While trying to conceive or being pregnant can be thrilling, it can also be terrifying. One of the most difficult aspects of pregnancy symptoms is the wide range of ‘normal.’ And there is an exception to every ‘rule’ about what to expect during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, many women report feeling warm or even overheated. If that’s the case, is there a cause of concern if you’re feeling cold during pregnancy?
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Feeling Cold During Pregnancy: Is It Normal?
Pregnant women are more likely to be hot than cold, but feeling cold does not necessarily indicate that something is wrong with you or your baby. Your internal temperature control system may simply be overly efficient at cooling your pregnant body’s hardworking engine.
We understand how easy it is to let your imagination run wild about every ache and ailment you experience during pregnancy — and because we know you’re curious, we’d like to assure you that feeling cold is not a sign of pregnancy loss.
There are several common reasons why pregnancy may be giving you the cold shoulder, and understanding their causes and symptoms can help you get some peace of mind — and possibly treatment.
Feeling Cold During Pregnancy: Various Causes
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A pregnant woman may experience coldness due to a variety of factors.
1. Hormonal Fluctuations
Hormonal fluctuations cause many women to feel constantly warm or to experience hot flashes on occasion. These fluctuations can cause some women to feel cold during pregnancy.
Our metabolism changes because of pregnancy hormones. To meet the demands of pregnancy, our metabolism speeds up.
The change in metabolism can cause the body to warm up. Some bodies attempt to cool off because of the warming but may overcompensate. This results in feeling cool.
2. Morning Sickness
If you’re experiencing morning sickness, you may be dehydrated and eating too little.
Low-calorie intake or dehydration can reduce the amount of fuel available to the body to keep it warm. This can make you feel cold.
The good news is that your baby is still snug and warm even if you’re feeling cool. If you don’t get enough calories during the first trimester, your body will deplete your reserves. During pregnancy, your body will prioritise your internal temperature.
3. Anaemia
Feeling constantly cold isn’t usually a cause for concern during pregnancy. However, if you’re at risk for anaemia, it’s important to talk to your care provider.
Speak to your care provider if you suddenly feel cold, and also experience fatigue, easy bruising, and shortness of breath.
Iron is an essential part of your nutritional intake during pregnancy, regardless of your risk of anaemia. If you are at risk, consult your doctor before taking supplements. Your diet can help you increase your natural iron intake.
4. High Basal Body Temperature
If you’ve ever charted your cycles, you’re probably familiar with your basal body temperature.
Ovulation is indicated by an initial rise in your basal body temperature. If the fever persists, it is frequently an early sign of pregnancy.
The lowest body temperature reached during rest is referred to as your basal body temperature. You may feel warm if this is elevated.
This, however, can make the air around you appear cooler. As a result, even though your internal temperature has increased, you still feel cold.
5. Infection
Some people will feel cold during infection, even if they do not have a fever. Speak with your doctor if you have any signs of an infection, a recent fever, or pain – for example when urinating.
Fever during pregnancy may increase the risk of certain negative outcomes, such as birth defects in the ear, eye, face, neck, and genitals. As a result, it is critical to control the fever and treat the underlying cause.
If a pregnant woman’s body temperature rises above 37.5°C (99.5°F), she should consult a doctor or midwife.
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6. Thyroid Problems
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces insufficient thyroid hormone. It can make people feel cold and tired.
Other symptoms include constipation, muscle cramps, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Coldness is the only symptom for some people.
Pregnancy can cause hypothyroidism in some women. In others, hypothyroidism existed prior to pregnancy, and the pregnancy exacerbates it.
7. Discomfort At Night
Night sweats are common in pregnant women.
A person may become cold as the body attempts to cool itself, especially in an air-conditioned room without blankets. Night sweats are not dangerous, but they can make it difficult to sleep.
8. Body’s Cooling System Is Overactive
Sweating is the body’s attempt to regulate its own temperature, causing a person to breathe faster and motivating them to wear less clothing and seek cooler places.
These attempts can sometimes make a person feel cold. For example, a person may feel extremely cold shortly after taking a hot shower or going for a walk in the heat.
There is no need to be concerned if the cold feelings disappear quickly. When they last for an extended period, it could indicate that the body is having difficulty warming itself.
9. Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure during pregnancy is frequently caused by the increased circulatory demands placed on your body as it attempts to produce enough blood for you and your developing baby.
Many pregnant women with low blood pressure do not experience symptoms, but when your body is working hard to get enough blood pumped to its tissues and organs, including the vital uterus and placenta, you may experience nausea, dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, and a weak but fast pulse.
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away because they must be evaluated.
10. Lack of Sleep
Because of hormonal changes, sleep problems are more common in early pregnancy and later in pregnancy. Restful sleep is essential for body temperature regulation — a nightmare.
11. Anxiety
Pregnancy can cause anxiety, which can activate your body’s fight-or-flight response. To prepare your body for movement, blood is diverted from non-essential organs like your skin to more important ones like your heart, which can leave you feeling cold.
Other signs of anxiety include nausea, sweating, and a racing heartbeat.
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Feeling Cold During Pregnancy: Prevention and Remedies
Low blood pressure
Low blood pressure during pregnancy is rarely treated unless it is severe. Keeping hydrated and slowly transitioning from a prone or sitting position to standing can help relieve dizziness and prevent fainting.
Anaemia
Most prenatal vitamins contain iron, which helps protect against anaemia, but it may not be enough for some women.
