Sweating in the Third Trimester: Causes and Relief

Pregnancy combined with hot summer weather can be a nuisance, especially when it comes to sweating! Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to a woman's body, causing pesky side effects like changes in body odor, night sweats, and increased daytime sweating. These practical tips can help you stay cool and comfortable through every trimester.

Pregnancy Sweat: Why Does It Happen?

Pregnancy sweating is a common symptom experienced by many women due to hormonal fluctuations and increased blood volume. Excessive sweating, hot flashes, and night sweats are all related to the body’s attempt to regulate its temperature during pregnancy.

Sweating during pregnancy can start as early as the first trimester and continue throughout the pregnancy. It can be one of those annoying, uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy. By understanding the causes of pregnancy sweating, women can manage their symptoms and stay cool all season long.

Why you sweat more in the third trimester

Sweating more in late pregnancy is common, and most pregnancy-related sweating is normal. Pregnancy hormones change how your body handles heat, and you have more blood circulating, so you can feel warm much of the time. Later in pregnancy, carrying a growing baby and the weight you've gained add to that heat.

That's why the third trimester can feel sweaty even when the weather isn't hot, and why night sweats are common. The extra heat usually goes away after you give birth, though sweating can carry on for a few weeks while your hormones settle. Our guide to postpartum sweating and body odor covers what to expect after delivery.

Causes of Sweating During Pregnancy

Do you find yourself experiencing drenching sweats during pregnancy? Here are a few reasons why this occurs:

Hormonal changes during pregnancy are the primary cause of sweating during pregnancy, as they affect the body’s temperature regulation. Increased blood circulation and blood flow also contribute to why you experience sweating, as the body tries harder to cool itself down.

Although sweating can begin for pregnant women in the first trimester, the third trimester is a time when sweating often increases due to the growing baby and increased blood volume in later pregnancy.

Other factors, such as higher metabolism and hormonal shifts, can also contribute to sweating during pregnancy. This can be hard to deal with during the warm summer months!

Physical Changes During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women experience many physical changes, including increased blood volume and blood flow. The body’s temperature regulation system is affected by these changes, leading to more sweating, night sweats, and hot flashes.

During pregnancy, your skin’s blood vessels dilate, causing you to feel warmer and sweat more. These physical changes can be super uncomfortable, but they are a normal part of pregnancy!

Summer Sweating + Early Pregnancy

In early pregnancy, sweating can be best managed by staying cool and hydrated. Drinking plenty of cool water and fluids and wearing loose-fitting clothes can help reduce sweating.

Avoiding standing for long periods and taking regular breaks can also help. You can even invest in a handheld fan to take with you on the go, or a portable air conditioning unit for your bedroom can also provide relief from the heat.

Temperature Regulation During Pregnancy

The body’s temperature regulation system is affected by pregnancy hormones, leading to sweating and hot flashes. Pregnant women may experience night sweats, which can disrupt sleep and be uncomfortable.

Keeping your bedroom cool, turning on a fan, and using lightweight bedding can help reduce night sweats.

Staying hydrated, taking a cool shower, and avoiding hot drinks before bed can also help regulate body temperature at night.

Are There Any Health Risks Associated with Sweating?

Excessive sweating can lead to dehydration in some cases, which is definitely a problem during pregnancy. Women who have excessive sweating should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Sometimes sweating points to something else. Call your provider if sweating comes with a fever, chills or vomiting, since these can be signs of an infection. CDC lists a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher as an urgent warning sign in pregnancy, so if sweating, chills or flushing hang around, take your temperature.

Call right away if heavy sweating comes with any of these:

• Dizziness or fainting
• Chest pain or a racing, pounding heart
• Trouble breathing
• Cold, clammy or pale skin

It's also worth calling if you start sweating much more than usual for no clear reason.

Solutions to Manage Sweating During the Summer Months

Staying cool and hydrated is key to reducing sweating during pregnancy. Wearing loose-fitting clothing, lightweight fabrics, and using air conditioning can help keep you cool even during a summer pregnancy.

Night sweats driving you crazy this summer? Avoiding hot flashes and night sweats can be achieved by keeping your bedroom cool and using lightweight bedding. You can invest in a fan or portable air conditioning unit to keep you nice and comfy all night long. Wear lightweight clothing and open windows to let in cool air at night. Pregnancy night sweats are common, but frustrating.

Drinking cool water and avoiding hot drinks can also help reduce sweating. Higher body temperature is one of those pregnancy symptoms that can be very uncomfortable, especially during the hot summer months and during the third trimester when your body is carrying the most weight.

From night sweats during pregnancy, to feeling hot all the time, to dreading spending time out in the sun, pregnancy can come with many uncomfortable side effects and although these symptoms are totally normal, they can be difficult to deal with especially during the summer when it is impossible to avoid being out in the sun.

Breathing and Relaxation Techniques to Cool Your Mind and Body

Deep breathing and relaxation techniques can actually help reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to sweating. Pregnant women can try practicing yoga or meditation to help manage their stress levels.

Taking regular breaks and engaging in relaxing activities can also help reduce sweating, as well as getting enough sleep and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime.

Staying Cool and Hydrated

Staying cool and hydrated is absolutely essential for reducing sweating during pregnancy. You should drink plenty of cool water throughout the day to make sure you and your growing baby stay safe and healthy during the summer.

Using a handheld fan or neck fan can help you stay cool, especially during the hottest part of the day. Wearing loose-fitting clothes and avoiding tight clothing can also help reduce sweating.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke: the warning signs

Pregnancy can make you more likely to get sick from heat, and sooner. Your body is working harder to cool both you and your baby, and you dehydrate more easily, which makes sweating less effective at cooling you down.

Heat exhaustion can bring heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, thirst or peeing less than usual. If you notice these signs, move somewhere cool, loosen your clothes, sip cool water and get medical care right away. CDC advises pregnant people to get care immediately for any symptoms of heat-related illness.

Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911 if you or someone with you is confused, has slurred speech or a seizure, passes out, or has a very high body temperature. While you wait, cool down with cold, wet cloths on the skin.

If you sweat a lot, ask your provider how to safely replace the salt and minerals you lose through sweat.

Preventing Dehydration During Pregnancy

Dehydration is a common problem during pregnancy, especially when you experience excessive sweating. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day can help prevent dehydration.

If you struggle with maintaining normal body temperature and hydration during pregnancy, you can avoid hot drinks and caffeine.

Eating foods high in water content, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, can also help prevent dehydration. Watermelon, cucumber, celery, oranges, and strawberries are all hydrating foods.

Managing Sweating During Daily Activities

Women can manage sweating during daily activities by taking regular breaks and staying cool. Wearing loose-fitting clothes and staying in air conditioning can help reduce sweating.

You can try using a handheld fan or cool compress to help reduce sweating during daily activities. Portable fans are easy to come by, and there are also special cooling towels that go around your neck that can help you deal with excessive sweating caused by changing hormones.

Final Thoughts on Pregnancy Sweating

Pregnancy sweating is a common symptom but can be managed with the right techniques and strategies. Staying cool and hydrated is key to surviving a summer pregnancy. By following these tips, moms-to-be can manage their sweating and stay comfortable all throughout their pregnancy.