Feeling hot during pregnancy - should the expectant mother worry?

Even very young girls have heard that women during menopause often experience hot flashes due to hormonal changes in the body. Some young girls know about hot flashes from personal experience, if for some reason, for example, in planning and preparing for a future pregnancy, they underwent hormonal therapy. But when a fever occurs during pregnancy, expectant mothers begin to doubt the “normality” of this condition. What if hot flashes during pregnancy are dangerous or should not occur?.. Many women are looking for answers to these questions, although the main one lies on the surface.

Hot flashes during pregnancy: causes

Already from what has been said above, you can guess that hot flashes are caused by hormonal changes in a woman’s body. As during menopause, during pregnancy the functions of the ovaries are switched off, only in this case this phenomenon is temporary, unlike menopause. However, the signs can be similar, and one of them is hot flashes when you get hot during pregnancy.

In the body of the expectant mother, there is an increased production of sex hormones - estrogen and progesterone. During different periods of pregnancy, one or the other of them is more active. Such fluctuations, among other things, can cause a feeling of heat, which spreads mainly to the upper part of the body - chest, neck, head, face.

Under the influence of hormones, a huge number of different changes occur in the body of the expectant mother, which together and individually can cause hot flashes during pregnancy. This is an increase in the size of the uterus, increased blood circulation, acceleration of metabolic processes, stimulation of the sweat glands, activation of heat transfer from the body, and others. Speaking of heat transfer...

This is another reason why a pregnant woman may suddenly have a fever. The body temperature of many expectant mothers increases physiologically, that is, during pregnancy it is normal and does not pose any danger. At the same time, the woman does not observe the development of other painful signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, runny nose or body aches.

Temperature during pregnancy is considered normal if it does not exceed subfebrile levels (36.9-37.5 o C) and is not combined with signs of any diseases. Please note that due to dehydration, body temperature also rises - this should not be allowed. And since a pregnant woman sweats a lot and goes to the toilet more often, fluid losses should be replaced to a greater extent than before.

Against the background of physiological hyperemia, pregnant women often feel feverish. But if the temperature rises to 38 o C or higher, or if other signs are observed in combination with the temperature, then you need to consult a doctor to find the cause of such disorders. You should call an ambulance if you have a fever during pregnancy and your blood pressure rises at the same time. Such situations occur more often in later stages.

5 diseases that can cause chills during pregnancy

Below are some rarer medical conditions that cause chills during pregnancy, including early pregnancy:

Hypothyroidism

Feeling cold is a symptom of hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism is rare during pregnancy, and if not treated promptly, it can increase the baby's risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and even learning disabilities in the baby's future.

Urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria entering and multiplying in the urinary tract, which is accompanied by inflammation and is a common cause of chills during pregnancy. According to some scientific estimates, the prevalence of the symptomatic course of this disease among pregnant women was about 17.9%, and the asymptomatic form – in 13% 6 .

This infection is not a serious problem if it is treated properly and you drink enough fluids. However, without timely treatment, it can reach your kidneys and lead to serious unwanted complications such as pyelonephritis, sepsis and premature birth. Some of the common symptoms of a UTI include pelvic pain, cloudy urine with a foul odor, a strong urge to urinate, and a burning sensation while urinating.

Viral gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu and rotavirus, is a viral intestinal infection. The main reason is the consumption of contaminated food and water. Watery diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are the main symptoms, and chills along with fever may also occur. Diarrhea and vomiting during pregnancy can lead to dehydration, which can cause contractions and premature labor. Some other symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are dizziness, weakness and fainting.

Flu and ARVI

We all suffer from the flu or ARVI at some point. This is accompanied by chills, fever, cough, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. During pregnancy, the likelihood of contracting the flu is increased due to a weakened immune system. And if you suspect such an infection, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. He or she will likely advise you to drink plenty of warm fluids and rest to prevent worsening symptoms and avoid serious complications during pregnancy.

Listeriosis

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated food and water. Pregnant women with weak immune systems are also at risk of contracting it. Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea and muscle pain. If listeriosis is left untreated, it can affect your pregnancy. Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and infection in the newborn are some of the complications associated with it. 2

Gives you a fever during early pregnancy

A slight increase in body temperature can be observed from the first days of pregnancy. Often, in combination with other symptoms, low-grade fever in the early stages tells the woman that conception has probably occurred in this cycle.

