Hormonal changes in a woman's body during pregnancy can cause a hormonal imbalance that causes uncomfortable physical reactions. One of these reactions is the uncomfortable hot flushes in early pregnancy. About 50% to 70% women will experience hot flushes during early pregnancy which cause no harm to the body. A sign that you may be experiencing a hot flush is when you feel hotter than normal even during a chilly winter night. Occurrences can start during early pregnancy, but usually they are experienced after the first trimester. Fortunately, they typically last for no more than five minutes. The discomfort caused by hot flushes can be alleviated by dressing lightly and/or remove layers of clothing. If you are suffering from this, you don't have to search words like "hot flushes early pregnancy" on internet to find the solution. We give you all you want here.
How to Know If You're Having Hot Flushes in Early Pregnancy?
Hot flushes during early pregnancy will create symptoms such as:
- Heavy sweating (especially during the night)
- Hot sensations on the face, neck and breasts
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
Approximately 48% of these hot sensations are rated as being mild and even unnoticed. 39% of women feel the heat moderately and 13% find the occurrences to be intense and difficult to adjust to.
Note: The hot flushes are normal, but it's important to differentiate a hot flush from a fever. A fever will elevate the body temperature while hot flushes don't. Medical attention is required if the sensation is caused by a fever over 100°F. A fever may indicate an infection, and high body temperatures during pregnancy can be dangerous.
Why Do Pregnant Woman Experience Hot Flushes?
Wondering why you have hot flushes? Early pregnancy brings about so many new things and hot flush is just one of them. Here are some explanations of the causes of these hot sensations:
- Hormones changes: Some soar up and some others decline rapidly. Besides, the changing levels of hormones during pregnancy may increase the level of blood flow to the skin causing the woman to feel warm and flushed. This causes the surface temperature of the skin to rise, leading to red and blotchy skin.
- An intense emotional response caused by stress or a traumatic experience.
- Eating spicy food.
- Exposure to hot temperatures.
As for hot flushes, early pregnancy witnesses their appearance, it they happen more frequently during the second and third trimesters. They may increase after giving birth because of your low hormone levels which will stay low if you breastfeed your child.
Ways of Relieving Hot Flushes in Early Pregnancy
If you have searched "hot flushes early pregnancy", you will know it's not easy to handle it. But here we have a few practical ways to minimize and relieve the symptoms.
- Sleep in a Cool Room. This is a preventative measure to provide relief while you are sleeping. If hot flushes occur while sleeping, the room temperature will conveniently cool down the body.
- Remain in the Shade. This preventative measure will keep a woman cool. It's suggested not to sun tan and to cover up adequately to protect against the heat of the sun.
- Drink Plenty of Water. Staying hydrated with cold water will lower the body temperature. Always carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Live Healthily. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes. They can affect the baby and trigger more hot flushes. Also avoid hot and spicy foods. Healthy weight loss can decrease hot flush occurrences by approximately 33%.
- Keep Cool with Cooling Aids. Carry a travel package of baby wipes, a spray bottle filled with water, and/or a mini fan to cool down while traveling.
- Use Cool Water on the Skin. Take a cool shower, run the wrists under cool tap water, and use a cool wet cloth to wipe down the face and neck. A foot spa or portable pool filled with cool water can also provide relief.
- Avoid Stress and Stay Calm. When you notice that hot flushes occurs, pay attention to your breath and pace it accordingly. Practices such as meditation and doctor-approved exercise can relieve your stress.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing. Wear clothing made of natural materials to allow the skin to breathe. Cotton, linen and other natural fabrics are good choices. Layer the clothing to enable the removal of clothing to cool down when you have hot flushes.
- Use Doctor-Approved Remedies. Herbal remedies, flax seed, and soy are natural alternatives to provide relief. Antidepressants, mild sedatives, and high blood pressure medications prescribed by a doctor may provide relief.
