Hot flashes during pregnancy are caused by changes in hormone levels, increased core body temperature, stress, and increased blood volume. Exercise can help treat hot flashes, but pregnant women should stay hydrated and cool. Avoiding stress and keeping the room cool can also help.
Many women experience hot flashes during pregnancy, resulting in sweating, rapid heartbeat, and flushing of the face and neck. One of the main causes of this condition is changes in hormone levels, as estrogen and progesterone levels rise during pregnancy. Also, a pregnant woman’s core temperature is typically higher than usual, sometimes causing heat flashes that tend to be more common during the second and third trimesters. Of course, stress and increased blood volume are also factors.
One of the best-known causes of hot flashes is an increase in certain hormones. Progesterone usually rises in early pregnancy, allowing the ligaments and joints to loosen up over time so the body can make room for the expanding uterus and prepare for labor. Estrogen also increases so it can regulate progesterone levels and also help the fetus continue to grow. While these hormones are crucial in a healthy pregnancy, they often lead to both mood swings and hot flashes.
Another change in the body during pregnancy is an increase in core body temperature. This also makes a woman more susceptible to dehydration, which means extra fluids are needed. Of course, pregnant women who decide to exercise are especially at risk for hot flashes as they can easily overheat and become dehydrated. This is especially true when you gain any amount of weight, making hot flashes particularly common towards the end of pregnancy.
The constant changes in the body often create stress for pregnant women, causing the body to release both adrenaline and norepinephrine into the blood. This action increases heart rate and blood flow while constricting blood vessels. Combined with the fact that blood volume has already increased during pregnancy, it should come as no surprise that the body can overheat more easily.
Luckily, there are a few ways to avoid getting hot flashes during pregnancy. Exercise can help treat hot flashes, but pregnant women who decide to exercise should make sure they stay hydrated and cool by wearing breathable clothing and avoiding exercising in direct sunlight. Many women find that hot flashes disrupt nighttime sleep, but they can usually avoid this problem by keeping the room cool and sleeping in breathable pajamas. Avoiding stress whenever possible is another way to overcome the unpleasant experience.
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