With the arrival of a new baby just around the corner, the third trimester of pregnancy is a time filled with eager anticipation. Unfortunately, for many women, it’s also a time for some uncomfortable symptoms, including feelings of excessive warmth.
Feeling too warm isn’t “just” a matter of personal comfort. If you’re too hot, it can be difficult to get the rest and sleep your body needs to prepare — physically and mentally — for the rigors of labor that lie ahead.
As an OB/GYN with plenty of experience in pregnancy care, Paul Morrison, MD, understands how even a minor rise in body temperature can lead to a lot of discomfort for moms-to-be. In this post, learn why that temperature elevation happens and what you can do to keep your cool.
Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in your body, and some of those changes are at least partially responsible for those increased sensations of warmth.
Our bodies are naturally warm, but when you’re pregnant, two bodies are producing heat. Some of that added warmth is due to your baby’s own body heat, which can make it a little more difficult to stay cool, particularly during the warm months of the year.
During pregnancy, your hormones change a lot, first to get your body ready for pregnancy, then to support your growing baby, and finally to prepare for labor and delivery. One of those hormones — progesterone — also increases your body temperature. With more progesterone in circulation, it’s natural for your body temperature to rise, too.
Changes in hormone levels can also cause pregnancy hot flashes, similar to the hot flashes you can experience during menopause.
The third trimester is when you’re at your heaviest point during pregnancy. Not surprisingly, carrying around that extra weight puts added strain on your body, and even simple activities can wind up making you hot and sweaty.
During pregnancy, your metabolism speeds up in order to provide you and your developing baby with ample energy. Metabolic activity generates heat, so when your metabolism ramps up, your body temperature goes up with it.
Beating the heat during your third trimester isn’t always easy, but there are some simple steps you can take so you feel more comfortable.
Hydration is extremely important during pregnancy, particularly when you’re in a warm environment. Carry a water bottle filled with ice water to stay cool, and toss in some mint leaves or lemon slices for added flavor.
There’s nothing quite like cool water to bring your body heat down, and the more skin you expose, the better. Taking a cool shower or bath delivers quick relief that can last for hours.
If a shower or bath is out of the question, you can still cool down by running cold water or applying a cold compress on your pulse points — the insides of your wrists and elbows, the backs of your knees, or the areas just behind your ears.
If you don’t mind moisture, invest in an inexpensive spray fan that combines a handheld fan with a water reservoir to create a cooling mist.
Plunging your feet into a basin filled with cold water can be surprisingly refreshing. Add a few ice cubes for added coolness.
Ideally, you want to avoid hot environments and use fans or air conditioning indoors. If you must be outdoors, stay in the shade and wear clothing that protects you from the sun.
Pregnancy is a special time that requires special care tailored to your unique needs. To schedule a prenatal exam with our team, call 812-490-5200 or book an appointment online with the practice of Paul W. Morrison, M.D., in Newburgh, Indiana, today.
