Is it normal to sweat more during pregnancy?

The summer season can be difficult to deal with while pregnant: the heat in fact favors the onset of breathlessness, muscle cramps and swelling in the legs.

Furthermore, hormonal changes cause an increase in body temperature: this is why it is  normal to sweat more during pregnancy , especially at night .

Excess sweating tends to occur especially in the first and third trimester and can appear as early as the beginning of pregnancy . Furthermore, the problem often continues in the postpartum period, especially if the mother is breastfeeding.

So what to do to defend yourself? We explain it to you in this article.

Why do you sweat more during pregnancy?

The reason is simple. Sweat during pregnancy increases due to progesterone, which stimulates the dilation of blood vessels and therefore a greater flow of blood to the skin.

The consequence is a rise in body temperature , which in turn activates the perspiration reflex.

Furthermore, we must not forget that while pregnant, the body needs more energy to support the growth of the child and that, therefore, the metabolism accelerates , resulting in a greater production of heat and therefore of sweat.

Finally, weight gain can also play a role, as can anxiety , stress , and other emotional factors . In other cases, however, excess perspiration may be associated with the presence of a pathology.

Sweating in pregnancy: what remedies?

Excessive perspiration can cause dehydration , drops in blood pressure and skin irritation . Luckily, there are some simple steps that can help you fight excess pregnancy sweat. Here are which ones.

1. Drink at least two liters of water a day

This foresight will allow you to replenish the fluids lost through sweat and reduce the risk of dehydration . It will also help you fight water retention and sudden drops in blood pressure .

Instead, avoid too cold drinks or alcohol , always not recommended during pregnancy and even more so in the hot season.

2. Limit your tea , coffee, and soda or sugary drinks

Green light instead to juices and smoothies , with thirst-quenching and invigorating properties, and mallow-based herbal teas , which help fight excessive sweating.

3. Take care of your diet

In particular, favor the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables , rich in water, vitamins and mineral salts, to restore hydration and counteract the appearance of muscle cramps . Instead, avoid spicy , fatty or difficult to digest foods , and limit the intake of salt , so as not to accentuate water retention.

4. Limit your exposure to the sun

Try not to go out during the hottest hours of the day and always use a  high factor sunscreen when you are outdoors . This trick will help you prevent the onset of chloasma , a very frequent skin blemish during pregnancy, characterized by the appearance of unsightly brown spots on the face.

5. Keep the environment fresh and airy

Open the windows in the morning and in the evening, and close them in the hottest hours of the day, darkening them with the help of curtains, shutters or Venetian blinds. If possible, use an air conditioner to lower the temperature and humidity level of the rooms, taking care to set the thermostat 5 or 6 degrees lower than outside, to avoid excessive temperature changes .

6. Refresh often

Frequent showers and baths with warm water (and possibly a little rice starch) can be a valid aid in combating the sensation of heat. To avoid dehydrating your skin too much, however, choose a gentle, non-foaming cleanser , to be used only on areas that sweat the most (such as the underarms). Alternatively, cool your temples , wrists and ankles often , or apply a moist compress to your forehead or back of your neck.

7. Wear comfortable, light and preferably natural fiber clothing

In addition to promoting perspiration, this type of clothing will help prevent the appearance of annoying skin irritations .

8. Get adequate physical activity

Avoid playing sports during the hottest hours and prefer water exercise , such as swimming and walking in the sea or in the pool. This type of activity, in addition to relieving the feeling of heat, will help stimulate blood circulation and counteract swelling in the legs and the appearance of varicose veins .

9. Consult your trusted doctor

He will be able to assess the need for any checks and indicate the most suitable remedy to alleviate the discomfort. In case of severe exhaustion or frequent muscle cramps , for example, he may advise you to take magnesium and potassium supplements . 

Sweating in pregnancy: when to worry?

Feeling hot and sweating more is completely normal during pregnancy and does not represent a problem for the health of mother and child, provided that the loss of fluids and mineral salts is compensated for by adequate intake of water and food .

Excessive dehydration , on the contrary, can have very serious consequences, since it is able to favor the development of urinary infections , cause dizziness and fainting (with the risk of falling) or cause uterine contractions , which in some cases can cause premature of labour .

For these reasons, in the presence of:

• intense thirst
• muscle cramps , especially at night
• weakness
• low blood pressure , dizziness or palpitations
• anxiety
• dry skin and mucous membranes
• dark urine

it is essential to drink abundantly to replenish the lost fluids and, if the symptoms do not improve, contact your trusted doctor .