What are hot flashes during pregnancy?

Hot flashes are a symptom characterized by intense heat sensations felt in the face, around the chest area and upper part of the torso, which is caused by fluctuation of hormone levels in the body. It can be accompanied by a sudden rise in heart rate, heavy sweating, increased flushing of the face, chest, neck, and among others. Although this symptom is commonly associated with menopause, many pregnant women can attest to the fact that there are also hot flashes during pregnancy.

Most of the women who are unaware of this phenomenon may worry upon experiencing its onset. However, hot flashes during pregnancy should not be the cause of unnecessary stress because this is a normal phenomenon during the nine months. This symptom may vary from thirty seconds up to five minutes, and its frequency and intensity may differ from one woman to another.

Hot flashes are usually seen happening during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. There are pregnant  women who constantly wake up, removing their covers because they feel hot, even if their partner, sleeping next to them, is completely covered and comfortable.

There are many reasons for hot flashes during pregnancy. One main reason is the sudden change in hormone levels of the body. Pregnancy usually affects two major hormones that sustain life inside the fetus, estrogen which the uterus needs and progesterone which nourishes the growing fetus inside. When a woman is pregnant, her body changes, not only physically, but internally, as well. Hormone levels, particularly estrogen, remain elevated.   These levels continue to rise until the baby is delivered.

 On the other hand, progesterone is another hormone that is also produced in large quantities. High levels of progesterone may cause loosening of ligaments and joints in the body. These changes affect the emotional field of the pregnant woman,  creating mood swings and hot flashes during pregnancy.

Another cause of hot flashes during pregnancy is the constant change in body temperature. During pregnancy, the basal metabolic rate and the core temperature in a pregnant woman’s body is constantly increasing. Studies reveal that hot flashes are due to an increasing heat in the regulatory areas of the brain, which is responsible in regulating the body temperature.

Hot flashes can be managed through simple lifestyle changes. Pregnant women should limit their intake of caffeine, diet pills, spicy foods and alcohol. They should also stop smoking and limit their exposure to areas where the temperature is hot and not regulated by airconditioning, especially during the summer. This will prevent intensifying hot flashes but also heat stroke. Aside from lifestyle modification, care should be taken when using herbal medicine or even herbal teas, spa treatments and sauna, and even acupuncture.

Although there can be no clear treatment for hot flashes, these simple remedies  can help prevent hot flashes from becoming overwhelming and unmanageable. Pregnant women can try different methods such as relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga to control hot flashes. In addition, there are some dietary products like soy products that can help reduce the onset of hot flashes during pregnancy.

Pregnant women are also advised to wear loose clothing in order for the body to have  room to breathe. Taking cool baths, drinking cold water and misting the face during summer months will help manage hot flashes during pregnancy.

In the end, hot flashes during pregnancy are not a major problem and should not cause undue stress. It is a common symptom that every pregnant woman experiences at least once. Some do have them more severe than others, but at the end of nine months, it’s all worth it. Every bit of it.