A newly pregnant woman sometimes feels hot or cold. All this is a consequence of the beginning of hormonal changes in the body. Soon the sweat glands will begin to work more actively, and these two processes - hot flashes and heavy sweating - will accompany each other. However, this does not happen in one hundred percent of cases, but quite often. Approximately every fifth pregnant woman complains of feeling hot and sweating heavily during pregnancy. And according to some data, hot flashes during pregnancy occur in four out of five women.

Increased body temperature, when you feel feverish during pregnancy, most often occurs in the first trimester, in the early stages of bearing a baby. As the period increases, it usually normalizes, returning to its previous levels. Therefore, hot flashes in later stages should not normally be accompanied by high temperature.

Edema and other problems in the expectant mother

Often, increased air temperature causes swelling in women during pregnancy, because when overheated, they want to drink more than usual. Thirst also occurs if the room where the expectant mother is is quite stuffy.

But not quenching your thirst during the heat is also dangerous. If you limit fluid intake, dehydration will occur, which will affect the health of mother and baby much worse than swelling.

The summer heat brings a lot of inconvenience to pregnant women. To experience this for yourself, try to close your eyes and imagine yourself for a second, standing in the sun with a large ten-kilogram suitcase in your arms, which cannot be put aside for a while, and what’s more, you need to sleep with it.

This is approximately the range of sensations that a pregnant woman experiences in the heat. It is the constant feeling of discomfort that gives rise to irritation and nervous breakdowns, as well as weakness and sleep disturbances in pregnant women.

Although the weight of the fetus is very small, it is worth remembering that weight gain is due to amniotic fluid, growth of the uterus, and placenta, which by the end of pregnancy is approximately 12 kg. And these kilograms are especially noticeable precisely when the air temperature rises above 22°C.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion

Important! If you notice the slightest signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, call an ambulance immediately.

Gives you a fever in late pregnancy

However, hot flashes most often occur in the second and especially the third trimester of pregnancy - weeks after the 30th. This condition is described by many expectant mothers: it suddenly becomes very hot, stuffy, there is not enough air, the heartbeat quickens, breathing becomes difficult, the face turns red, sweating increases, there may be pain and dizziness, nausea, and a feeling of anxiety. This can last from a few seconds to several minutes, and only in extremely rare cases does the tide last long.

Gynecologists and therapists reassure: after childbirth this will most likely go away. But it often happens that hot flashes recur during the period of breastfeeding the baby - at this time the activity of hormonal processes is also very high.

How to deal with hot flashes and night sweats during pregnancy?

Try dressing in several layers of airy, lightweight fabrics. This way, when you feel a sudden feeling of heat, you can remove some of your clothing.

Avoid staying in overheated rooms or outdoors in hot weather. Also try not to tax your body with physical effort. Remember to eat a healthy diet and drink a lot - preferably mineral water or water with natural juices added. Sweating can cause dehydration and loss of electrolytes, leading to malaise and muscle cramps.

Excessive sweating is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, which is best mitigated by frequent showers or cool baths with the addition of gentle hypoallergenic products.

Overuse of bactericidal soaps in the intimate area can contribute to vaginal candidiasis. When frequent washing is required, it is better to use lotions for intimate hygiene. Unpleasant underarm odor can be reduced by depilation and the use of skin-sensitive antiperspirants with a germicidal component.

Hot flashes and sweating are not typical pregnancy symptoms. They appear only after a few weeks and become more and more troublesome over time. Hot cramps after childbirth can last from several weeks to several months until regular menstruation resumes.

Feeling hot during pregnancy at night

Hot flashes can occur not only at any stage of pregnancy, but also at any time of the day. Very often, women wake up in the middle of the night due to a sudden feeling of warmth in the upper part or throughout the body. They open the windows and wash themselves with cold water to alleviate their condition. All this helps a lot, but act carefully so as not to catch a cold: a breath of cold air or a slight whiff of cold wind on a steaming, sweating body will be enough to make you get sick, and this is extremely undesirable for you now.

To feel better if you get hot during pregnancy, doctors advise wearing clothes only from natural fabrics, dressing in “layers”, that is, several thin blouses instead of one warm one, so that if necessary, you can always take off excess or put on what is missing.

The bedroom should be well ventilated before going to bed, or even sleep with the window open, the main thing is that there is no draft. It is convenient to carry a fan with you. In the summer, try to spend less time in the sun, and be sure to wear a hat. And don’t forget to drink enough water: a fever can also occur due to dehydration.

