Pregnancy
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Pregnancy night sweats: Causes, timing, and how to stay comfortable
Cradlewise Staff
Pregnancy brings many changes to your body, and not all of them are easy to predict. Along with nausea, back discomfort, and sleep struggles, many pregnant women also experience night sweats during pregnancy. You might fall asleep feeling comfortable, only to wake up in the middle of the night feeling overheated and drenched in sweat.
While it can feel surprising, pregnancy night sweats are very common. Hormonal shifts, increased metabolism, and changes in blood circulation can all affect how your body regulates temperature. For many women, these episodes happen most often during the first and third trimesters, though they can appear at any point in pregnancy.
The good news is that night sweats are usually temporary and harmless. Understanding why they happen and learning simple ways to stay comfortable can make a big difference in how well you sleep during pregnancy.
Dr. Matthew Casavant, Board Certified OB-GYN, and the founder of South Lake OB/GYN practice will share his insights regarding pregnancy night sweats, what causes night sweats in pregnancy, and how to prevent these night sweats.
What are pregnancy night sweats?
Pregnancy night sweats refer to episodes of excessive sweating that occur during sleep while you are pregnant. You may go to bed feeling comfortable but wake up in the middle of the night feeling unusually hot, damp, or even soaked in sweat.
Night sweats during pregnancy can range from mild warmth to heavy sweating that soaks through your sleepwear or sheets. They may occur occasionally or several nights in a row, depending on how your body is adjusting to hormonal changes.
Are night sweats normal during pregnancy?
Yes. Night sweats are a common symptom during pregnancy, and many women experience them at some point while expecting.
“ Night sweats during pregnancy are very common, affecting up to 85% of pregnant women. They are caused by hormonal changes, specifically increasing levels of estrogen and progesterone, that impact the body’s temperature regulation. Night sweats tend to be most prevalent during the first and third trimesters when hormone levels fluctuate the most.”
Hormonal changes play the biggest role. Pregnancy also increases blood volume and metabolism, which generates more body heat. In most cases, pregnancy night sweats are simply part of your body adjusting to pregnancy and are not a cause for concern.
What causes pregnancy night sweats?
Night sweats during pregnancy are mainly caused by hormonal changes that affect the body’s temperature regulation. Rising levels of estrogen and progesterone can increase body heat and make it harder for your body to cool down during sleep. Increased metabolism and blood flow during pregnancy can also contribute to feeling warmer at night, leading to sweating episodes.
Here’s a breakdown of why night sweats happen during pregnancy:
1. Hormonal changes
“ Estrogen and progesterone directly impact the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls body temperature. During pregnancy, these hormones cause the hypothalamus to raise the body’s thermostat, making women feel warmer. At night, the body has to work harder to dispel this heat, often leading to night sweats.
Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that are responsible for many of the changes you experience, and while they’re essential for a healthy pregnancy, they can also turn up the heat.
During pregnancy, your estrogen levels can soar, leading to an increase in body temperature. This can result in those unexpected night sweats. Progesterone, on the other hand, is your body’s pregnancy protector, helping to maintain a healthy uterine lining. But it can also dilate your blood vessels making you feel warmer than usual.
2. Increased metabolism
Pregnancy boosts your metabolism as your body works harder to support both you and your baby. This extra effort can raise your core temperature and make you sweat more at night. Think of it as your internal engine revving up to keep up with the demands of pregnancy.
3. Higher blood volume
During pregnancy, blood plasma volume increases by upto 40% compared to pre-pregnancy and continues to rise to 60% or more by the end of the third trimester. Your blood vessels then dilate to deliver more blood to your skin’s surface. As your body is pumping more blood to deliver essential nutrients to your baby, this also means more warmth circulating through your system.
When do night sweats happen during pregnancy?
While night sweats are more common during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, they can still make repeat appearances during other stages too.
First trimester
In the first few months of pregnancy, your body is starting to adjust to the flood of new hormones, and this can lead to night sweats. You might find yourself tossing off the covers one minute and reaching for them the next. It’s all part of your body’s way of adjusting to its new role.
Second trimester
This is often dubbed the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy. You might have more energy and less pregnancy nausea, but night sweats can still make an appearance. Your blood volume is increasing to support your growing baby, which means your body is working overtime and can heat up at night.
Third trimester
As you approach the finish line, night sweats can become more frequent. Your metabolism is in high gear, your baby is getting bigger, and all those extra pounds are like having a personal heating blanket.
Postpartum period
Night sweats can continue even after your baby is born. As per the National Library of Medicine, 29% of women continue to experience nighttime hot flashes even after delivery.
Your body is shedding the extra fluids it held onto during pregnancy, and hormonal shifts are still happening. Hence, it is common to experience sweating at night post pregnancy.
Are night sweats an early sign of pregnancy?
Sometimes, night sweats in early pregnancy happen, but they are not usually considered a reliable early sign of pregnancy on their own. They may occur because hormonal changes begin soon after conception, which can affect the body’s temperature regulation.
However, the earliest signs of pregnancy are most commonly missed periods, nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness. If night sweats occur alongside these symptoms, they may be related to hormonal changes in early pregnancy, but a pregnancy test is the best way to confirm pregnancy.
How long do pregnancy night sweats last?
Pregnancy night sweats can appear at different stages and may come and go throughout pregnancy. Many women notice them most during the first trimester, when hormone levels rise quickly, and again in the third trimester, when metabolism and blood circulation increase to support the growing baby.
