When do you start feeling hot in pregnancy?

Many people start feeling warmer in the first trimester, and it can continue throughout pregnancy.

What causes sweating at night during pregnancy?

Night sweats happen due to hormonal changes, mainly higher progesterone, and your body working harder to support the baby. Increased metabolism and stress can also make you sweat more at night.

Night Sweats During Pregnancy: Causes and Relief Tips

You may notice that nights feel very different when you are expecting. When you are sleeping peacefully, do you wake up suddenly feeling overheated and damp? Almost as if you have just finished a workout? These night sweats are a common issue in pregnancy. They can be unsettling, especially when all you want is a good night’s rest.

What Are Night Sweats?

Night sweats are periods of intense sweating while you sleep that can leave your clothes and sheets damp. Sometimes the sweating is so much that you may need to change your clothes or even your bedding.

Why Do Night Sweats Happen During Pregnancy?

These are the main reasons you might be experiencing night sweats:

Hormonal changes: Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone go through significant changes in pregnancy. Oestrogen helps your body cool down by increasing sweat, while progesterone can raise your body temperature. These changes can confuse your brain into thinking you’re overheating, which triggers night sweats as your body works to cool down.
Increased blood flow: Your blood volume can rise by 40 to 60 per cent by the third trimester. Extra blood flow brings more warmth to your skin’s surface, making you feel hotter.
Higher metabolism: Growing a baby is like running a marathon for your body. Your metabolism burns more calories and generates extra heat. As a result, you may feel warmer even when you’re resting.
Weight gain: Carrying extra weight in the later months of pregnancy makes your body work harder to move and stay balanced. This extra effort produces more heat and leads to night sweats.
Thyroid activity: Your thyroid gland becomes more active during pregnancy. Normal increases in thyroid hormones can make you feel warmer. However, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) may lead to unusually high sweating during pregnancy.
Infections: Pregnancy can make you more prone to certain infections, like the flu, hepatitis E, herpes simplex virus, or foodborne bacteria such as Listeria. These can sometimes cause night sweats.
Medications: Certain medications can cause excessive sweating as a side effect. These may include medicines for nausea, antidepressants, or even over-the-counter drugs.
Low blood sugar: If you do not eat enough balanced meals in pregnancy, your blood sugar can drop (hypoglycemia). Low blood sugar can sometimes lead to night sweats, too.
Weather and activity: Hot, humid weather or physical activity can make you sweat during pregnancy.
Anxiety: Pregnancy can cause stress or mood swings, and sweating is a natural response to anxiety. Feeling nervous or anxious can make night sweats worse.

When Do Night Sweats Start?

Night sweats are most common during certain stages of pregnancy

First trimester: Hormonal changes and increased blood flow start early, so you might notice night sweats soon after conceiving.
Third trimester: As your blood volume peaks and your baby grows, night sweats can return or intensify.
Postpartum period: Your body works to get rid of extra fluid and balance your hormones after delivery. This can cause intense night sweats that may continue for a few weeks as your body returns to its pre-pregnancy state.

Are Night Sweats Normal?

Yes, occasional night sweats are completely normal for most pregnant people. They’re often just your body’s way of handling the hormonal and physical changes of pregnancy. Studies suggest that around 35 per cent of pregnant individuals experience hot flashes or night sweats at some point. However, if your night sweats are frequent, severe, or come with other worrying symptoms, it’s important to check in with your doctor.

How to Manage Night Sweats

Try these tips if you experience night sweats during pregnancy:

Stay hydrated: Excessive sweating during pregnancy means you’re losing water, so drink plenty of fluids like water, milk, or natural juices throughout the day. Keep a bottle of cool water by your bed to sip if you wake up hot. Clear or light yellow urine is a good sign you’re hydrated.
Wear light clothing: Choose loose, breathable fabrics like cotton for your pyjamas.
Adjust your sleep environment: Use a fan or an air conditioner in your bedroom. Lightweight bedding can also help, like cotton sheets.
Sleep on a towel: Place a towel on your bed to absorb sweat and protect your sheets. It’s easier to wash a towel than change your bedding in the middle of the night.
Use cooling products: Consider pillows or mattress covers with cooling gels to help regulate your temperature while you sleep.
Avoid triggers: Skip spicy foods, caffeine, or hot drinks close to bedtime, as these can make sweating during pregnancy worse. Tight clothing or exercising right before bed can also increase your body heat.
Stay out of the heat: If it’s hot and humid, avoid direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening. Swimming can also cool you down and ease swelling in your feet.
Use a handheld fan or wipes: Carry a small fan or baby wipes for quick relief when you’re out and about. Placing a cool, damp cloth on your forehead can provide relief.
Apply talc-free powder: A sprinkle of powder in areas prone to friction can absorb moisture and prevent heat rash.
Manage weight gain: Stick to recommended weight gain guidelines to avoid extra heat from carrying excess weight.

Night sweats are a common part of pregnancy caused by hormonal and physical changes. While they may interrupt your sleep, simple steps like wearing breathable clothing and keeping your room cool can help. Remember, these sleepless, sweaty nights are temporary. Soon enough, you’ll be holding your baby and beginning the wonderful journey of parenthood!

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FAQs on Are Night Sweats During Pregnancy Normal?

When do you start feeling hot in pregnancy?
Many people start feeling warmer in the first trimester, and it can continue throughout pregnancy.
What causes sweating at night during pregnancy?
Night sweats happen due to hormonal changes, mainly higher progesterone, and your body working harder to support the baby. Increased metabolism and stress can also make you sweat more at night.