So you had a brave day fighting sinful cravings and tiredness, and at the end of the day, nothing else is required than tucking in a comfortable bed and going to a deep slumber. Imagine being woken up with a sudden feeling of heat from the body, which doesn’t seem to go away quickly. If you are pregnant, you might have already experienced this scenario or will do so in the near future. Yes, this has something to do with the pregnancy. Yes, these are hot flashes during pregnancy.
No, it’s not something to worry about because more than 70% of pregnant women experience hot flashes. Just like mood swings, hot flashes come and go all through pregnancy, most commonly during the second and the third trimesters. They can be particularly annoying after you have delivered your child.
In This Article
- Video of Hot Flashes During Pregnancy
- What Are the Symptoms of Hot Flashes During Pregnancy?
- What Causes Hot Flashes During Pregnancy?
- How Can I Know If I Am Getting Hot Flashes or Fever?
- How Can I Deal with Hot Flashes in Pregnancy?
- Hot Flashes in Pregnancy – Boy or Girl?
- FAQ’s
Video of Hot Flashes During Pregnancy
What Are the Symptoms of Hot Flashes During Pregnancy?
Sometimes, the feeling of increased body heat may be misunderstood as fever. Remember, fever raises your body temperature, hot flashes do not. Let’s have a look at the symptoms of hot flashes:
- The sudden feeling of warmth, increased heat of the body, particularly at face, neck and chest characterize hot flash.
- The face appears flushed or blushed (red).
- Sweating
- Chills
- Increased heart beat
The hotness may linger from a couple of seconds to minutes. However, if you have a fever or your body temperature rises above 100 F, do call your doctor as fever could be a sign of an infection.
What Causes Hot Flashes During Pregnancy?
The primary causes behind hot flashes are outlined below. Knowing what may be your case, you can tame the occurrence of hot flashes:
1. Hormonal Play
There are a lot of hormonal fluctuations in the body during pregnancy. There is a sudden surge or drop in hormones, which leads to the feeling of increased heat in the body.
2. Dehydration
Your body needs water to regulate temperature. If there is inadequate water supply, then this mechanism is disrupted leaving your body hotter than usual.
3. Increased Metabolism
The body metabolism generally increases during pregnancy leading to increased core body temperature. The higher the metabolism, the greater the body temperature.
4. Overweight
It’s alright to give in to your cravings, but remember extra fat won’t do any good and may contribute to hot flashes. The excess fat stored in the body dissipates its own heat.
How Can I Know If I Am Getting Hot Flashes or Fever?
Hot flashes are not harmful for your baby, but fever may jeopardize the situation. Below are a few markers to help you diagnose hot flashes:
- It does not stay for long, it’s usually a fleeting sensation.
- When in doubt, do measure temperature using a thermometer. If the temperature is above 100 F, it’s time to call the doctor.
Although hot flashes are common among pregnant women, make sure you mention this to your obstetrician. It is just to confirm that there are no underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, endocrine-related disorders and fever that are causing hot flashes.
How Can I Deal with Hot Flashes in Pregnancy?
Below are a few handy tips to maintain your body temperature and reduce hot flashes:
- Sip on something cool. It may be a cold drink, sherbet or plain water.
- If you experience hot flashes often, consider cutting back on spicy food.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or simple deep breathing. Remember that stress and anxiety can further exacerbate this.
- Prepare a cold pack by placing a few ice cubes in a napkin or buy ready made packs which can be applied when the hot flash hits.
- Going for a walk during the evening is also known to be effective in reducing hot flashes.
- Try to stay away from hot environments.
- Wear light, airy clothes.
- Try to exercise and eat healthy food. Extra weight may do more harm than good.
- Include Vitamin D and fish in your diet, which aid in naturally balancing hormones.
- Avoid being in the sun for too long.
- Keep wet wipes or spray handy.
- Avoid crowded areas.
- Avoid hot coffees and teas, they are hot and contain caffeine, which may aggravate the condition.
Note:
- A few over-the-counter drugs are available in the market, which may work like hormone replacement therapy or antidepressants, but do not consume them. If hot flashes bother you, get in touch with your obstetrician.
- Likewise, some herbs are famous for combatting hot flashes. Remember what works for others may not work for you. Do not experiment.
Hot Flashes in Pregnancy – Boy or Girl?
Folklore has it that hot flashes during pregnancy can be indicative of the gender of the unborn baby. Just like they say that if you are carrying low, it’s a boy and carrying high and wider it is a girl.
However, it needs to be noted that hot flashes are not a sign of your baby’s gender, they are just hormonal triggers during your pregnancy. Science does not claim any such finding so rest assured, hot flashes are no more than another pregnancy (and post-pregnancy) hormonal condition.
Some mums may continue to experience hot flashes even after pregnancy, it’s usually nothing to worry about. You will be alright once your hormones have settled down. Just keep your calm, get plenty of rest and relax yourself. Most of the problems will be solved when you stop thinking too much.
FAQ’s
1. Why do Pregnant Women Experience Hot Flashes?
It is mainly due to the hormones. The hormonal changes cause body temperature to rise quickly. It could also be due to accelerated metabolism.
2. Are Hot Flashes During Pregnancy Normal?
Yes, they are. Many women experience this. Do not worry.
3. Will Hot Flashes During Pregnancy Affect the Baby?
No, it will not. These are experienced only by the mother. The baby is completely oblivious to this.
4. Can Regular Exercise Help With Hot Flash During Pregnancy?
There is not enough research on this. Regular exercise can improve blood flow. This can get hormonal fluctuations under control.
Read Also: Sweating During Pregnancy – Reasons and Remedies