A cold compress on the forehead and neck area or wiping the face with ice cubes (especially for this purpose, you can freeze tonic herbal decoctions in a mold) will help reduce the feeling of heat during a hot flash. It also helps if you simply put your wrists under cool water.

Unless there are any contraindications, do not stop physical activity once you become pregnant. You can sign up for fitness or gymnastics for pregnant women: this will strengthen your muscles, cardiovascular system and will be an excellent preparation for childbirth.

If you feel feverish during pregnancy, be sure to tell your doctor. But in general, doctors reassure: hot flashes during pregnancy are normal and harmless, except for discomfort for the woman. But other than reducing it a little and surviving it, there is no way to “cure” it.

Therefore, under no circumstances take any medications, even those based on natural herbs, without first consulting a doctor. Many of them, among other things, cause tachycardia and increased blood pressure, which can worsen the woman’s well-being and the child’s condition.

Especially for - Ekaterina Vlasenko

The birth of a new life determines the restructuring of the body to a new rhythm. All internal organs receive signals warning that they will have to function with double load. Any changes are a consequence of the fact that during the period of bearing the baby, his mother experiences different sensations, and she often gets a fever.

Pregnancy and fever: should you worry?

A doctor of the highest category, gynecologist at Kyiv maternity hospital No. 3, Sergey Nikolaevich Baksheev, told us about how heat affects the development of pregnancy.

— Is hot weather dangerous for a pregnant woman and for the fetus?

— In general, an increase in ambient temperature is unfavorable for any person who is not genetically adapted to high temperatures. Our body is not programmed for temperatures above 32-35 degrees with high humidity. If we even go to the African continent or Central Asia, we will see that a temperature of 50 degrees is much easier to bear than a temperature of 35 degrees here. The reason is that hot, dry air is easier to transport than hot, humid air.

In the heat, our body works at the limit of its functionality: our heart rate increases, our blood pressure rises, and it is difficult for us to endure any physical activity. First of all, there is an increase in the load on the cardiovascular system. And in pregnant women, all this increases several times.

— How do pregnant women tolerate heat?

— Pregnant women in their last stages are always prone to the appearance of edema with normal blood pressure. This is due to an increase in the volume of fluid circulating in the pregnant woman’s body. This is how nature created it so that a woman loses fewer formed blood elements during childbirth. After all, the number of leukocytes, erythrocytes and other blood factors remains unchanged, but due to an increase in the amount of fluid per unit volume, they become smaller. Normal blood loss during childbirth is about 0.5 body weight, that is, from 250 to 350 ml.

What's happening now? It's summer now and sweating has increased enormously. Because of this, the amount of fluid in the blood of pregnant women becomes less. Therefore, now, in the summer, we do not see anemia at all, which is determined by a deficiency of formed elements per unit volume of blood. And usually, after 32-34 weeks of pregnancy, we observe a decrease in hemoglobin in the expectant mother. It can fall from 110 to 80, and we estimate this to be more or less normal.

“But anemia is generally considered a negative phenomenon. Why then are you worried that they are seeing each other less often?

— In obstetrics, there are several degrees of anemia during pregnancy, and we have a different attitude towards each of them. It changes depending on the duration of pregnancy and on the development of the pharmaceutical market, which constantly offers new and new drugs for the treatment of anemia.

A decrease in hemoglobin levels during pregnancy when other blood parameters are sufficient is a normal evolutionary process. The absence of anemia is only a sign of a decrease in the volume of circulating fluid; we are more concerned about other consequences of this state of affairs.

This is, first of all, a violation of the uteroplacental circulation - after all, a decrease in the amount of fluid leads to a weakening of blood flow.

Now, amid the heat, the number of frozen pregnancies at various stages has increased. Most often, pregnancy stops in its development for up to 12 weeks. We cannot say for sure whether this is related or not to the heat, since scientific research on this issue has not been carried out. We can only state that, judging by the communication between doctors at antenatal clinics, they are all faced with an increase in the number of such cases.

— Does the child remain alive in the event of a frozen pregnancy?

- No, the child is dying.

— In general, does the normal temperature in the mother’s womb correspond to the general normal temperature of her body?

- Yes, sure.

— As far as I understand, heat is dangerous at any stage of pregnancy?

- Yes it is.

“The last winter was unusually cold, and today climatologists cannot say whether it will continue to be so. Tell me, do pregnant women tolerate cold as hard as heat?

