankets only to use what is required at night.
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Turn on the air conditioner to make the room cooler.
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Open windows to let cool, fresh air enter the room.
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Sleep on one or more towels to absorb sweat and protect the sheets. Washing towels is easier than changing and washing bed sheets every day or in the middle of the night.
Even though sweating and night sweats are common in pregnancy, discussing all symptoms with the doctor during prenatal appointments is a good idea. The doctor or midwife can confirm whether the symptoms are pregnancy-related or something else.
The healthcare provider can also answer any questions, advise on how to find relief and follow up with them to monitor that the body (and perspiration rate) returns to its pre-pregnancy state after giving birth to the baby. Call the doctor immediately if:
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While feeling itchy all over, especially in the absence of a rash.
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Temperature exceeding 100.2 degrees F.
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Having symptoms of dehydration or illness.
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Feeling dizzy or faint.
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During discomfort.
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Sweating does not improve six weeks after giving birth.
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Having any serious questions or concerns.
Conclusion
Sweating is a common discomfort in pregnancy. The mother might commonly experience hot flashes or find herself in a puddle of sweat. All this sweat can be inappropriate, difficult, and problematic, but it's a normal pregnancy routine and usually not a cause for concern.
Fortunately, serious complications related to sweating are rare; as long as the mother stays hydrated and does her best to keep the skin cool and dry, it is easy to avoid problems like overheating, dehydration, and acne. Overall, sweating is a good sign that a pregnant woman's body is functioning normally, and that's a good thing.
