Night Sweats in Pregnancy – Causes and Ways to Manage It

Waking up drenched in sweat when you’re supposed to be glowing? Ah, the joys of pregnancy! If you’ve been experiencing this, you’re definitely not alone. Night sweats are a surprisingly common (and annoying) symptom that many moms-to-be face, making them wonder why their body suddenly feels like a furnace. While night sweats in pregnancy can be frustrating, especially when quality sleep is already hard to come by, the good news is that there are simple ways to manage them and stay comfortable at night. So, unless you enjoy waking up feeling like you just ran a marathon in your sleep, keep reading!

What Is Night Sweating?

Night sweating or perspiration during pregnancy is exactly what it sounds like: waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. It is not just about feeling warm under heavy blankets but sweating so much that clothes and bedding become drenched. In fact, more than a third of women experience these nighttime hot flashes at some point during pregnancy or after childbirth (1).

What Are the Causes of Night Sweats in Pregnancy?

Wondering why you’re waking up drenched in sweat during pregnancy? Night sweats can be uncomfortable, but they’re often a normal part of the journey. Read on to learn about the common causes of night sweats in pregnancy.

1. Hormonal Fluctuations

Blame it on the hormones! During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels constantly shift, affecting how your body regulates temperature (2). These hormonal changes can trigger sudden heat waves, making you wake up in a sweat.

2. Increased Blood Flow

Your body pumps nearly 45% more blood during pregnancy to support your baby (3). While that’s great for your little one, it also raises your body temperature, making you feel warmer than usual, even in the middle of the night.

3. Faster Metabolism

Growing a baby is hard work, and your body burns more energy than ever. This increased metabolism generates extra heat, sometimes leaving you feeling like a human radiator, even when the room is cool (4).

4. Blood Sugar Fluctuations

Pregnancy can cause ups and downs in blood sugar levels, which may lead to sudden sweating episodes, especially at night. If your blood sugar drops, your body reacts by releasing adrenaline (epinephrine), which can make you break out in a sweat (5).

5. Stress and Anxiety

Pregnancy comes with a mix of excitement and worry, and all that emotional energy can take a toll on your body. Stress and anxiety activate your nervous system, increasing sweating, even while you sleep (6).

6. Thyroid

Pregnancy can sometimes affect thyroid function, leading to an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), which increases metabolism and body temperature, causing excessive sweating (7).

When Do Pregnant Women Typically Start Experiencing Night Sweating?

Every pregnant person is different, so while some may experience night sweats early in pregnancy, others may not. In many cases, night sweats begin during the first trimester and become more intense in the third trimester (2). There is often a temporary break from these symptoms in the second trimester before they return later in pregnancy.

Tips to Prevent Pregnancy Night Sweats

Pregnancy sweats at night can leave you feeling restless and uncomfortable. But don’t worry! Below are some helpful tips to prevent excessive sweating during pregnancy.

1. Keep Your Room Cool

Turn on a fan, lower the AC, or open a window to let in some fresh air. Keeping your room nice and cool can help in preventing night sweats (8).

2. Wear Light and Breathable Sleepwear

Skip the heavy pyjamas and thick blankets. Go for light, loose-fitting clothes made of cotton or other breathable fabrics (9).

3. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is super important, especially when you’re sweating more. Keep a glass of water by your bed so you can sip when needed (10).

4. Avoid Spicy and Hot Foods Before Bed

Love spicy food? Try to enjoy it earlier in the day. Spicy meals and hot drinks can raise your body temperature, making night sweats worse. Go for lighter snacks before bedtime instead (7) (9) (11).

5. Take a Shower Before Bed

A lukewarm shower before bed can work wonders! It cools down your body and helps you relax, making it easier to drift off to sleep comfortably.

6. Relax and Unwind

Stress can make night sweats even worse. Take a few minutes before bed to relax; try some deep breathing, light stretching, or listening to calming music. A peaceful mind can help your body stay cooler (2) (9).

When Do Pregnancy Night Sweats Typically Subside?

Pregnancy night sweats typically subside within a few weeks after childbirth as hormone levels gradually return to their pre-pregnancy state. While some women may notice an improvement shortly after delivery, others may continue experiencing night sweats during the postpartum period due to fluctuating estrogen levels and the body’s efforts to shed excess fluids (12) (13).

When to Consult the Doctor

It’s normal to experience occasional night sweats during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. However, you should consult a doctor if the night sweats are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever, chills, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat. These could indicate an infection, hormonal imbalance, or underlying health concern (14).

FAQs

1. Can night sweats be an early sign of pregnancy?

Early pregnancy and night sweats can be surprising but are quite common due to hormonal changes and the body’s adjustment to pregnancy. However, they are not a sure sign of pregnancy since other things like stress, illness, or hormonal imbalances can also cause sweating.

2. Do twins or multiple pregnancies cause more intense night sweats?

Yes, carrying twins or multiples can cause more intense night sweats due to higher hormone levels, increased blood volume, and a faster metabolism.

Night sweats and pregnancy can be an uncomfortable combination, but they don’t have to take over your nights. By making a few simple adjustments and paying attention to what helps you feel better, you can stay cool and get the rest you need. Every pregnancy is different, so listen to your body and do what works best for you. And if things ever feel too overwhelming, your doctor is always there to help.

References/Resources:

1. Healthdirect – Night sweats

2. Cleveland Clinic – Night Sweats

3. PubMed Central – Physiological changes in pregnancy

4. PubMed Central – Energy Intake Requirements in Pregnancy

5. Nemours KidsHealth – What Is Hypoglycemia?

6. NHS – Night sweats

7. Sleep Foundation – What Causes Night Sweats?

8. Houston Methodist – Night Sweats: 7 Reasons You May Be Sweating at Night

9. Texas Health – Waking Up with Night Sweats? When to be Concerned

10. Cleveland Clinic – Why You Get Hot Flashes During Pregnancy

11. American Osteopathic Association – Night Sweats

12. Cleveland Clinic – Postpartum Night Sweats

13. Tommy’s – Your body after the birth (the first 6 weeks)

14. Columbia University – Night Sweats

Also Read:

Thirsty while Pregnant
Overeating during Pregnancy
Excessive Sleep in Pregnancy
Too Much Saliva when Pregnant

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