Hot flashes while pregnant

Hot Flashes While Pregnant (Is It Normal & Best Ways To Cope)

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Hot flashes are heat sensations on the skin that sometimes make the victim sweat profusely or turn red.

Hot flashes while pregnant are normal, especially in the second and third trimesters. This is a part of the effects of hormonal changes within the body.

Even though not all women experience hot flashes, one-third of pregnant women experience hot flashes alongside other pregnancy symptoms like mood swings, nausea, and rest.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about experiencing hot flashes while pregnant, alongside tips on how to cope with it.

Table of Contents

What Are Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes are heat sensations on the skin that can make you feel a flash of warmth or chill within minutes. It occurs at short intervals and goes away without treatment.

It usually affects the face, neck, and chest area and can cause great discomfort for the person experiencing it.

Although hot flashes are associated with menopause, one-third of pregnant women experience it in their second and third trimesters, there are exceptions where some experience it in the first trimester and a few weeks after delivery.

Are Hot Flashes Normal?

Hot flashes are normal and safe. They do not suggest an underlying health issue since it is due to the increase in hormonal levels, which naturally reverts after delivery.

However, overheating and fevers should not be mistaken for hot flashes, as most fevers are signs of danger.

If you’re experiencing hot flashes while pregnant, there’s no cause to worry because it doesn’t raise core body temperature significantly.

Changing hormones and hormonal levels typically cause hot flashes during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause.

During Pregnancy, the increase in estrogen and progesterone levels leads to an increased blood flow throughout the body, which then leads to fluctuating temperatures called hot flashes.

Hot flashes can occur at any time of the day and even at night, but there are some things you can do to ease the discomfort it causes.

How To Cope With Hot Flashes While Pregnant

Hot flashes are harmless and quite alright, but they can be uncomfortable. The sweating, unstable body temperature, and much trouble you must go through to manage yourself can be a handful for anyone, let alone a pregnant woman.

Fortunately, there are helpful tips on how to cope with hot flashes while pregnant and beyond:

  • Wear layers of cotton clothes – Cotton is a natural fiber that is gentle on the skin and promotes blood circulation. You can easily remove one layer at a time when the need arises.
  • Avoid spicy foods that trigger hot flashes.
  • Meditate – Meditation is a form of therapy that relaxes the body and mind. At that point, you’re not overworking your muscles or mind, and your whole system rests.
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day – Pregnant women should drink at least 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) of water daily. Carry a bottle of water to help you replenish the water you’re losing through sweating. You can also wet your handkerchief and dab your forehead from time to time..place a cold pack at the back of your neck for a few minutes, and the flashes will go away.
  • Use a fan.
  • Open your windows when the air conditioner is not on.
  • Drink chill water or iced drinks.
  • Take a shower and wear-free cotton clothes to promote aeration.
  • Use maternity clothes made with natural fibers like cotton and linen to promote air circulation. You can get the best maternity clothes at affordable prices on Amazon.
  • Layer your bed and duvet covers. Instead of using a duvet, use layered duvet covers to remove or add the layers you need to.
  • Use a spray bottle to spritz your face and neck regularly.
  • Shower more during the day and night if you can.

Pro tip:

Whenever you experience hot flashes or night sweats, consult your doctor or midwife to rule out any medical issues like high blood pressure, fever, or an endocrine disorder, says doctor Unjali Malhotra. “If the mother and the baby are doing fine, the hot flashes are considered a mild condition which is due to hormone fluctuation.”

Do Hot Flashes Suggest Pregnancy?

While hot flashes are part of the signs of pregnancy, they don’t always mean a fetus is growing inside of you.

You can experience hot flashes at any point in time when your hormones are unstable, like during menstruation, medication, postpartum, or during menopause.

If you’re wondering whether or not you’re pregnant and hoping to get hot flashes as an indicator, be clear that not all women experience hot flashes during pregnancy.

Only about one-third of pregnant women have hot flashes while pregnant, but to be sure about your status, look out for other pregnancy signs like:

  • Fatigue
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Increased urination
  • Missed periods
  • Acne or
  • Conduct a proper pregnancy blood test for a more accurate result.

Most pregnant women experience hot flashes within the first 20 weeks of conception.

Still, there are cases where hot flashes come as the first signs of pregnancy, amongst other signs like vomiting, tiredness, dizziness, and tender breasts.

Others experience it two weeks after delivery which means there’s no fixed period within which it occurs. It can happen at any point during pregnancy.

Do Hot Flashes Need Medical Attention?

You don’t need to call for medical attention when you get hot flashes because it is harmless and only last minute.

However, you’re good to be alert because other health issues like a fever that requires medical attention also have similar symptoms.

Fevers sometimes come with hot flashes and could be life-threatening. Pay attention to your body to know when you have just hot flashes or fevers so that you can quickly get the help you need.

Note the major differences between hot flashes and fevers. While hot flashes can increase your body temperature, the core temperature doesn’t change significantly, whereas fevers do.

If you suspect a fever, check your body temperature. Contact a gynecologist or midwife if it’s above 100.4° F and lasts longer than a few minutes.

FAQS

Is it normal to get hot flashes while pregnant?

Yes, it is normal to get hot flashes at some point during your pregnancy journey but it is not a must for every woman to experience it. Only one-third of pregnant women get hot flashes during pregnancy, which is safe.

What helps with pregnancy hot flashes?

Depending on your discomfort, any method you choose to calm your temperature is welcome, but a quicker way to manage hot flashes is to stay hydrated on chilled drinks, wear cotton clothes and shower frequently.

Is it safe to take a hot bath while pregnant?

Hot baths can affect the unborn child negatively, but if you enjoy hot baths, limit the time you spend in the shower to 20 minutes max.

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Conclusion

Getting hot flashes while pregnant is normal and has no cause for alarm except if a fever accompanies it.

Women who get hot flashes usually do so within their second trimester, but some have it earlier or later, and not every woman experiences it. If you get a hot flash during pregnancy, try to adopt one of the tips on managing it until it goes away.

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