- Your doctor may advise you to take iron supplements.
- In severe cases, you may be admitted to the hospital for intravenous iron administration.
- It’s difficult to get enough iron from your diet, but eating more iron-rich foods like lean red meat, poultry, and beans may help.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism usually necessitates the daily administration of synthetic thyroid hormones. A doctor will also advise regular thyroid hormone testing during and after pregnancy.
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is effective in treating hypothyroidism. These medications are safe for you and your baby, but they should not be taken concurrently with your prenatal vitamin because the minerals in the vitamin can make it difficult for your body to absorb the hormone.
Lack of sleep
Maintain good sleep hygiene. Consume fluids during the day to reduce nighttime bathroom visits. If you suffer from heartburn, avoid spicy, fried, or acidic foods at dinner. After the early afternoon, avoid caffeinated beverages.
Anxiety
Talking to your partner, a close friend, or a family member can be beneficial. Your doctor may also recommend professional therapists.
Infection
Your doctor should evaluate any potential infections. In the meantime, take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.
A doctor will ask a person with a fever about their symptoms and medical history to try to determine the cause. They may also perform diagnostic tests. Antibiotics may be prescribed if they suspect a bacterial infection. Infections must be monitored during pregnancy because they can have an impact on the baby’s development.
Morning Sickness
If you are experiencing severe morning sickness, try to get as much nutrition and hydration as possible.
If it’s just hormone fluctuations and a reaction to your basal body temperature, you’ll have to wait it out.
Other Ways to Feel Warmer
People may be able to reduce their chances of feeling uncomfortably cold during pregnancy by doing the following:
- Wear a tight camisole, leggings, or other undergarments.
- While resting, use extra blankets.
- Drink some hot tea.
- Keep an extra sweatshirt or sweater on hand for layering.
- Avoid contact with sick people and frequently wash hands to avoid infection.
- Seek immediate medical attention for any signs of infection, such as unexplained pain, a serious wound that is not healing, or a fever.
- Dress seasonally and in layers to deal with sudden temperature changes.
- Sleep in a cool room to try to avoid night sweats while having plenty of blankets on hand to avoid chills.
- Get a blood test to check on thyroid function early in pregnancy.
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Is It Safe To Use Hot Tub During Pregnancy?
Hot tubs should be used with caution, if at all. The water temperature in the hot tub should never exceed 104°F (40°C). Sitting in hot water can quickly raise your body temperature, causing health problems for you and your developing baby.
If you are pregnant or have a fever, avoid using a hot tub. If you decide to use a hot tub while pregnant, take precautions and only soak for a short period of time.
Image source: iStock
Remember to take the following precautions:
- Spend no more than 10 minutes in the hot tub.
- Stay away from the inlet that provides freshly heated water.
- Do not submerge your head, arms, shoulders, or upper chest.
- If you feel any discomfort, get out of the hot tub.
- To avoid accidents, go inside the bathtub first before putting water in it.
Is It Okay To Use Heating Pad While Pregnant?
Hot tubs and saunas are not recommended during pregnancy because they can raise your core body temperature and cause overheating, increasing your risk of some birth defects. However, because a heating pad (or an electric blanket) is unlikely to cause overheating, it is considered safe.
Image source: iStock
However, take precautions to avoid becoming overheated. While using your heating pad, avoid piling on layers of clothing or blankets. Pay attention to how you’re feeling in general, and if you’re getting too hot, stop using it and cool down. It is usually recommended to only apply ice or heat to a specific area for 20 minutes at a time.
If you use an electric heating pad, keep it on a low or moderate setting and avoid falling asleep with it, or set it to turn off automatically.
Can I Use Electric Blanket When Pregnant?
It is not advisable to use an electric blanket during pregnancy because there are enough and more risks associated with their use, particularly in early pregnancy and during the first two and last months of your pregnancy, and, for the most part, when the blanket is set to high settings. It is best to think about alternatives to electric blankets.
You can think about the following alternatives:
- Warm up the inside of the blanket with a hot water bottle.
- A heating pad is a modern alternative to a hot water bottle. Heating pads are long, soft, and pliable, making them ideal for wrapping around your neck or body. All you have to do is heat it up in the microwave and you’re ready to go!
- Another option is to layer! Wear a warm nightcap, socks, and thermal innerwear, and layer your outerwear to stay warm and cosy.
Image source: Stock
When to Worry
Experiencing a bit of chill during pregnancy is not uncommon, but understanding when it’s more than just a natural response to changing temperatures is essential. Here’s a brief guide on when feeling cold during pregnancy might warrant a closer look:
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Persistent Shivering: If you find yourself shivering continuously, despite being adequately dressed and in a warm environment, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider.
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Accompanied by Other Symptoms: Feeling excessively cold, especially when coupled with symptoms like fever, chills, or body aches, could be indicative of an underlying issue.
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Sudden Changes in Temperature Sensitivity: If you notice a sudden increase in sensitivity to cold, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare professional.
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Paleness or Bluish Skin: Changes in skin colour, such as paleness or a bluish tint, may be a sign of poor circulation or other concerns.
Remember, while feeling cold is common, persistent or concerning symptoms should be addressed with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.
Don’t sweat it if you’re cold during pregnancy, even if you’re in the minority. There are a few perfectly reasonable reasons why you might reach for that sweater. Discuss your concerns with your doctor, and get tested and treated if necessary.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.