While hot flashes are traditionally associated with menopause, many women also suffer them during pregnancy. Roughly one third of women report feeling hot flashes while pregnant, particularly at night -- this can be especially uncomfortable during hot and humid weather. Changing hormone levels can essentially increase the amount of blood flow in the skin. Here’s a look at what hot flashes are and how to deal with them.
Symptoms
Hot flashes are just that -- no matter the temperature inside or outside, you feel a sudden sensation of overwhelming heat, particularly in the upper body. Some women develop a simultaneous flush in their neck, chest, or face, or an increased heartbeat. You may also notice a burst of heavy sweating, which is your body’s attempt to cool down. A hot flash may last as little as thirty seconds and as long as five minutes. Every pregnant woman experiences the frequency and intensity of hot flashes differently, although they blanketly tend to become more common during the second and third trimester.
Contributing Factors
While the cause of pregnancy-related hot flashes may be obvious (pregnancy!), other activities or habits can increase their likelihood, severity, and frequency -- even in the first trimester when flashes are less common. In addition to hormones, the main causes of hot flashes has to do with body temperature. When your body doesn’t have enough water, your temperature may increase. Similarly, the extra weight you gain during pregnancy -- even healthy weight -- adds an extra layer of insulation, making you feel a little warmer all the time, and a lot warmer sometimes. Women entering their pregnancy with a few extra pounds may be more likely to experience hot flashes.
Eating a lot of spicy food, hot beverages, or caffeine can make hot flashes worse or appear earlier. Strong emotional responses -- such as stress, anxiety, or anger, none of which are uncommon during pregnancy -- can actually increase the body temperature, inducing a hot flash. While hot baths and showers are relaxing, these raise your temperature, and so can also influence hot flashes.
Treatment
Although uncomfortable, most women are able to manage hot flashes without medical intervention. Even severe hot flashes can generally be managed by eating well, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding things that trigger them. Stay away from spicy foods and caffeine, and eat a balanced diet. Regular exercise (at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week) can also help manage hot flashes. If you’re prone to emotional outbursts, find ways of managing stress and anxiety. This might mean deep breathing exercises, or it might mean finding a support group.
Try to avoid hot environments. However, this can be impossible for some geographic locations, especially during the summer. To make up for it, you may find that wearing loose clothing and managing other factors can keep your hot flashes to a minimum. Talking to your doctor before trying any of these methods is extremely important, but alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter medications may be successful for some women.
