Hyperthermia or overheating in pregnancy can be harmful to you and your unborn baby. In a pregnant woman, a rise in base (internal) temperature to more than 39°C (102°F) is regarded as dangerous to fetus growth (1). Therefore, if you develop a fever, dehydration, heatstroke, or tiredness while pregnant, you should consult a doctor immediately. In this post, we tell you why your body temperature rises during pregnancy, how it affects you and your baby, and how to keep it under control.
Is Overheating During Pregnancy Common?
It may be normal for you to feel hot during pregnancy (2). As your baby grows, your body is likely to use more energy. In some cases, working in hot environments or specific work conditions could cause an increase in your core body temperature (3). Extreme overheating is a cause of concern, and you need to be careful, especially when going out in the hot sun or while doing strenuous activities on a hot day.
How Do You Know If Your Body Is Overheated?
You may feel distinctly unwell while you feel the heat within your body. The possible symptoms of overheating are (4): You may also be at a higher risk of developing heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration (5). You should see a doctor if you have these symptoms.
Causes Of Overheating In Pregnancy
There are limited studies on the causes of overheating during pregnancy. The possible reasons include:
Your blood volume increases by nearly 50% by the time you reach the 34th week of gestation (5). You might feel warmer as your blood vessels expand and move closer to the skin’s surface.
Your heart works harder and pumps 20% more blood by the time you reach your eighth week (5).
Your metabolic rate increases during pregnancy to create more energy for you and your unborn baby. This may also cause a spike in your body temperature (6).
The body heat shed by the growing fetus is usually absorbed by the mother. This primarily occurs in your third trimester. The increased skin temperature may, therefore, make you feel hot (7).
Some other general activities that could raise your core body temperature are (8):
Exercising in hot weather or for a prolonged period
Soaking in hot baths or saunas Image: iStock
High fever
Using heat pads or electric blankets
Possible Risks Of Overheating During Pregnancy
Overheating can increase the risk of certain eventualities.
According to a meta-analysis of 15 studies, excessive overheating in early pregnancy is associated with neural tube defects in babies (9).
Overheating in the first trimester is also likely to cause miscarriage (8), but this needs further research.
Also, the hot summer sun or weather could aggravate some conditions of pregnancy (10). It could
intensify the already raised body temperature.
accentuate edema (swelling) in the legs and feet. Image: Shutterstock
stimulate melanocytes, causing chloasma (mask of pregnancy) (11).
How To Stay Cool During Pregnancy?
Here are some measures to keep your temperature in control, remain hydrated, and reduce exposure to heat during pregnancy (10).
Drink lots of water every day. Drinking at least eight cups of water might keep your body cool, treat dehydration, reduce water retention, and fight constipation.
Swimming cools down your body. Go for an occasional swim after checking with your healthcare practitioner.
Exposure to the sun can increase your internal body temperature. Avoid frequent exposure to the sun and always use a sunscreen or wear a hat before going out in the sun.
Take a lukewarm shower and not a cool one as it might chill your body, prompting it to create more heat.
You may run cold water over your arms and wrists for a quick cool-down. Applying a cold compress on your neck also works. Image: iStock
Wear comfortable and loose clothes that breath easy.
Carry a battery-operated fan or foldable fan to use when you feel overheated.
If you have been exercising during pregnancy, do that in a temperature-controlled room.
Brisk walking, water workouts (swimming), stationary bicycling, modified yoga, and Pilates are considered safe. Avoid hot yoga or hot Pilates as they may lead to overheating (12).
Exercise in the morning or evening, when the temperature is cooler.
Keep your bedroom cool by keeping the windows open in the evenings and closed during the daytime.
Place indoor plants in the house as they might cool the air and add freshness.
Cut down on caffeine as it is known to increase blood pressure and core body temperature.
Eat cold foods such as salads, fruits, and vegetables with high water content. Reduce the intake of spicy foods as they may increase the chances of overheating in the body.
