Suffering The Pregnancy Sweats? You're Not Alone

When you find out that you're pregnant, a lot of things change. From your body, to your lifestyle, to your emotions, the list is a mile long. Your doctor (and also your family, friends, anyone you know who's ever been pregnant, and sometimes even strangers on the street) provide advice on what to expect, and how to cope. But what's the deal with all the sweat? Do you sweat more when you're pregnant? And more importantly, why doesn't anyone ever tell you about the ridiculous amount of sweat that happens while you're pregnant?

If you're freaking out about the amount of sweat you're experiencing while pregnant, whether it's the night sweats or just plain old sweating while doing normal activities, fret not. According to What to Expect, it's normal to sweat more while you're pregnant. — and all because of your lovely hormones. The hormonal shifts that occur during pregnancy can cause all kinds of unfortunate side effects, and sweating is one of them. What to Expect explained that when the sperm meets the egg, it confuses the hypothalamus, which is the area of the brain that helps regulate your body temperature. Your hypothalamus then triggers your body to experience heat, even if you're just hanging out in the shade on a moderate afternoon. Which in turn triggers your sweating reflex, because perspiration is the body's natural way of cooling off.

In addition to those mixed signals your hypothalamus is sending, during pregnancy your blood flow and your metabolism are increased, which can both cause you to sweat more, according to Health and Parenting. And in an interview withThe Bump, Dr. Mary L. Rosser said that although it's less likely to be the cause of your overactive sweat glands, that hyperthyroidism is also more prominent in pregnant women, and can cause them to suffer from excess sweating. During the first and third trimester is when you can expect the most sweating, according to What to Expect, since this is the time where your hormones are fluctuating the most. And as your hormones start to regulate themselves, a few months post pregnancy, you can expect your crazy sweating to dial down.

Now that you know that extra sweat during pregnancy is normal, it's time to figure out how to manage it. Since you're losing fluids at a higher rate, you'll want to make sure you're drinking plenty of water, according to Parenting. Other ways to cope? Dressing in layers that can be easily removed, avoiding synthetic fabrics that trap heat, take cooler showers and baths, and invest in a good talc-free powder to sprinkle all over your beautiful pregnant self whenever you feel the need. Though the excess sweating you experience while pregnant isn't considered dangerous, if you're experiencing symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, fever, or dizziness, alongside the sweating, you should consult your health practitioner, as it could be a sign of something larger at play.