“In contrast to the heat, we have practically not seen any complications associated with hypothermia this winter. Because a pregnant woman does not end up in the forest naked, she is not left alone with the frost. In winter, people can dress adequately in accordance with the air temperature, and sometimes pregnant women bundle up even more than the weather requires.

— Due to the negative impact of heat, in your opinion, is it worth making some changes in pregnancy planning?

“I wouldn’t recommend making changes, because the birth of a child is fate, and he will still be born when he’s supposed to be.” It’s just that all those who are planning a pregnancy that will proceed or resolve next summer should take care of air conditioners in advance.

— Does the course of labor change in the heat?

— The birth proceeds the same way as before. Another thing is that it’s simply more difficult for us to be in the delivery room because it’s hot. But for the child, by the way, this is even better, because for him the difference between the temperature in the mother’s womb and the ambient temperature disappears, he does not experience hypothermia - one of the factors of birth stress. If childbirth occurs in the cool season, then we usually heat the delivery rooms to at least 26-27 degrees.

— It is known that sour drinks like kvass thin our blood. Is it acceptable for pregnant women to escape the heat by drinking such drinks in large quantities?

- Yes, that's acceptable. It is acceptable for pregnant women to consume any natural products.

— If a pregnant woman is overheated and shows signs of heatstroke, is there any reason for her to worry more than other people?

- Yes, there is, because a pregnant woman will never be able to distinguish heat stroke from increased blood pressure or some kind of pregnancy complication that requires immediate intervention. Therefore, if there is any doubt or if there is any change in condition, a pregnant woman should consult a doctor.

— Are there any medications that you do not recommend for pregnant women to use in the heat?

— If pregnancy is at risk, then we prescribe drugs that reduce the tone of the muscular layer of the uterus. We call them labor blockers. These are first generation magnesia preparations; there is also a drug called ginepral. The use of gynepral increases the heart rate, so together with it we always prescribe drugs that reduce it (isoptin, phenoptin and others). During the heat, taking gynepral, as well as drugs that slow down cardiac activity, of course, is not very well tolerated. In the summer, we try to either prescribe substitutes or advise women not to leave the air-conditioned room in the middle of the day.

— What recommendations could you give to pregnant women in connection with the heat?

“Today, there is still a prejudice among the older generation about the harmful effects of air conditioning on the health of a pregnant woman and baby. At one time they had not yet encountered such a proliferation of conditioned air as we have now. I would like to emphasize that although research on this issue has not yet been carried out, doctors believe that in conditions of such temperatures as we had this summer, air conditioning is simply necessary for pregnant women. The main thing is to set the temperature so that it is comfortable to be in it.

Why are pregnant women hot?

An increase in temperature in pregnant women or a hot flash is not a deviation, but the norm, caused by sharp fluctuations in hormone levels, so there is no need to panic and see a doctor if the mark on the thermometer exceeds the usual value. Why are pregnant women hot? A decrease in the level of a hormone such as estrogen causes great stress, promotes the production of adrenaline, as a result, blood flow increases, blood pressure and body temperature rise.

Hot flashes in pregnant women are accompanied not only by a sharp, sudden feeling of warmth rapidly spreading throughout the body, but also by palpitations and profuse sweating. There is a feeling that the neck, chest, face and entire upper body are burning, there is not enough air, the expectant mother begins to sweat profusely. The duration of hot flashes is up to 5 minutes, and their frequency may vary. During hot flashes, body temperature in pregnant women rises to thirty-seven and eight degrees.

A distinction must be made between hot flashes and fever, which can be caused by any viral infection. In what situations is it appropriate to seek advice from a specialist:

• if the temperature is increased significantly (exceeds thirty-seven and eight degrees);
• if the high temperature does not drop for a long time and does not go astray;
• if a pregnant woman experiences a headache, severe weakness, sore throat, dizziness, or other physiological disorders.

Hot flashes during pregnancy are normal, both in the early stages and shortly before birth. They last no more than 5 minutes, after which the condition of the expectant mother is completely normalized. Hot flashes during pregnancy in the early stages and before childbirth have different frequencies, this is explained by the fact that hormonal levels change dramatically. In the first days and weeks, the body is more sensitive to physiological changes, and therefore reacts to them more clearly and actively.

Gives you a fever in early pregnancy

Not only hot flashes can cause a deterioration in the condition and the appearance of various negative sensations. There are other reasons that cause fever during early pregnancy:

• increase in the size of the uterus;
• acceleration of metabolic processes;
• increased blood circulation;
• stimulation of the functioning of the sweat glands;
• increased activity of heat transfer from the body.

