Sweating During Pregnancy: Causes & Treatment

In a woman's life, pregnancy is one of the most important phases. The body goes through a host of different changes over the different trimesters. Of these, sweating during pregnancy is a common symptom due to changes in hormones, weather conditions, increased blood flow or even a thyroid condition.

Sweating is a natural reaction of one's body when it experiences excess heat all over. The release of fluids from the body in the form of sweat keeps the skin's surface at a lower temperature thus preventing dehydration as well as imminent fainting which may occur if the body is too warm.

Being a natural bodily process, it is obvious that it will continue during pregnancy as well. Therefore, it is pertinent that one takes the necessary steps to keep oneself at an optimum temperature to avoid sweating during pregnancy.

Causes for sweating during pregnancy

There are different reasons why one may experience excess sweating. One of these is changes in hormones as the body is tending for two. It can also be due to increased blood circulation in the body. This can make the body warmer than usual which leads to sweating as a way to cool off.

It is common for women to gain extra weight during pregnancy and the body's centre of mass shifts due to the baby. Thus, the body needs to make an extra effort to keep the balance while moving around which can lead to excess sweating when pregnant.

If going out in hot and humid weather, one will sweat more when pregnant as the body works extra hard to keep the body cool. If one is sweating when pregnant way more than usual, it might be a good idea to check one's thyroid hormone levels.

This unusual amount of pregnancy sweating may be due to the thyroid gland being overactive to keep up with the increased metabolism. Check your hormone levels on a regular basis to understand if any underlying medical condition may be the reason for excessive sweating during pregnancy.

Is sweating a lot common during pregnancy?

Yes, it is very common to sweat extra during pregnancy. Sweating is a common method used by the body to cool down. The woman's body is already under stress due to having to care for a growing human inside them. Thus, the body works extra hard to maintain the increased metabolism levels. It is expected that due to increased metabolism levels, the body will feel very warm all over. Thus, pregnancy sweating is a way to keep the body at a normal temperature.

How to prevent it?

One must try different methods to cool off themselves especially when pregnant. During summers, make sure to wear breezy maternity dresses and light cotton clothes that allow proper air circulation, thus keeping the body less warm. Keep drinking fluids to replace the amounts lost to sweating during pregnancy.

Tips to keep you cool during pregnancy

• In order to rule out any underlying medical conditions, check the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

• Wear clothes in layers so that it is easy to remove pieces when feeling warmer.

• Wear light, cotton clothes as it ensures better air circulation between the body and the outside.

• Powder your body in areas of excess sweat to prevent heat rashes from forming.

• Keep drinking cold fluids such as water and fruit juices to prevent dehydration from pregnancy sweating.

It is common place to see pregnant women sweating as it is a mechanism for the body to keep itself at a normal temperature. One must take the necessary steps to curb this problem. If the body gets too warm, it will not be good for the mother as well as the growing baby.

FAQs

1. How to handle night sweats during pregnancy?

Wear lighter clothes during the night and make use of an air conditioner to avoid night sweats during pregnancy.

2. What is the reason for sweating during pregnancy?

Sweating during pregnancy can be due to a host of reasons such as changing hormone levels, increased blood circulation, excess body weight and weather conditions.

3. How to stop fainting from pregnancy sweating?

To avoid fainting during pregnancy, keep yourself hydrated and wear lighter clothes. If standing still at a place, keep moving your feet to prevent the blood circulation from cutting off.

4. What foods to consume to prevent dehydration from pregnancy sweating?

It is best to consume foods rich in water content such as watermelon, cucumber and citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges which can maintain the electrolyte levels in the body.

5. Which hormone causes pregnancy sweating?

The thyroid hormone imbalance in the body can cause excess sweating during pregnancy due to a condition called hyperthyroidism.