Hot during pregnancy usually appears in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This complaint can continue naturally until the baby is born and enters the breastfeeding period. So, what causes it and how to fix it?
Often feeling hot and sweating is a complaint that many pregnant women experience. Not only during the day or when the weather is hot, pregnant women can even feel hot and sweat at night or when the air temperature is not too hot.
Reasons Pregnant Women Often Feel Hot During Pregnancy
Hot during pregnancy is a normal condition occurs. This happens because of changes in the body of pregnant women during pregnancy. The following are some of the things that can cause pregnant women to often feel hot:
1. Changes in hormone levels
During pregnancy, levels of the hormone estrogen can fluctuate. These changes in pregnancy hormones can make pregnant women feel some complaints, such as: morning sickness and increased body temperature. When the body temperature increases, pregnant women will feel hot and sweat a lot.
2. Increased blood flow
During pregnancy, the amount of blood in a woman's body will increase to more than 50% of the time before pregnancy. When the amount of blood increases, the blood flow throughout the body will increase. This can make pregnant women feel hotter and sweat more easily.
3. Increase body metabolism
As the fetus grows, the metabolism of the pregnant woman will increase to support the growth and development of the fetus in the womb. Due to increased metabolism, pregnant women's body temperature will also increase and make the body sweat more.
4. Improved performance and heart rate
When pregnant, pregnant women's heart pumps blood harder than usual, so the heart rate also becomes faster. This condition can increase the body's metabolism and trigger the emergence of a feeling of heat and heat.
In addition, the condition of the growing fetus and the increasing body weight during the third trimester, make pregnant women more easily hot and sweaty.
Tips for Overcoming Hot Problems during Pregnancy
In addition to making pregnant women uncomfortable, often hot and sweating a lot during pregnancy risk causing dehydration, weakness, dizziness, and fainting. The heat felt by pregnant women can also be felt by the fetus in the womb and can even make the fetus feel stressed.
Therefore, hot during pregnancy should not be underestimated. To prevent and overcome complaints of stifling heat during pregnancy, pregnant women can take the following steps:
1. Wear comfortable clothes
During pregnancy, pregnant women are advised to wear loose and cotton clothes to easily absorb sweat. Likewise with the sheets and blankets that pregnant women use. Choose soft and comfortable materials so that pregnant women don't feel hot while sleeping.
2. Sufficient drinking water needs every day
Pregnant women are advised to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day or more when the weather is hot. When traveling outside the house, arm yourself with a bottle of cold water and drink it regularly without waiting for thirst to come.
3. Consumption of foods and drinks that can refresh the body
To keep the body hydrated, eat foods that contain lots of water, such as fruits and vegetables. Pregnant women can also eat healthy snacks, such as fruit juice or cold yogurt.
4. Limit caffeine intake
Drinking tea or coffee while pregnant can increase blood pressure and body temperature. Therefore, limit the consumption of caffeinated beverages, such as tea or coffee. It's better for pregnant women to drink cold water, fresh fruit juice, or smoothies when thirsty.
5. Try swimming regularly
Swimming can be an option for pregnant women to relieve the heat. Not only that, swimming can also make pregnant women more relaxed and prevent stress, as well as help relieve other complaints during pregnancy, such as back pain and swollen legs.
In addition, pregnant women can also use a fan or air conditioner (AC) so that the room or room feels cooler. Pregnant women can also take a bath with cool water or just wipe the body with a wet towel to cool the body quickly.
If pregnant women want to travel outside the house, bring a fan or bottle spray Contains cold water to refresh the face. As much as possible avoid direct sunlight for a long time.
Basically, being hot during pregnancy is a normal condition and nothing to worry about. However, if the heat of the pregnant woman is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and muscle aches, it is advisable to immediately consult a gynecologist for treatment.