Posts tagged: heat regulation

Hot Flashes During Pregnancy

Although they are generally associated with the onset of menopause,

Hot Flashes During Pregnancy

are quite common. Hot flashes are short periods when you experience intense heat and increased heart rate.  The face can be quite draining and experience profuse sweating.  If you are unfamiliar with this feeling, the experience can be quite frightening.  One episode could last five minutes, but are generally less than one minute. Some women experience hot flashes hot flashes during pregnancy are seldom while if at all while others have all the time.

Experts suggest that hot flashes during pregnancy are caused by an increase in heat regulation in the brain areas that control body temperature.  One symptom of hot flashes during pregnancy is an increase in basal body temperature, so it is natural that you go through hot flashes. Many things can trigger an episode, such as eating spicy foods. This is true even if these foods never bothered you before pregnancy.  Hot weather is another trigger that will make you feel warmer than normal and very uncomfortable. This is why many pregnant women find the summer months especially difficult with hot flashes during pregnancy when in trying to treat in the last quarter.

You should visit your doctor for help for hot flashes during pregnancy.  There are natural ways to control this feeling and possibly not prescribe any medication. They are often associated with lower than normal levels of estrogen in the body. The best advice is to know the things that trigger your hot flashes during pregnancy and then avoid as much as possible. Common triggers include:

  • Hot showers
  • Drinking caffeinated beverages (Limit during pregnancy)
  • Alcohol (Not recommended during pregnancy)
  • Smoking (Not recommended during pregnancy)
  • Each time angry or stressed
  • Hot drinks

Wearing loose clothing that allows your body to breathe is another natural way to control your episodes of hot flashes during pregnancy you can read more here.  Another technique to reduce discomfort is to breathe deeply from your abdomen and let the air slowly through your nose. Walking can help relieve symptoms. Other treatments include swimming, take cool baths and keeping cold water from beverages when needed.

As for menopausal women consider hormone therapy for hot flashes treatments and there are many that exist, but this is not possible for a pregnant woman. When expectant mothers suffering from hot flashes during pregnancy the best remedy is to make changes in your lifestyle to help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. During warm weather, with near a fan or sitting near an open window with a wind blowing through really will give you comfort.