Pregnancy is a crucial moment in a woman’s life. It changes one’s lifestyle and experience. You are not allowed to do certain things, and there are particular symptoms that pregnant women experience every day. The most common symptoms include tender and swollen breasts, nausea, vomiting, increased urination, fatigue. In some cases, pregnant women can experience moodiness, bloating, cramping, constipation, nasal congestion, and excessive sweating.
Excessive Sweating
When you’re pregnant, you’ll find yourself, at times, having an excessive amount of sweat and worrying about it. You’ll feel damp, perpetually moist, and uncomfortable. Even when the heater is off or you’ve set the thermostat down, excessive sweating still occurs. You might wonder whether you’re experiencing hot flashes. And you’re most probably right, as studies show that 35 percent of women at certain times in their pregnancies experience hot flashes. Science confirms that this excessive sweating is normal, but it’s essential to manage them.
When does it start?
The periods where your hormonal swings are at their peak are also when sweating starts and becomes excessive. These are most common during the first trimester, third trimester, and even postpartum. Your hormones mostly run wild during these times but are stable during the second trimester.
What causes it?
Pregnancy hormones are the culprit to many uncomfortable symptoms like hemorrhoids, acne, and bleeding gums; it’s also the one to blame for excessive sweating. The hormones can confuse your hypothalamus, which helps regulate your body temperature, into believing it’s hot even if it’s cold outside. When it perceives heat, your body’s sweat reflexes start. This helps you cool down so that you won’t overheat, which is bad for your pregnancy.
Other than hormonal fluctuations, your higher-than-usual BMI as you gain weight during pregnancy can also be the cause of your sweating. It is essential to maintain the weight your practitioner suggests.
Your baby’s growth process continues in your third trimester, and your uterus is heated up to support this. Your baby will be comfortable, and you’ll have to endure the heat.
How can you manage it?
There’s nothing you can do to stop the sweating; what you can do is cope with it. Here are some of the tips you need to know on how to manage sweating during pregnancy:
Stay hydrated
When you sweat, you lose a lot of water in your body, especially when you’re sweating excessively. You need to replace the water you’ve lost and have excess water as well. Other fluids like herbal tea, juice, milk are also fluids you can consume. However, sodas and sweetened drinks add empty calories, which can contribute to excessive weight gain. Always bring a bottle of water with you. It would help better if it’s cold since consuming cold fluids helps in regulating your body temperature.
Stay in air-conditioned places and avoid staying under the sun.
An ideal temperature can help combat the heat your mind is perceiving. Excessive sweating goes worse when you stay under the sun or in humid environments. Make sure you’re helping yourself manage excessive sweating by staying in cool places or using an air-conditioner.
Avoid doing physical activities in the heat of the day.
Some activities are still allowed for pregnant women, such as going for walks, even going to the gym for minimal workouts, yoga, and more. Choose schedules in the morning when it’s not that hot yet or in the afternoon before sunset. You can also opt for taking a swim instead. This can cool your body down and even remedy your swelling feet and ankles.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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