Pregnancy and Body Heat: Why You Feel Hotter Than Usual

Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience, but it comes with many physical changes that can leave you feeling uncomfortable. One common issue is feeling warmer than usual, often accompanied by hot flashes. These changes can make pregnancy feel challenging, but they’re generally normal and are caused by a combination of factors. In this blog, we’ll explore why you feel hotter during pregnancy, when it starts, how you can manage hot flushes in pregnancy, and when to contact a doctor.

“Hot flushes in pregnancy refer to sudden, intense episodes of heat that often affect the face, neck, and chest, leaving you feeling flushed and sweaty.”

 

Is It Normal to Be Hot During Pregnancy?

Yes, it’s completely normal to feel hot during pregnancy. Many women experience this, especially during the first and second trimesters. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 35% of pregnant women report experiencing hot flashes, and 29% report hot flashes even after giving birth. 

This increased body heat is primarily due to hormonal changes, specifically the rise in progesterone and estrogen levels. These hormones affect the body's thermoregulation process, making you feel warm or causing hot flashes. Additionally, your metabolic rate increases during pregnancy as your body works harder to support your growing baby, which also contributes to a rise in body temperature.

Beyond hormones and metabolism, the increase in blood volume during pregnancy also plays a role. Blood volume can increase by 40-50% to support the baby, which can cause your blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to the skin's surface and making you feel warmer.

 

When Do You Start Feeling Hot in Pregnancy?

There’s no exact timeline for when you will start feeling hotter during pregnancy, as every woman’s experience is different. However, many women begin to notice an increase in body temperature and episodes of hot flushes as early as the first trimester, often around the 6th to 8th week. These symptoms may continue throughout pregnancy, although they tend to be most prominent in the first and third trimesters.

“Each pregnancy is unique, so the timing of hot flashes can vary greatly from one woman to another.”

Why Am I Feeling Hot at Night During Pregnancy?

Many pregnant women experience more intense hot flashes or increased body heat at night. This can be frustrating, especially when it disrupts your sleep. Nighttime hot flashes may be triggered by a combination of hormonal fluctuations and the body's inability to cool down as effectively while you're resting.

Your basal body temperature (the temperature your body maintains while at rest) tends to be slightly elevated during pregnancy, which can contribute to feeling hot at night. 

Tips for Managing Hot Flushes In Pregnancy

While hot flushes in pregnancy are normal, they can still be uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage them:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help regulate your body temperature. Dehydration can make you feel hotter and exacerbate hot flashes.
• Wear Light, Breathable Clothing: Choose fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials to help keep you cool. 
• Take Cool Showers or Baths: A cool shower or bath can help bring down your body temperature if you're feeling overheated.
• Avoid Triggers: Spicy foods, caffeine, and hot beverages can all trigger hot flashes, so try to limit these if they seem to make you feel warmer.

When to Contact Your Doctor?

While feeling hot and experiencing hot flashes are normal during pregnancy, there are times when it’s important to consult your doctor. If your body temperature rises above 101°F (38.3°C) and you have other symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, or rapid heartbeat, it may indicate an underlying condition, such as an infection or dehydration. In such cases, immediate medical attention is necessary to ensure both your health and your baby’s safety.

Eco-Friendly Solutions for Managing Hot Flashes and Pregnancy Heat

During pregnancy, staying fresh and comfortable is essential, especially when dealing with hot flashes and increased body heat. Fomin Eco-Clean Towels and Deodorant Wipes are infused with natural ingredients, offering a gentle, refreshing cleanse whenever you need it.

Our biodegradable deodorant wipes are not only soothing for your skin, but they also help protect the environment. Made from eco-friendly materials, they reduce plastic pollution, making them a sustainable choice during this special time. Let us help you stay cool, clean, and conscious of our planet's health.

FAQs

Why Do I Feel So Hot During Pregnancy?

Hormonal changes, increased blood flow, and a faster metabolism during pregnancy raise body temperature, making you feel hotter than usual.

How Can I Stay Cool During Pregnancy?

Stay hydrated, wear light, breathable clothing, and take cool showers to help regulate your body temperature.