Gynecology And Obstetrics-

Hot Flashes During Pregnancy

introduction

Hot flashes during pregnancy are sudden sweats. This leads to strong feelings of heat, occasionally even without a specific trigger. These hot flashes often occur during pregnancy, but can also be felt while breastfeeding.

The hot flashes during pregnancy are uncomfortable for most, but they are neither dangerous for the unborn child nor for the mother-to-be.

How and why do hot flashes occur during pregnancy?

The hot flashes during pregnancy are due to the various changes in the hormonal control systems in the body. The hormonal changes occasionally lead to changes in temperature perception. In addition, during an acute heat attack, the skin is suddenly supplied with blood. This is achieved by widening the vessels. As a result, the skin becomes very warm, and patchy or extensive reddening of the skin can occur.

In addition, hot flashes cause sweating, as this is the best mechanism for the body to cool down. In addition to changing hormone levels, there is another cause of hot flashes during pregnancy:

The metabolism of the pregnant woman adapts to the increased nutritional needs of the child and the maternal body. So there is an increased intake of food. When processing the nutrients, the body produces heat as a waste product. Therefore, the strongly boosted metabolism during pregnancy can lead to hot flashes.

also read: Causes of Hot Flashes

When do hot flashes occur during pregnancy?

Hot flashes are more likely to occur in the second half of pregnancy, more precisely in the second and third trimesters. During this time, the hormones change particularly strongly, and the child needs more and more nutrients as the child grows, which is why the metabolism of the pregnant woman has to become more active.

Due to the growing pregnancy belly, the symptoms can be aggravated, especially in summer, so that hot flashes become stronger as the pregnancy progresses. Since hormones and metabolism also play an important role immediately after pregnancy, hot flashes can persist for a while after the birth. This is especially true for the period when breastfeeding is still taking place.

You can also find out more at:

1st trimester
2nd trimester
3rd trimester

What are the accompanying symptoms of hot flashes?

Hot flashes are usually characterized by a sudden feeling of heat. This often leads to increased blood flow to the skin, which can turn reddish, occasionally red-blotchy. In addition, the body tries to cool down by sweating profusely. This usually leads to sweating in the head, neck and neck area.

Many pregnant women also complain of particularly warm feet as part of hot flashes. The sweats that are triggered by hot flashes during pregnancy are often so strong that affected women have to change clothes afterwards. Because of the sweating, you may feel more cold after the heat attack.

The hot flashes generally occur more frequently as pregnancy progresses. In addition, they are much more noticeable in summer than in winter. Hot flashes can also occur more frequently at night.

In addition, there may be other pregnancy-related complaints. Nausea and vomiting often occur at the beginning of pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, there is increased water retention, especially in the legs and ankles.

Also read:

Edema in pregnancy
Water in your feet - what to do?
Rash in pregnancy

Treatment of hot flashes in pregnancy

Treatment of hot flashes during pregnancy should primarily be symptomatic. The cause of the symptoms can be traced back to the hormonal changes during pregnancy; these should not be treated with medication, as the changes are necessary for pregnancy.

In the event of an acute heat attack, cooling down with cool, damp towels or a small fan can help. A lukewarm (not ice-cold) shower can also alleviate the symptoms.
Cooling gels, ointments and face masks are also available in pharmacies, which can alleviate the symptoms of hot flashes during pregnancy.

Read more about hot flashes during pregnancy: Night sweats during pregnancy

What home remedies help with hot flashes?

When it comes to treating hot flashes during pregnancy, home remedies are particularly important.

Due to the increased sweating, sufficient fluid intake is particularly important. Cool drinks are particularly pleasant in the case of acute heat. On the other hand, warm teas generally lead to slight sweating, so that sudden sweats can be avoided.

Especially in the warm summer months, pregnant women should rather stay in the shade. If the feeling of heat is too great, cooling compresses can help. It can also help to briefly hold the wrists under cool, running water.

Homeopathy for hot flashes

As with "classic" medications, one should be careful when using homeopathic remedies during pregnancy. Some of the active ingredients can have a negative effect on pregnancy or even be dangerous for the mother and / or child.

For hot flashes during pregnancy, means such as

Amylium nitrosum,
Asterias rubens or
Belladonna work.
Also Glonoinum and
Sangurinaria canadensis can be helpful.

Before taking, however, the active ingredient and dose should be discussed with a homeopath and doctor.

Duration of hot flashes in pregnancy

The hot flashes during pregnancy usually only last for a short time. But they can occur very often during the day.

Especially in the warm summer months, the feeling of heat is constantly present in pregnant women, so hot flashes can occur even more often than in cooler seasons. For many, hot flashes start in the second trimester of pregnancy, and they often go away after giving birth.

Occasionally, the hot flashes persist during breastfeeding, but usually go away completely afterwards.

Learn more at: Duration of hot flashes

Can hot flashes also be a sign of pregnancy?

Occasionally, hot flashes could be a sign of pregnancy.

Typically, heavy sweats do not appear until late in pregnancy, but hot flashes are noticeable in some women at the beginning of pregnancy. Especially when nausea and vomiting occur for no apparent reason, the hot flashes can also be a sign of pregnancy.