Hot flashesin early pregnancy are completely normal and quite common, although not all people will experience them.
While generally associated withmenopause, hot flashes will affect over one-third of pregnant people during the course of theirpregnancy.
A person experiencing a hot flash may sweat profusely and their skin may go red.
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These hot flashes aren’t typically a health concern but they can cause discomfort.
This article discusses the causes of hot flashes and presents other early pregnancy symptoms you may encounter.
It offers some tips on how to cope with your hot flash symptoms.
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Are Hot Flashes a Sign of Early Pregnancy?
Hot flashes can appear at any point in a persons pregnancy.
You also may experience breast tenderness, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting.
What Causes Hot Flashes in Pregnancy?
When a person becomes pregnant, their levels ofestrogenandprogesteronechange to support healthy fetal development.
The hormonal fluctuations drive hot flashes in some people.
Other processes may be at work, too.
Estrogen is known to act on thehypothalamusgland, which acts as a hub in controlling body temperature.
Is It Safe?
Hot flashes during pregnancy are typically harmless.
However, overheating while you are pregnant can be dangerous.
Heat and Pregnancy
Overheating during pregnancy can lead to birth defects.
How Early Do Hot Flashes in Pregnancy Start?
Hot flashes can begin in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
In some cases, they may be one of the first signs.
However, they can occur during all points of pregnancy and typically peak during the third trimester.
Postpartum hot flashes have also been documented.
They are typically at their worst two weeks following birth.
Can Hot Flashes Tell You You’re Pregnant?
While hot flashes can be an early sign of pregnancy, they dont occur in all pregnant people.
Roughly 18% of pregnant people will experience hot flashes in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Hot flashes during pregnancy can be managed the same way as menopausal hot flashes.
If your hot flashes are particularly severe, speak to your healthcare provider.
However, you should make an appointment if you are experiencing afever.
They cause feelings of excessive warmth, with possible reddening of the skin and excessive sweating.
This is due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, as well as increases in blood flow.
If the hot flashes are particularly bothersome, speak to your healthcare provider about other options.
2021 Feb;35(2):e21143.
