Hot flushes and sweating in pregnancy: ways to cool down

Are you hot while everyone else is cold? Waking up with damp sheets? Hot flushes and sweating are common symptoms in pregnancy and are usually a natural part of your body adapting.

Why do you sweat more?

Hormone levels change in pregnancy, blood volume and blood flow to the skin increase, and the metabolic rate speeds up. Your body therefore produces more heat and sweats more. A growing belly and extra weight can add to feeling hot. It can begin in the early months, grow stronger in the last months and continue for a while after birth; night sweats in the first weeks after birth, caused by falling hormones, are common.

8 tips to cool down

1. Wear loose, breathable clothes such as cotton, and dress in layers so you can take one off.
2. Keep the bedroom cool, open a window or use a fan.
3. Use cotton sheets and keep a spare set of pyjamas nearby.
4. Drink plenty of water through the day and carry a bottle.
5. Take a lukewarm (not cold) shower; splash cool water on your face and wrists.
6. Avoid going out in the midday heat and choose shade.
7. Spicy food, caffeine and very hot drinks make some people hotter; cut down if they affect you.
8. Leave light exercise for cooler hours and take breaks when tired.

Keep your fluids up

Sweating increases fluid loss. Dehydration can cause headache, dizziness, a dry mouth, dark urine and palpitations. Drinking water regularly through the day is usually enough; pale yellow urine generally means you are doing well. For palpitations, the article on heart palpitations in pregnancy may help, and for dizziness the article on headaches and dizziness.

Sweating or fever?

Hot flushes and sweating are usually brief and pass when you cool down. A fever is different: it comes with shivering, chills, aching and feeling unwell. If you feel hot in pregnancy, take your temperature. If you have measured it and it is high, tell your doctor. Ask your doctor before trying to bring a fever down with medicine on your own.

Skin care and comfort

Heavy sweating can cause rashes, itching and irritation. Keeping skin folds (underarms, under the breasts, groin) clean and dry, drying well after a shower and choosing breathable underwear all bring relief. Choose unscented products suitable for sensitive skin. Ask your pharmacist before using a new skin cream or antiperspirant. Keep a spare towel or pyjamas by the bed for the night, so you can dry off quickly and go back to sleep.

When to contact your doctor

• You have a high temperature, or shivering and chills
• Sweating is very heavy and disrupts daily life
• It comes with palpitations, weight loss, shaking hands or restlessness
• You have signs of infection such as burning when passing urine, cough or diarrhoea
• Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness) continue
• You have headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling
• For fainting, breathlessness or a very high fever, call 112 (in Turkey) or your local emergency number

Frequently asked questions

Can heavy sweating harm my baby? Pregnancy-related sweating usually does not affect the baby; the key is to keep drinking and avoid overheating.

When do the hot flushes go away? In most people they ease in the weeks after birth as hormones settle.

What should I watch out for in hot weather? Stay in the shade, drink plenty and choose cooler hours. If dizziness or weakness starts, move to a cool place and rest right away.

This article is for information; if you feel unwell, talk to your doctor.