Sweating During Pregnancy

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What is sweating during pregnancy? Perspiration (or sweat) comes from sweat glands in the skin and helps to regulate your body’s temperature when you get too hot. Sweating during pregnancy is a common complaint, according to Mary L. Rosser, MD, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. What might be causing my sweating during pregnancy? You might be feeling extra-hot lately because of the increase in hormones, blood flow and metabolism (all of which are due to pregnancy), and your body’s just trying to cool off. (Note: You can also have significant postpartum sweating, as your body gets rid of excess fluid and your hormones change yet again.)  Hyperthyroidism or an infection might be to blame, but those are less likely. When should I go to the doctor with sweating? See your doctor if your sweating is really annoying or uncomfortable, or if it’s accompanied by  symptoms like fever, rapid heartbeat or any other changes that are interfering with your quality of life, Rosser says. Thyroid problems are seen in pregnant women, so your doc might need to check for one of those too. How can I treat my sweating? Get to an air conditioner! Or at least avoid being outdoors during the hottest parts of the day. Also, drink more fluids (Rosser recommends at least eight 8-ounce glasses per day), take cooler showers or baths, use talc-free powder to avoid moisture and wear light, layered clothes. Plus, more from The Bump: Fever During Pregnancy Hyperthyroidism During Pregnancy How to Survive a Summer Pregnancy