Perpetually moist, damp, and darned uncomfortable these days? It comes with the territory. Many pregnant women feel sweaty even when the thermostat is turned down, especially at night.
Add a hot, humid climate to the mix, and you might wonder if you're experiencing menopausal hot flashes. You're not imagining it. In fact, studies suggest up to 35% of pregnant women do have hot flashes during pregnancy and postpartum.[1]
"Armpits, inner thighs, underboobs — all of that. I am a sweaty mess every pregnancy," says What to Expect Community mom flowerpower14.
"I’m normally not a sweaty person, but I’ve been so hot all the time!" says Community member a-button. "I think it’s a combo of hormones and it being summertime."
Excess sweat is a normal symptom of pregnancy — but there are plenty of ways to keep cool even when the temperature (or your hormones) is soaring.
When does night sweating start during pregnancy?
If you were a hot potato before pregnancy, or experienced night sweats before your period, buckle up. Pregnancy may feel like a particularly sweaty ride.
You'll probably feel extra warm in the first trimester, the third trimester, and postpartum — all periods when you're experiencing more extreme hormonal swings. The good news: Hormones tend to level out in the second trimester so you can hope for a little mid-pregnancy relief.
"I would wake up sopping wet from sweat in the first trimester!" says Community mom vanpay19. "It didn't last long, but man it was terrible and super annoying."
What causes sweating during pregnancy?
Between hemorrhoids, bleeding gums, and acne, what isn't to blame on those raging pregnancy hormones?
When sperm meets egg, hormonal changes kick into high gear. These shifts confuse the hypothalamus (the area of the brain that helps regulate body temperature), making it think you're overheated even if it's a mild 70 degrees Fahrenheit outside. Your body responds by triggering sweat, its natural cooling system.
Keep track of your pregnancy journey, get more expert advice, and connect with other moms-to-be who are experiencing the same symptoms in the What to Expect app.
Other factors can turn up the heat. A higher-than-usual BMI and smoking may increase sweating. And by the third trimester, your growing baby is producing more heat as part of rapid development. While your baby will stay perfectly comfortable, you'll feel the heat.[2]
What can I do about excessive sweating during pregnancy?
There's no magic solution for pregnancy sweating, but there are a number of ways to feel more comfortable.
Throughout the day:
- Keep hydrated. You lose fluids when you sweat, which can leave you dizzy and faint. So sip regularly — don't wait until you're parched. Cold liquids can also help regulate body temperature. You'll need to gulp down even more when you're working out or the weather's warmer. Water is best, but milk, natural juices, iced herbal tea (make sure you choose one that's safe for pregnancy), and fresh fruits and vegetables count too. A good hydration check: Your urine should be almost clear or pale yellow.
- Avoid the heat. Seek out air-conditioned spaces when possible. Fans can help, but they won't do much in extreme heat and humidity. Steer clear of hot tubs and saunas, which are already off-limits during pregnancy.
- Time workouts wisely. Skip midday heat and opt for early morning or evening walks. Try an air-conditioned class or take a swim — which may also help ease swelling in your feet and ankles.
- Dress strategically. Choose loose, lightweight, breathable fabrics. Layering makes it easy to adjust as your temperature fluctuates. "I wear lots of loose, breathable clothing (like dresses) and stay indoors a lot," says What to Expect Community member britneymich.
- Carry a hand-held fan. A quick breeze can help evaporate excess sweat and cool your skin fast. Community member newmomma247 used cool packs around her neck. "I had such bad hot flashes I felt like I was in menopause," she says. "I lived on those ice packs — put them in the freezer and rotated a couple of them every day."
At night:
- Layer your bedding. Make it easy to do a quick temperature adjustment at night with multiple lightweight blankets.
- Sleep on a towel. It can help absorb excess sweat and save your sheets.
- Use talc-free powder. A dash of powder in friction-prone areas can help absorb moisture and prevent heat rash during pregnancy. "For the last week I have been waking up drenched in sweat. Regardless of wearing the lightest bamboo PJs or going au natural," says Community member bbyay.
Can I prevent night sweats during pregnancy?
There's not much you can do about your surging hormones. But taking the steps above can make a noticeable difference. Also consider keeping your bedroom cool with air conditioning or a strong fan and keeping ice water nearby.
"I wake up with my hips glued to the cotton fitted sheet," says Community member Kindkoyote. "It’s only 70s daytime and late 50s to early 60s at night. Thank the lord I don’t live in a warmer climate with no AC."
When will pregnancy night sweats end?
You can probably expect to be extra warm right up to and after birth — and in fact, some women also experience postpartum night sweats. Postpartum sweating is due to a sharp drop in estrogen after the placenta is delivered, along with hormonal changes related to breastfeeding.
Some women find postpartum sweating even more intense than pregnancy sweats, so don't be surprised if you wake up drenched in those early weeks.
As your hormones gradually regulate — often around the time ovulation resumes a few months after delivery — the sweating should ease up and eventually return to normal.
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