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9 Helpful Tips To Deal With Excessive Sweating During Pregnancy

9 Helpful Tips To Deal With Excessive Sweating During Pregnancy

26 Apr 2023 | 6 min Read

Sudeshna Chakravarti

Author | 799 Articles

Some women experience more sweating during pregnancy than usual. While the main culprit of excessive sweating during pregnancy is considered hormonal fluctuations, other factors, such as an increase in your body temperature can also make you feel hot and uncomfortable.

In this post, we have discussed possible reasons for excessive sweating during pregnancy, and helpful management tips to keep you cool and comfortable. Read on to know more.

When Does Excessive Sweating Start During Pregnancy?

If you experienced night sweats even before your pregnancy (particularly before your menstrual cycle), then chances are, your pregnancy journey is going to be pretty sweaty too.

You may feel extra sweaty during your first and third trimesters, and also during postpartum. This is because, during these stages, your body undergoes extreme hormonal shifts, which further cause overheating. To regulate the temperature, your body reacts by sweating throughout the day.

Possible Causes Of Excessive Sweating During Pregnancy

Hormonal changes or certain medications can cause excess sweating during pregnancy / Image caption: Freepik

Increased blood flow: During pregnancy, blood flow in your body increases. This makes your body warmer and results in increased sweating. In fact, by the beginning of the third trimester, your blood volume increases by 50% which results in profuse sweating in some cases.
Hyperthyroidism: This condition increases your body temperature during pregnancy and causes excess perspiration during the day and night. Apart from sweating, hyperthyroidism can also speed up your heart rate and cause headaches.
Hormonal changes: An increase or decrease in the levels of progesterone in your body can increase your body temperature, resulting in sweating.
Infections: An illness like urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy causes a rise in your body temperature, thereby leading to excess sweat.
Medications: Certain medications, such as antihypertensives can result in excess sweating. Make sure to consult your doctor to determine if there are any alternative medicines that you can try.

Apart from this, spending time outdoors in hot and humid weather can also increase your body temperature and lead to excess perspiration.

9 Tips To Deal With Excessive Sweating During Pregnancy

Stay hydrated and make necessary dietary adjustments to prevent sweating during pregnancy / Image credit: Freepik

While you cannot entirely avoid excessive sweating during pregnancy, you can try following some simple tips to reduce its severity and discomfort.

Stay Hydrated

When you sweat a lot, your body loses water quickly, leading to fatigue and dizziness. Hence, aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day to maintain optimal hydration and regulate your body temperature.

If you are bored of drinking plain water, switch to hydrating alternatives like iced tea, fresh fruit, and veggie juices. These drinks are nutrient-packed too and can help enhance your overall health.

Avoid Going Out In The Sun

Do not step outside during the day as high temperatures could worsen your sweating. Going out for a walk in the early hours is still acceptable, but avoid stepping out during the peak hours (from 10 AM- 3 PM).

Wear Loose Clothing

Wear soft, cotton-based, airy clothes to avoid sweating. You can opt for a breezy kaftan or a flowy dress to keep the sweat at bay. Also, make sure that your clothes are light-coloured as it will help reflect the heat and keep you cool.

Make Some Changes To Your Diet

Fruits like watermelon and cucumber cool your body naturally and reduce sweating / Image credit: Freepik

Avoid hot drinks and spicy foods as they trigger your sweat reflex and cause excessive perspiration. Plus, spicy foods can cause pregnancy heartburn, and that only adds up to your discomfort.

Increase consumption of foods like cucumber, yogurt, watermelon, and green leafy veggies that naturally cool down your body by regulating the body temperature.

Avoid Working Out During The Day

Working out during the day can increase your body temperature and make you feel hot. Rather, exercise or walk in the evening. If you do prefer to work out during the day, make sure to cool the room using a fan or an air-conditioner. You can also ditch exercise and just take a dip in the pool to cool down and relieve swelling in your feet and ankles.

Carry A Hand Fan

Hand-held fans work at a great speed to help evaporate the sweat from your body and cool down your skin. The best part is that these fans have a compact size and can be carried wherever you go.

Use A Natural Talc-Free Powder

Applying powder in areas that are prone to friction such as armpits, and thigh gaps can help absorb excess moisture and reduce sweat and heat rash. Use a talcum powder that uses pregnancy-safe ingredients and cooling agents.

Take Frequent Baths To Cool Off

Make sure to keep yourself clean and fresh by taking frequent baths in lukewarm water. If needed, take a bath twice or thrice a day. You can also try splashing your face in cold water or placing a cool towel on your forehead to beat the sweat.

Notice Other Changes And Monitor Your Condition

In most cases, hormonal imbalances cause sweating during pregnancy. However, sometimes, excessive sweating could also be an indication of an underlying health condition. Therefore, monitor your condition and keep a check on your bodily changes. Report the changes to your doctor to determine the exact cause and treatment method.

Conclusion

Sweating during pregnancy cannot be avoided but it can surely be controlled with proper hydration and following other steps like taking regular baths and making necessary dietary changes. However, if you experience excessive sweat even in ambient conditions, it is advisable to consult your doctor immediately.