I'm pregnant and have hot flashes. Should I be worried?

Hot flashes during pregnancy can cause discomfort in the mother-to-be. Where do they come from? How to prevent them? We tell you everything. 

Hot flashes are common during pregnancy and can cause some discomfort in pregnant women. When do these hot flashes appear? What are the causes of this phenomenon? How can they be alleviated? We take stock.

Hot flashes are not just a phenomenon that occurs during menopause! Pregnant women can also be affected. They usually appear between the second and third trimester of pregnancy (i.e. between the first and sixth month). Sometimes, these hot flashes can occur beyond pregnancy, after the baby is born, often during the breastfeeding period . Regarding their duration, hot flashes that occur during pregnancy can be felt from several seconds to a few minutes.

As a general rule, hot flashes during pregnancy are not serious for a pregnant woman. But what is the origin of these occasional hot flashes? This feeling of heat comes from hormonal imbalances caused by pregnancy . The latter, linked to hormonal fluctuations, will cause a dilation of the small blood vessels located in the face, neck and chest. It is this dilation of the blood circulation that will cause this feeling of heat in the mother-to-be.

Hot flashes occur spontaneously and last from several seconds to a few minutes. In addition to the feeling of heat that runs through the body, the pregnant woman may also start to sweat profusely. The sweat glands , which cause this excessive and sudden sweating, are then strongly stimulated. The feeling of heat invades the entire body, and rises from the chest and décolleté to the face and arms, which start to redden and sweat. When they occur at night, these hot flashes can really affect the quality of sleep !

In itself, hot flashes are not serious for your health, so there is no reason to worry if this symptom is isolated. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or postpartum are often the cause. However, these hot flashes can also be a sign of hyperthyroidism . This is a disorder of the thyroid gland, which then produces an excess of hormones. The symptoms will be: chronic fatigue, weight loss, heart palpitations , tremors and heavy sweating in the armpits, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. If you notice these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor for appropriate care , because hyperthyroidism during pregnancy requires special monitoring. The doctor will prescribe a blood test to check the functioning of the thyroid.

Hot flashes do not harm the proper progress of pregnancy, but they can be uncomfortable and affect the quality of sleep. How can they be alleviated? There is no treatment as such, but with a few tips, they can easily be alleviated. It is also recommended to ventilate your living space well, and to try to maintain a temperature of 18 degrees in the bedroom.

Also consider using a mist , refreshing wipes, or an electric fan at night to keep cool. Showers are also very popular in case of hot flashes. Be careful, however, not to take cold showers, but rather lukewarm showers . In terms of wardrobe, it is recommended to favor loose and light clothing.

As for diet, expectant mothers are advised to drink plenty of fluids (more than one litre per day). When it comes to diet, avoid fatty or spicy foods and large meals.

Although hot flashes during pregnancy can be similar in some ways to those caused by menopause, you should definitely not buy treatments and food supplements offered for menopausal women in pharmacies. In fact, these contain hormones that are completely contraindicated during pregnancy.