There is no need to worry if in the early stages of pregnancy the expectant mother's temperature rises slightly. Along with other symptoms, a constantly elevated (low-grade) temperature is a sign that conception has occurred in this cycle. Expectant mothers feel feverish during pregnancy because hormonal changes begin, the sweat glands work more actively, the breasts begin to grow, the uterus enlarges, and the mammary glands become engorged. An elevated temperature, when it becomes feverish, is most often observed before the 12th week of pregnancy.

Gives you a fever in late pregnancy

When it starts to feel hot, it becomes stuffy, breathing becomes difficult, there is not enough air, you feel dizzy, nausea occurs at the 30th week of pregnancy, do not panic ahead of time. Hot flashes are a completely normal phenomenon not only in the early stages, but also in the second and third trimester. If you experience a fever in late pregnancy, there is no need to take any special medications; you should limit yourself to drinking still water during the day to avoid dehydration due to increased sweating.

- mommy!

Of course, summer is almost every person’s favorite time. Everyone loves to bask in the sun's rays. But for pregnant women, summer is not the best and most convenient time, because at this time of year your body is subject to heavy stress on the heart and respiratory system.

If you like to sunbathe, this is good, because while in the sun, your skin and your baby receive the vitamin D necessary for development. If this vitamin is not enough during pregnancy, the baby is at risk of developing rickets. But be careful not to overdo it with sunbathing, as this is not very good for both you and the unborn child. Too much sun can give a child a disease such as hypervitaminosis. This is harmful for you because pigment spots may appear on the skin and varicose veins may develop.

It is best not to sunbathe in the open sun; if you really want to be on the beach, stay in the shade, this will protect both you and your child. After all, the most important thing during pregnancy is to try to protect the developing baby as much as possible. It is best to go to the beach in the morning or after lunch, when the heat subsides. And it is very important to drink at least three liters of water in the summer. To restore water balance, it is better to drink regular still water. If your supervising doctor has identified any complications in you, it is better not to go out at all during those hours when the sun is most active.

We use protective creams

When going out in the sun, do not forget to apply sunscreen to exposed areas of your body. SPF protection should be at least 50, and the cream should consist of natural, herbal ingredients and thermal water. Products made from such components are not harmful and do not cause skin irritation. Lips also need to be smeared with a special balm that protects from the sun.

If you are at a loss and don’t know which sunscreen is best for pregnant women, we recommend giving preference to cream. Yes, they may not be as convenient to apply as oil or spray, since they have an oily texture, but they cover the skin with a layer that is denser than other products. As mentioned above, the cream must have protection of at least SPF 50; if you don’t find this, you can take SPF 40. The cream needs some time to be absorbed, so you should apply it about an hour before going out. If you plan to go to the beach, use the cream every 30 minutes.

What is the best thing for expectant mothers to eat and drink in the summer?

Everyone knows that summer is not only hot and sea, but also the time for the ripening of many healthy fruits and vegetables. These are the products that no pregnant woman can do without. If you don’t like to eat vegetables just like that, serve them as a side dish for dietary meats or lean fish. And remember that it is not advisable for pregnant women to eat fried foods, so let them either be steamed or boiled. Fruits that grow in the places where you live will be better for you than imported ones. Those fruits that contain allergens, such as oranges and strawberries, should be eaten in small quantities.

A pregnant woman should always have a bottle of clean, still water with her to quench her thirst. You need to drink a little water every half hour to replenish fluid loss during the warm season, when the sun is especially active. However, if you have severe swelling, reduce your water intake and also reduce your salt intake.

Even despite the fact that in the summer you can get enough vitamins by eating fruits, you still need to drink an additional complex of vitamins, since not all fruits and vegetables contain substances that are important for the development of a child, such as calcium or folic acid. The latter is especially important in the early stages, when the child’s organs are developing.

How to behave if it's hot outside?

In hot weather, the baby in the womb creates increased stress on the heart. Therefore, if you behave correctly in the summer and follow all precautions, you have nothing to worry about. If possible, take an invigorating shower in slightly cool water, it tones and invigorates. After a shower, just lightly pat your body dry with a towel, do not dry yourself. Buy yourself moisturizing creams or oils, as frequent contact with water (especially the salty sea) will cause you to have dry skin. When you are outside when it is hot, use thermal water, it cools and also relieves dryness and tightness of the skin.

