This article discusses the causes of hot flashes during pregnancy and how to cope.
Are Hot Flashes a Sign of Pregnancy?
Hot flashes can appear at any point in a person’s pregnancy.
While they typically peak in the third trimester, one study examined how they appeared throughout pregnancy and found that within the first 20 weeks, as many as 18% of people developed hot flashes. In total, 35% of people reported hot flashes at some point throughout their pregnancy, and 29% experienced them after delivery.
Is It Safe?
Hot flashes during pregnancy are typically harmless. However, overheating while you are pregnant can be dangerous. Research has found that heat stress during pregnancy can lead to issues with the spinal cord and backbone development of the unborn baby.
However, hot flashes don’t typically raise core body temperature by a significant amount, so it’s not always a cause for concern if you’re pregnant and experiencing hot flashes.
What Causes Hot Flashes in Pregnancy?
Hot flashes are typically caused by changing hormones in menopausal people, and the same can be said for the hot flashes that occur during pregnancy.
When a person becomes pregnant, their levels of estrogen and progesterone increase so that the baby can develop healthily. This rise in hormones drives hot flashes.
An increase in blood flow throughout the body to support the pregnancy can also cause pregnancy-related hot flashes.
How Early Do Hot Flashes in Pregnancy Start?
Hot flashes can begin in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, they may be one of the first signs. However, they can occur during all points of pregnancy and typically peak during the third trimester.
Postpartum hot flashes have also been documented. They are typically at their worst two weeks following birth.
Tips for Coping With Hot Flashes During Pregnancy
Hot flashes are unpleasant, so if you are pregnant, developing effective coping strategies will help you get through them and keep your baby from feeling the effects.
Fatigue Tender breasts Nausea and vomiting Increased urination Missed period
Hot flashes during pregnancy can be managed the same way as menopausal hot flashes. To cope with them, you can:
Wear layers, so that if you have a hot flash, you can remove a layer or two. Use a portable fan to cool yourself while the hot flash occurs. Avoid hot flash triggers, such as spicy food. Try meditating. Carry around a water bottle with you wherever you go so that you can stay hydrated throughout the day. Apply a cold pack to the back of your neck and wait for the hot flash to pass.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Hot flashes usually do not require a trip to your healthcare provider. However, you should make an appointment if you are experiencing a fever. Fevers during pregnancy have been linked to negative health outcomes in unborn babies and should be addressed as quickly as possible.
Summary
Hot flashes are periods of extreme heat localized to the upper body, mainly the face, neck, and chest. They cause feelings of excessive warmth, with possible reddening of the skin and excessive sweating.
Not everyone will experience hot flashes during pregnancy, but up to one-third of people do over the course of their pregnancy. This is due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, as well as increases in blood flow. While hot flashes are not necessarily dangerous during pregnancy, they can be if they are accompanied by a fever.
To cope with hot flashes, you should stay hydrated, use an ice pack, carry a fan, and dress in layers. If the hot flashes are particularly bothersome, you can speak to your healthcare provider about other options.
A Word From Verywell
Hot flashes, just like other symptoms of pregnancy, can be hard to cope with. For many, dealing with unwanted symptoms can make the pregnancy experience less enjoyable. Fortunately, if you get hot flashes during pregnancy, you likely don’t have to worry about your baby’s health. The best thing you can do is take care of your body so that your baby develops healthily.
