Are Night Sweats Normal For a Pregnant Woman?

Nurturing a life inside you and giving birth is not easy. You might have to overcome several challenges like morning sickness and nausea before you receive the best gift of your lifetime. Well! Did you know that excessive sweating or night sweats during pregnancy are also a normal part of the challenges?

Find out how.

What Do Night Sweats During Pregnancy Mean?

Pregnancy night sweats are also known as nocturnal hyperhidrosis. This scientifically means that you perspire and almost feel wet. So much that you may feel suffocated and wish to change your clothes and bed sheet in the middle of the night.

What Are the Causes of Excessive Sweating at Night? 

According to a 2013 study, 35% of pregnancies have been reported to have hot flashes during pregnancy at night time. Sweating, however, is a natural way of keeping your body temperature regulated. When you feel warm during pregnancy, sweating can make you feel cool. But, have you ever wondered what makes you feel so sweaty at night? These are some of the common factors:

Blame It On Your Hormones

That’s true! A 2016 study reveals that sex hormones might affect thermoregulation. Well! In that case, as oestrogen increases sweating, it lowers body temperatures and increases the body’s ability to emote heat. Also, thanks to the roller coaster ride of the progesterone hormones during your early pregnancy, that can put your body into a hot zone. That means, while your little one is cuddled inside you, your body is most likely to adjust to the hormonal changes.

Increase in Blood Volume

In comparison to the pre-pregnancy days, since you are nurturing a life inside you, during pregnancy, the blood volume may increase up to 40%. Well! By the time, you reach the end of the third trimester, the blood volume continues to rise to 60% or more. The blood vessels tend to expand and reach up to the surface of your skin, thus making you feel warm.

Thyroid Problems

Just when you thought that we had discussed enough on the pregnancy hormones, we haven’t yet mentioned the thyroid glands. Production of thyroid hormones may keep your body’s metabolism and temperature regulated. But when more thyroid hormones get released, there are chances that you might start feeling hot.

You Might Be a Little Sick

You may feel a little sick or feverish due to cold, flu and other types of illness and such conditions can make you sweat at night during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Anxiety

20% to 40% of you are anxious about your baby growing inside and excessive sweating is a natural response to your anxiety.

Low Blood Sugar

Did you know that there is a close relation between maternal as well as foetal glucose concentration both in your first and last stage of pregnancy? In case you have diabetes, and experience hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar (a rare instance), night sweats can be a result.

Side Effects of Medicine

Prescribed prenatal vitamins, supplements or certain over-the-counter medicines for some of your health conditions are responsible for the hot flashes at night.

How Are Pregnancy Night Sweats Treated?

Having said all the above, once you become pregnant, there are chances that you might feel hot flashes at night in the early phase of your first trimester. Moreover, as a result of the increased blood flow, you might be wet with sweat in your pregnancy’s third trimester.

However, there is no quick fix to this problem of yours. There are several methods to make you feel comfortable:

• Stay hydrated.
• Try not to expose yourself to the sun.
• Wear loose clothes which are light coloured.
• Try to carry a hand fan.
• Try lying down on a towel.
• Try using talc-free powder to prevent pregnancy heat rashes.
• Make your bed cosy by layering blankets.

However, if your night sweats come along with fever and rashes, don’t forget to make your doctor’s appointment immediately.  

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