Many pregnant women experience burning and discomfort in their feet in the summer. You can solve this problem by using a moisturizer with menthol. Remember, taking cold or even cool foot baths is prohibited, as this can cause a sore throat (flu), which is extremely undesirable during pregnancy. If you are near bodies of water, you can go knee-deep into the water and walk around in it, but you need to be careful not to get hurt, otherwise you will introduce an infection into the blood that is unwanted for the child and for yourself. And don't sit under an air conditioner or fan.

Pregnant women should carefully plan their day, time for walks, rest, and sleep. If you like to sleep until lunchtime, you will need to overcome your habit, because in the summer it is better to walk both in the morning, before 11 o’clock, and in the evening, after five o’clock. Walk where there are no harmful exhaust gases - embankments, parks by the sea are at your disposal. It’s very good if you have the opportunity to move outside the city for the summer, because nothing can replace the clean air of the countryside, and the heat in such places is much easier to bear. If you feel very tired and sleepy during the day, lie down, but do not sleep for a long time to avoid headaches. Daytime sleep is good only if after it you feel a surge of energy and strength.

It’s very bad if you have to travel on crowded public transport, the lack of oxygen often causes a phenomenon called oxygen starvation, the symptoms of which are lack of air and dizziness. If a woman is anemic or has developed toxicosis in the later stages, the likelihood of hypoxia increases. And remember that not only you, but also your baby lacks oxygen. To avoid suffering from hypoxia, purchase an oxygen canister from pharmacies; this is a necessary thing if you do not have the opportunity to take a taxi or drive your own car.

Recommended clothing

To feel lighter in hot weather, wear clothes made from non-synthetic fabrics, as in such clothes you allow your skin to breathe and do not sweat. Also, your wardrobe should consist of loose-fitting clothes that can fit beautifully and not tighten the skin. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going to the beach or for a walk, try to avoid dark colors of fabrics, they attract the sun’s rays.

Considering how hot the sun is in summer, be sure to buy a cap, panama hat or hat to prevent your head from overheating. If you have a tendency to varicose veins, you should wear special compression tights or knee socks. It is also better to choose underwear from cotton fabrics to avoid chafing. Take care of your intimate hygiene; if you cannot wash yourself more often, buy special wipes for intimate hygiene at the pharmacy.

How to avoid troubles, and what to do if they occur, from heat in pregnant women - first aid

During pregnancy, a woman experiences problems with blood pressure. For some mothers it increases greatly, for others, on the contrary, it is too low. Due to a drop in pressure, you may feel sick in transport; if you are in stuffy rooms, bad things may happen to you - there is a possibility that you will faint. Those women who had low blood pressure before pregnancy or those women who suffer from dystonia are more likely to faint. Fainting is a very dangerous phenomenon, not only for pregnant women, since if no one is nearby, there is a possibility of falling and hitting yourself. Also, due to low blood pressure, blood flow to the placenta is disrupted, which is very bad for the baby, because he does not receive enough nutrients.

What to do to avoid such trouble? After all, locking yourself at home for the whole summer and not going outside is not an option, women need to breathe fresh air, the sea and the beach are equally useful when used wisely. If you go to the store, but no one is letting you through in the queue, it is better not to wait and go to the store that is nearby, since if you stand in one place, without moving, the likelihood of fainting increases. If you are in a stuffy room for a long time, be sure to open the windows, or turn the air conditioner cooler, you need more air. Let there always be water next to you, which you need to drink slowly, in small sips. If you feel sick, inhale slowly and deeply.

When waking up in the morning, do not get out of bed too abruptly, even non-pregnant women can get dark in the eyes and feel dizzy because of this, it’s better to lie down for a couple of minutes, then carefully turn on your side, if you already have a big belly, lower your legs to the floor and only then slowly get up. You can sit for a minute or two and then get up. Do household chores in moderation and do not overwork yourself; it is better to shift the responsibility for cleaning and cooking to your household members. As mentioned above, you should always have non-carbonated mineral water with you. To avoid feeling hungry, which can also cause you to faint, take crackers or baby cookies with you. You can take fruits, since glucose is also necessary for good health.

The article details all the recommendations for pregnant women during such an unsafe time of the year as summer. Try to adhere to basic rules and precautions, and you will not harm either your unborn child or yourself. Then your pregnancy will proceed easily and without complications.

