Is it true that pregnant women feel hotter?

Understand why a woman’s body temperature rises during pregnancy and breastfeeding

There is a lot of talk about hot flashes in menopause, the name given to those typically nocturnal hot flashes during the phase in which a woman stops menstruating, but little is said about it. the heightened feeling of warmth that is so common during pregnancy. “Around one in three pregnant women complains of this. The cause is not fully known, but has to do with the hormonal changes of pregnancy”explains Igor Padovesi, gynecologist and obstetrician at USP and doctor at the Albert Einstein Hospital.

According to the doctor, estrogen and progesterone, produced in large quantities by the placenta, cause dilation of blood vessels and increase in body temperature. “There may also be an effect of these hormones on the body temperature regulating center in the brain (hypothalamus), equivalent to what occurs with menopausal hot flashes – even if there is a deficiency of these hormones in menopause and, in pregnancy, an excess”. , Padovesi details.

This feeling of warmth more present than normal can occur at any time of pregnancy, but is more common from the second half, especially towards the end. Unfortunately this is one of the typical discomforts of pregnancy that there is no way to avoid or alleviate, but the good news is that, after giving birth, it goes away, as the specialist says: “About 40 days after giving birth (the end of so-called puerperium) the effects of pregnancy hormones wear off“.

Feeling hot while breastfeeding is also normal.

Despite this, nurse obstetrician Cinthia Calsinski remembers him the feeling of heat can also appear during breastfeeding. This is because the stimulus caused by the baby’s sucking leads to the release of prolactin and oxytocin, which tends to raise the woman’s body temperature. The guideline here is to give preference to breastfeeding in quieter, airier places whenever possible.

During pregnancy, the indication is the same. “It is important for pregnant women to avoid crowds, choose cool and ventilated places, stay hydrated, choose fresh foodslight and healthy, opt for fresh clothes in natural fibers, take a shower when necessary and also use thermal water sprays, which can help cool off”, he concludes.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.