References:
title: “5 Signs Of Overheating In Pregnancy And Tips To Stay Cool” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-27” author: “Ann Cox”
Hyperthermia or overheating in pregnancy can be harmful to you and your unborn baby. In a pregnant woman, a rise in base (internal) temperature to more than 39°C (102°F) is regarded as dangerous to fetus growth (1). Therefore, if you develop a fever, dehydration, heatstroke, or tiredness while pregnant, you should consult a doctor immediately. In this post, we tell you why your body temperature rises during pregnancy, how it affects you and your baby, and how to keep it under control.
Is Overheating During Pregnancy Common?
It may be normal for you to feel hot during pregnancy (2). As your baby grows, your body is likely to use more energy. In some cases, working in hot environments or specific work conditions could cause an increase in your core body temperature (3). Extreme overheating is a cause of concern, and you need to be careful, especially when going out in the hot sun or while doing strenuous activities on a hot day.
How Do You Know If Your Body Is Overheated?
You may feel distinctly unwell while you feel the heat within your body. The possible symptoms of overheating are (4): You may also be at a higher risk of developing heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration (5). You should see a doctor if you have these symptoms.
Causes Of Overheating In Pregnancy
There are limited studies on the causes of overheating during pregnancy. The possible reasons include:
Your blood volume increases by nearly 50% by the time you reach the 34th week of gestation (5). You might feel warmer as your blood vessels expand and move closer to the skin’s surface.
Your heart works harder and pumps 20% more blood by the time you reach your eighth week (5).
Your metabolic rate increases during pregnancy to create more energy for you and your unborn baby. This may also cause a spike in your body temperature (6).
The body heat shed by the growing fetus is usually absorbed by the mother. This primarily occurs in your third trimester. The increased skin temperature may, therefore, make you feel hot (7).
Some other general activities that could raise your core body temperature are (8):
Exercising in hot weather or for a prolonged period
Soaking in hot baths or saunas Image: iStock
High fever
Using heat pads or electric blankets
Possible Risks Of Overheating During Pregnancy
Overheating can increase the risk of certain eventualities.
According to a meta-analysis of 15 studies, excessive overheating in early pregnancy is associated with neural tube defects in babies (9).
Overheating in the first trimester is also likely to cause miscarriage (8), but this needs further research.
Also, the hot summer sun or weather could aggravate some conditions of pregnancy (10). It could
intensify the already raised body temperature.
accentuate edema (swelling) in the legs and feet. Image: Shutterstock
stimulate melanocytes, causing chloasma (mask of pregnancy) (11).
How To Stay Cool During Pregnancy?
Here are some measures to keep your temperature in control, remain hydrated, and reduce exposure to heat during pregnancy (10).
Drink lots of water every day. Drinking at least eight cups of water might keep your body cool, treat dehydration, reduce water retention, and fight constipation.
Swimming cools down your body. Go for an occasional swim after checking with your healthcare practitioner.
Exposure to the sun can increase your internal body temperature. Avoid frequent exposure to the sun and always use a sunscreen or wear a hat before going out in the sun.
Take a lukewarm shower and not a cool one as it might chill your body, prompting it to create more heat.
You may run cold water over your arms and wrists for a quick cool-down. Applying a cold compress on your neck also works. Image: iStock
Wear comfortable and loose clothes that breath easy.
Carry a battery-operated fan or foldable fan to use when you feel overheated.
If you have been exercising during pregnancy, do that in a temperature-controlled room.
Brisk walking, water workouts (swimming), stationary bicycling, modified yoga, and Pilates are considered safe. Avoid hot yoga or hot Pilates as they may lead to overheating (12).
Exercise in the morning or evening, when the temperature is cooler.
Keep your bedroom cool by keeping the windows open in the evenings and closed during the daytime.
Place indoor plants in the house as they might cool the air and add freshness.
Cut down on caffeine as it is known to increase blood pressure and core body temperature.
Eat cold foods such as salads, fruits, and vegetables with high water content. Reduce the intake of spicy foods as they may increase the chances of overheating in the body.