Feeling hot during pregnancy at night

Very often, expectant mothers experience a sharp, sudden feeling of warmth at night. To bring your general condition back to normal, it is recommended to wash your face with cold water and ventilate the room. The main reason why you feel hot during pregnancy at night is fluctuations in hormones, their excessive production. Recommendations to help improve your condition during hot flashes:

• it is necessary to choose clothes made from natural materials;
• instead of one thick sweater, wear several thin ones, so that if you feel hot or excessively warm, you can take off something extra;
• the bedroom should be well ventilated before going to bed;
• in summer it is advisable to spend less time in the sun and wear a hat;
• when the face is burning during early pregnancy or just before childbirth, it is recommended to apply a compress of cold water to the forehead and cervical area.

Often develops a fever due to dehydration. To avoid another attack of poor health, you must always (at any stage of pregnancy) drink up to two liters of still water. If you constantly maintain a normal water balance, hot flashes will occur less frequently.

“Hot flashes” with all their negative consequences are a common occurrence during menopause; they are associated with hormonal changes in the body. The same unpleasant phenomena can be observed regardless of age, for example, as a consequence of hormonal therapy in the preparatory period preceding pregnancy. But how to react if you get a fever during pregnancy for no reason? Women during this period are extremely suspicious, changes in their own bodies frighten them, so we will try to explain the reasons for this phenomenon.

How can a pregnant woman survive the heat?

Overheating is especially dangerous for expectant mothers in the summer, since the cardiovascular system is already overloaded. To reduce the possibility of negative consequences, it is enough to follow simple recommendations.

Reducing body temperature correctly!

• You can often take a refreshing shower, which will help tone the skin and blood vessels. In this case, you do not need to wipe yourself dry, but just lightly blot your skin with a soft towel.
• If you often resort to water treatments, you should take care of your skin: to prevent it from becoming dry, use moisturizing creams. In hot weather, fatty creams are contraindicated, but you can use thermal water: it gently moisturizes and does not clog pores.
• If you like to make wet compresses, apply wet towels to your forehead and wrists several times a day.
• In the heat, our feet also suffer: discomfort and burning may occur. To prevent this, also use a moisturizer. And if it contains menthol, it will be an excellent prevention of corns and cracks.
• If you are in an enclosed space with air conditioning or a fan for a long time, remember that the air currents should not be directed towards you. This can trigger colds.

Important! Don't get carried away with cold foot baths. This can lead to spasm of blood vessels and the occurrence of throat diseases. Instead, you can soak your feet in cool water.

Plan your day

Obstetricians and gynecologists advise pregnant women to take care and, if possible, not go to work in the summer. If maternity leave is not yet close, you can take sick leave or vacation at your own expense. First of all, the expectant mother is responsible for her child, and you will never earn all the money.

• If you are used to going to bed and waking up late, then you probably start to stay awake at midday. Review your daily routine.
• The most favorable time for morning walks is before 11 o’clock, and for evening walks – from 17 o’clock. It is best to walk in parks or squares where there are no roads nearby.
• If you have a dacha or country house, settle there for a while. Being in the lap of nature will help you cope with the heat more easily. The house is well ventilated, and you can choose the room that is as comfortable as possible.
• To understand whether daytime sleep will be beneficial, you need to listen to your body. If you feel great after a nap, then this is definitely your option. If it’s the other way around, then refrain from it.
• Plan your trips on public transport in advance and reduce your time in crowded places to a minimum. Rush hour at this stage is not your time. In a stuffy, unventilated, enclosed room, there is a high probability of oxygen starvation, which is especially dangerous for pregnant women with low hemoglobin, low blood pressure and those suffering from late toxicosis.
• A compact oxygen gas cartridge, sold at any pharmacy, will help compensate for the lack of oxygen if you encounter one due to unforeseen circumstances. It will easily fit in a handbag and will come in handy when you are in crowded places.
• You shouldn't do all your planned tasks in one day. It's best to schedule them for the whole week. Otherwise, weakness and poor health will very quickly remind you of themselves.

A lot depends on the clothes

• Summer clothes should be made from natural fabrics. It is important that the skin breathes in it.
• Choose a mostly loose cut. The air between the fabric and the body will be an additional protection against overheating.
• Light colors are your choice during pregnancy as they effectively reflect the sun's rays.
• Wearing hats cannot be ignored: brimmed hats and caps with a visor are best.
• Particular attention should be paid to compression hosiery. As always, it will come in handy in preventing the development of varicose veins. But in hot weather, wearing it causes discomfort. Therefore, it is advisable to use lightweight models and wear them only when walking long distances.
• Underwear should be comfortable and practical. When choosing it, give preference to classic options made from natural fabrics.
• You also need to remember about intimate hygiene. Heat creates favorable conditions for the development of bacteria. Therefore, if during the day it is not possible to resort to water procedures, then wet wipes should always be at hand.

