Yes, it's normal to have hot flashes during pregnancy. On the roller coaster of pregnancy hormones, hot flashes – like mood swings – can be part of the ride. More than one-third of women have hot flashes during pregnancy; some also have them after giving birth. Studies have shown that women who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience hot flashes while pregnant. Those fluctuating hormone levels – particularly drops in estrogen – as well as an increased metabolic rate during pregnancy can cause the surges of heat that may leave you kicking off your sheets at night or fanning yourself wildly in the grocery store. Hot flashes usually affect the head, neck, and chest, and they can last from seconds to minutes. You’ll know you're having one when you feel a sudden blast of warmth – you might also start sweating and your skin may redden, as if you're blushing. Once the hot flash passes, you may actually feel chilly afterward, due to a sudden loss of body heat. Hot flashes in early pregnancy are possible, but they're generally more common in the second and third trimester. And while most only last a few minutes, there are a few things you can do to cool down quickly, especially if they strike in the middle of the night. These include:
Do I need to call my healthcare provider about pregnancy hot flashes?In most cases, hot flashes don't require a call to your healthcare provider, but it's important to recognize when you have a fever and not just a hot flash, as fevers can signal an infection, and fevers during pregnancy can be dangerous. (One study has linked fevers in early pregnancy to an increased risk of neural tube defects.) The key difference between a fever and a hot flash is that a fever raises your body temperature, while a hot flash doesn't. If your temperature is over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for more than a day or two, contact your ob-gyn or midwife. If you're fever-free but can't shake the hot flashes, you may just be overheated. Push plenty of fluids and retreat to a cooler area, or take a cool shower or bath. And remember, like other pregnancy symptoms you may not love, hot flashes too shall pass. Read more: Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore Is it safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) while pregnant? Postpartum sweating We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Feeling warm or flushed can be a symptom of pregnancy. Changes in the body during pregnancy can cause similar symptoms to those that accompany a fever. During pregnancy, a woman may also be more susceptible to infections, such as colds and the flu. Pregnancy weakens the immune system to help ensure that the body does not reject the developing fetus. Changes in the respiratory system can also make pregnant women more vulnerable to colds and the flu, and a fever is a common symptom of these conditions. A person has a fever when their body temperature rises to 100.4°F (38 °C) or higher. Symptoms that commonly occur with a fever include:
A fever usually indicates that the body is trying to fight off infection. As a result, anyone experiencing a fever or other symptoms of illness during pregnancy should contact a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor can help rule out underlying conditions and may be able to prevent complications that could affect the developing baby. The body goes through many changes during pregnancy. As soon as a person conceives, the body begins to prepare for the months ahead. Pregnancy symptoms can vary — some women may experience certain symptoms and not others, or even no symptoms at all. Some early signs of pregnancy are:
Several early symptoms of pregnancy can accompany hot flushes, and they may occur with a fever, in some cases. When a woman becomes pregnant, the body’s volume of blood increases. Having more blood can make a person feel warmer and even sweat more. By around 6 weeks of pregnancy, the volume of blood in the body has increased. The extra blood helps the placenta develop, and this is essential in ensuring a separate supply of blood to the fetus and providing it with nourishment. By week 16 of pregnancy, the flow of blood plasma to the kidneys rises by 75 percent and continues to increase until the pregnancy reaches full term. This extra blood flow means that metabolism speeds up, creating more body heat. For this reason, a woman is likely to feel warmer during pregnancy. The body goes through a considerable number of other changes during pregnancy. Hormone levels fluctuate, the womb expands to make room for the growing baby, and a whole new organ, the placenta, grows to support the fetus. Pregnancy symptoms occur because of these changes, though not all people experience the same symptoms. Some women hardly notice any symptoms. The only way to be certain of pregnancy is to take a test. Most pregnancy tests claim to be up to 99 percent accurate, though accuracy depends on many factors, such as timing and following the instructions correctly. After a woman becomes pregnant, the level of the hormone hCG starts to rise. If a person takes a test too early, the levels may not yet be detectable. To increase the accuracy of a pregnancy test, wait until after a missed period and take the test in the morning, when the urine is less diluted. Many shops, pharmacies, and doctors’ offices offer pregnancy tests. A doctor can also confirm pregnancy with an ultrasound scan. Pregnancy tests are also available to purchase online. 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. However, a pregnant woman with a temperature of 100°F or higher should contact a doctor, who can check for underlying causes and monitor the health of the fetus. This is especially important if the fever accompanies other symptoms of illness. Developing a fever during pregnancy can harm the fetus. With a medical evaluation, a healthcare professional can determine the extent of the risk. |