For some women, nighttime sweats continue post-pregnancy, known as postpartum night sweats.
According to Dr. Matthew Casavant, “Postpartum night sweats are caused by falling hormone levels as the body adjusts, and they typically subside within 1 to 3 weeks after delivery.”
Can night sweats harm the baby?
While pregnancy night sweats can be uncomfortable and may disrupt sleep, they are generally harmless and do not pose a risk to your baby’s development. They are usually caused by normal hormonal and metabolic changes that help support pregnancy.
How to prevent night sweats during pregnancy?
Dr. Casavant advises, “Staying hydrated, limiting heavy or spicy foods that can trigger hot flashes, and using cooling techniques can provide relief in the meantime.”
Tips for managing night sweats during pregnancy
1. Create a cool sleep environment
Try using breathable sheets and light blankets/duvets. Leave the windows open, switch on the fan, or use air conditioning to increase airflow in your bedroom at night. Using a pillowcase that has been kept in the freezer for a few hours has been known to provide refreshing sleep during pregnancy.
2. Wear breathable sleepwear
Wear loose-fitting nightgowns/nightshirts or loose pajamas. Instead of synthetic materials that trap heat and moisture, opt for cotton or moisture-wicking natural fabrics that allow your skin to breathe. Choose underwear that is made of cotton.
Tip: Opting for night clothes one or two sizes bigger helps.
3. Stay hydrated
Maintaining hydration during pregnancy is crucial, as well as regulating your body temperature. Sip on water throughout the day, and consider keeping a glass or bottle by your bedside for nighttime sips. If plain water isn’t your thing, infuse it with a slice of lemon or cucumber for a refreshing twist.
Tip: Take more fluids during daytime and stop drinking water before bedtime, as the middle of the night bathroom visits can disrupt your sleep cycle.
4. Avoid certain foods
We know those pregnancy cravings can be strong, but it is advisable to avoid certain foods and drinks, like spicy dishes and caffeine, can trigger night sweats. Consider opting for lighter, more easily digestible meals closer to bedtime. If you can’t resist that cup of tea or coffee, try enjoying it earlier in the day to give your body time to process it.
5. Practice relaxation techniques
Stress and anxiety can contribute to night sweats, so finding ways to relax before bed can make a big difference. Whether it’s gentle prenatal yoga, a shower or a long bath with calming lavender oil (not advisable during the first trimester of pregnancy), listening to your favorite music, or simply unwinding with a good book, find what helps you unwind and prioritize it as part of your bedtime routine.
Remember, every pregnancy is different, so don’t hesitate to experiment with these tips to find what works best for you. Here’s to more restful nights and fewer night sweats! You’ve got this!
When to consult a doctor
While night sweats are usually normal, there are times to call your doctor:
- Soaking nights: If you’re drenching your sheets, it might be worth a chat to rule out any underlying health issues like diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
- Feeling feverish: If you get chills, aches, or feel feverish along with sweats, check in with your doctor.
- Heart racing: If you wake up confused, feeling dizzy, or with a racing heart, your doctor can help sort that out.
- Regular discomfort: If night sweats are disturbing your sleep often, your doctor can offer advice to help you feel better.
- Postpartum sweating: Dr. Casavant recommends, “If night sweats persist longer than a month postpartum or are accompanied by other symptoms, consult your doctor to check hormone levels and rule out any issues.”
Conclusion
Night sweats during pregnancy can feel uncomfortable, especially when they disrupt an already fragile sleep routine. In most cases, they are simply a result of the many hormonal and metabolic changes your body goes through while supporting your growing baby. And making small adjustments usually make a big difference.
However, as noted in Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine, “Night sweats are very common, but they tend not to be reported to physicians.” Understanding this phenomenon and how to manage it is crucial for your comfort and well-being.
We hope that the tips and expert advice provided here will support you through this challenging time.
FAQs
Q: Are night sweats common in late pregnancy?
A: Yes, night sweats are common in the third trimester when metabolism and blood flow increase to support the growing baby.
Q: Are night sweats common in early pregnancy?
A: Night sweats in early pregnancy can occur, especially in the first trimester when hormone levels rise quickly.
Q: Why am I having night sweats after pregnancy?
A: Night sweats after pregnancy happen because hormone levels drop rapidly and the body sheds excess fluid retained during pregnancy. Postpartum night sweats usually last 1-3 weeks after delivery.
Q: Can chocolate cause night sweats?
A: Chocolate contains caffeine, which may trigger sweating in some people, especially if eaten close to bedtime.
Q: Can breastfeeding give you night sweats?
A: Yes, breastfeeding mothers may experience night sweats because hormones are still adjusting after childbirth.
Q: What is a natural remedy for night sweats?
A: Keeping your bedroom cool, wearing breathable sleepwear, staying hydrated, cutting down on caffeine, and avoiding spicy foods before bed may help reduce night sweats.
Q: What deficiency causes night sweats?
A: Night sweats are usually related to hormonal changes or infections rather than vitamin deficiencies, but persistent symptoms should be discussed with a doctor.
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Sources:
- Postpartum night sweats. National Library of Medicine. 2013. Prospective evaluation of nighttime hot flashes during pregnancy and postpartum
- Higher blood volume. National Library of Medicine. 2016. Physiological changes in pregnancy.
- Use of lavendar oil in pregnancy. National Library of Medicine. 2024. Efficacy of Lavender Essential Oil in Reducing Stress, Insomnia, and Anxiety in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review
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