Diet and drinking regime

• Remember that food spoils quickly in the heat, so there is no need to buy pies and baked goods on the street; instead, take ice cream.
• During the hot season, large quantities of vegetables and fruits appear on the shelves. Bananas and grapes should be limited because they are high in calories.
• If the expectant mother does not have a predisposition to nasopharyngeal diseases, then frozen fruits and berries will perfectly quench her thirst.
• The normal fluid intake for a pregnant woman is up to 2 liters per day. But with severe swelling, the doctor may advise reducing the volume to 1-1.5 liters. Not everyone shares the opinion that edema is caused by excessive fluid intake, because their main cause is impaired kidney function.
• Insufficient fluid intake leads to dehydration, which affects blood circulation in the placenta. The first signs of this disease are dry mouth and a decrease in the amount of urine produced.
• To quench your thirst in the heat, acidified boiled or drinking water, iced tea, fruit drinks, compotes, and herbal teas are perfect.

Limit the consumption of juices from packages - they are high in calories and contain chemical additives. Carbonated drinks should never be consumed, since the carbon dioxide they contain leaches calcium from bone tissue.

Causes of hot flashes during pregnancy

So, the main cause of hot flashes is hormonal.
As with menopause, during this period the ovaries cease to function, although only for the period of gestation. Why do you get hot during pregnancy? The main culprits for this are the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are intensively produced by the female body during pregnancy. Their activity is associated with a feeling of heat, usually in the chest, neck and head.

There are actually many reasons for feeling hot during pregnancy; they are associated with stretching of the uterus, increased blood circulation, acceleration of the metabolic process, more active heat transfer in the body and other processes. Let's talk about heat transfer separately, since this is one of the main reasons why you can feel hot. An increase in temperature during pregnancy is an absolutely normal physiological phenomenon; it is not dangerous and is not accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, aches or runny nose, as, say, with a cold.

Normal temperature fluctuations during pregnancy are from 36.9°C to 37.5°C. The main thing is to avoid dehydration, because at such times a woman loses much more water through sweat and urine. So you need to drink more often, otherwise a lack of water can also cause an increase in temperature.

Physiological hyperemia is the reason why people often feel feverish. You should worry if the thermometer shows 38°C and there are other negative signs. That’s when a doctor’s consultation is simply necessary. If you feel feverish during pregnancy and your blood pressure goes through the roof, don’t hesitate to call an ambulance. Note that such symptoms more often occur in later stages.

High temperature during pregnancy

A feeling of heat, accompanied by an increase in temperature to 37.5 °C, does not pose a danger to the expectant mother. You should be concerned if the temperature rises above 38 °C. You should also think about visiting a doctor if you experience a cough, runny nose, headache, or a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and lower back. Such symptoms may indicate the development of a serious illness. ARVI, influenza, kidney and urinary tract infections, appendicitis and other surgical pathologies make themselves felt by an increase in temperature. To find out the cause of poor health, you should see a doctor and undergo a full examination of the body.

Gives you a fever during early pregnancy

Body temperature rises slightly already in the very first days of pregnancy; it is this factor in the early stages, in the presence of other symptoms, that signals the likelihood of conception.
The expectant mother feels hot and cold. As already mentioned, there is no need to worry, normal hormonal changes are taking place. After the activation of the sweat glands, attacks of sudden heat and excessive sweating usually bother most women together. According to statistics, four out of five women complain that they feel hot during pregnancy. The condition of feeling hot during pregnancy is typical for the first trimester, that is, in the early stages. As the period increases, the temperature returns to normal levels. In the later stages, hot flashes, if they occur, are not accompanied by an increase in temperature.

Gives you a fever in late pregnancy

The feeling of hot flashes is more typical in the second or third trimester of pregnancy (30th week onwards). The condition is characterized by high fever, signs of suffocation, rapid heartbeat, profuse sweating, dizziness and nausea, and causeless anxiety. Usually everything goes away in a matter of minutes, prolonged hot flashes are extremely rare. In the postpartum period, everything usually stops, but there are isolated cases of “hot flashes” during breastfeeding. This is also due to high hormonal activity.