Menopause is usually the first thing that comes to mind when we think about hot flashes. But can you experience them during pregnancy too? And why might you feel a sudden surge of hotness early on?
Hot flashes can be an early sign of pregnancy. They’re common and although they aren’t a cause for concern, they can be annoying!
To learn the cause of early pregnancy hot flashes and what you can do about them, keep reading!
What are Hot Flashes?
Hot flashes are a sudden sensation of warmth on your skin. They typically affect your face, neck and chest.
Hot flashes may cause:
- Sudden, intense warmth
- Red skin
- Intense sweat
- Chilled feeling as the hot flash goes away
- Increased heart rate
Hot flashes typically aren’t a cause for concern. However, they’re another annoying pregnancy symptom that can be uncomfortable and sometimes difficult to deal with.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms: Hot Flashes
You might be wondering “Are hot flashes an early pregnancy symptom?”
Although hot flashes are generally associated with menopause, they can also be an early pregnancy sign. In fact, pregnancy hot flashes are common.
Since hot flashes can happen when you’re not pregnant, they should not be taken as a conclusive sign that you’re expecting. The only way to know you’re pregnant for sure is to take a pregnancy test and have it confirmed by your doctor.
Other early pregnancy symptoms include:
- Light bleeding
- Darker nipples
- Morning sickness
- Breast changes
- Digestion changes
- Loss of energy
- Mood swings
- Food cravings
- Increased urination
To learn more, read, 9 Early Pregnancy Symptoms After Ovulation: Day By Day.
When Do Hot Flashes Happen During Pregnancy?
Although there’s been research on when pregnant people experience hot flashes, the conclusions vary widely. Some studies suggest people are more likely to experience this pregnancy symptom early on while others suggest it’s more common in the third trimester.
Consider the below findings from an analysis of research.
- You can experience hot flashes at any time. Over a third of women experienced hot flashes at any point while expecting.
- Almost a quarter may experience hot flashes early on. Although research varies widely, one study found that 24% of women experience the symptom in early pregnancy.
- Hot flashes may worsen. Hot flashes increased throughout pregnancy and peaked during the 30th week when 24% of women reported hot flashes. However, this contradicts other research that suggests hot flashes during pregnancy typically happen before the third trimester.
- You can also get hot flashes postpartum. Postpartum hot flashes affected 20% of women, peaking in the second trimester. Researchers suggest hot flashes during this time may be caused by normalizing hormone levels.
Other research suggests that most pregnant women say their hot flashes aren’t severe or bothersome.
Hot Flashes Early Pregnancy Gender
It’s an old wives’ tale that hot flashes can indicate your baby’s gender. There is no truth to this. People who are pregnant with both girls and boys can experience hot flashes.
Hot Flashes Early Pregnancy with Twins
Hot flashes during early pregnancy can also happen if you’re pregnant with twins. Since you have two babies, it’s like having two heaters inside your belly. Your body is working harder than it would to carry a single baby, so you can expect to be a little warmer. Unfortunately, this can result in more hot flashes.
What Causes Early Pregnancy Hot Flashes?
Early pregnancy hot flashes are caused by an increased core body temperature. When your body gets hot, it attempts to cool you down by sweating, leading to hot flashes.
With that being said, researchers don’t fully understand why hot flashes happen during pregnancy. However, there are a few possible causes below.
Pregnancy hormones
Similar to menopause, hot flashes during pregnancy can be blamed on hormones. Especially early on, your levels of estrogen and progesterone change, allowing you to develop and support a healthy baby. These hormonal fluctuations can cause hot flashes for some people during pregnancy. In addition, estrogen affects the hypothalamus gland, which controls your body temperature. Spikes of luteinizing hormone (LH) seem to spike when hot flashes happen, also suggesting a link.
Increased metabolism
During pregnancy your resting metabolic rate increases because of your increased weight and your growing fetus. This can also lead to feeling warmer and experiencing hot flashes. This may be one reason why hot flashes can worsen as pregnancy continues—consider that in the second half of gestation, your basal metabolic rate is increased by 60%.
Depressive symptoms
Interestingly, depressive symptoms were found to be the most consistent predictor of hot flashes during pregnancy. Other research suggests that anxiety can be a predictor. Although it might seem strange that depression can contribute to hot flashes, increased depressive symptoms have also been found to be a risk factor for hot flashes during menopause. Researchers suggest several theories as to why this may be the case, including that our mind may influence the way we experience hot flashes.
Remedies for Early Pregnancy Hot Flashes
Try the remedies below for hot flashes during early pregnancy.
Wear layers
It can be difficult to know how to dress when you experience hot flashes early on during pregnancy. Since one moment you feel cool and the next you feel blazing hot, wardrobe choices can be an issue. Instead, don’t make a choice—choose it all! Wearing layers gives you the ability to control your temperature.
Choose your layers according to your climate. For example, in the winter, wear a tank top under a warm sweater. That way, when the hot flash hits, you can simply take off your sweater to cool down again.
Fans
Fans are your best friend if you’re feeling hot during pregnancy. Keep a stand-up fan by your bedside table or couch for when you’re relaxing.
Also, consider getting a portable fan for on-the-go cool-downs. Whenever a hot flash happens, you can grab the fan from your purse and blow the heat away.
Avoid spicy foods
Spicy foods can be a trigger that brings on hot flashes. If you’re experiencing this pregnancy symptom, it’s best to stay away from spicy foods—or at least be prepared when you eat them!
Have cold water handy
Cold water is another quick way to cool yourself down. Consider carrying around an insulated water bottle that keeps your liquids cold.
Cold pack
Purchase a cold pack that you can place in the freezer and use on your neck when you’re feeling hot.
Exercise
Although it sounds counterintuitive, getting warmer through exercise might make you cooler overall. Some research suggests that exercise training reduces hot flashes, specifically in menopausal women. Researchers say that an increased core temperature and enhanced vascular function may lead to greater thermoregulatory control, reducing hot flashes.
It’s safe and recommended for most people to exercise during pregnancy. Just make sure to get the okay from your doctor first! For ideas, read:
- 11 Easy and Super Fun Pregnancy Exercise Ideas That You’ll Actually Do
- 7 Exercises to Make Labor Easier and Less Painful
- Pregnancy Exercises on Ball: 11 Best Birthing Ball Exercises
When to Contact the Doctor
Hot flashes during pregnancy aren’t typically a cause for concern.
However, you should be careful not to confuse a fever with a hot flash. Since fever can mean you have an infection, it requires medical attention during pregnancy. When you’re unsure, take your temperature.
You should also consider whether you have a hot flash or are just overheated in general. Since overheating is dangerous during pregnancy, be mindful of your activity level and environment. Stay in the shade in the summertime and make sure to keep hydrated with plenty of fluids. Avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths or saunas.
Summary: Early Pregnancy Hot Flashes
Hot flashes can happen at any time during pregnancy and are common. Although you can experience early pregnancy hot flashes as a pregnancy symptom, the only way to know you’re pregnant for sure is to take a pregnancy test.
Hot flashes in the first trimester may be caused by hormonal changes and an increased metabolism. You can cool yourself down by wearing layers, having a portable fan and water nearby and controlling the temperature in your environment. Also be mindful of triggers, like spicy foods.
Although hot flashes typically aren’t a cause for concern, sometimes hot flashes can be confused with fever, which requires medical attention during pregnancy. You should also be mindful not to overheat your body in general, which can also be dangerous while expecting.
P.S. Do You Have a Fetal Doppler?
Fetal dopplers AKA BabyDopplers are handheld devices that allow you to hear your baby while she’s still inside the womb. Families love bonding with their babies before birth.