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Night Sweats During Pregnancy (First Trimester)
 Pregnancy is an emotional time. Excitement, fear, joy, and worry are just a few of the emotions that will run high during those first weeks and months of a new pregnancy, along with all the beginning of physical changes that the female body undergoes when preparing for a child. Some of those changes – increase in breast size, for example – may be welcome to many expecting mothers, but most are in agreement that the specter of night sweats during pregnancy (first trimester) is a decidedly jolting, unpleasant experience.
What are night sweats during pregnancy (first trimester)?
Night sweats, whether during pregnancy or menopause, are characterized by sudden, intense perspiration due to the body’s attempt to expel perceived heat. Women experiencing night sweats during pregnancy (first trimester) usually wake up cold, wet (from the sweat) and shivering. It is nearly always necessary to change bed sheets and nightclothes and many women complain of being unable to go back to sleep afterward.
What causes night sweats during pregnancy (first trimester)?
 Otherwise known as nocturnal hyperhydrosis, night sweats during pregnancy (first trimester) are brought about by rapidly fluctuating hormone levels that naturally accompany conception. Estrogen levels rise and fall unpredictably, causing the hypothalamus (the part of the body that regulates body temperature) to interpret the fluctuations as an abnormally high body temperature. It then signals the body to release a large amount of heat quickly, thus causing night sweats during pregnancy (first trimester).
What can be done about night sweats during pregnancy (first trimester)?
Most pregnant women are relatively young and will still be in premenopause; however, it is still a good idea to become acquainted with ways to combat night sweats in general and night sweats during pregnancy (first trimester) specifically. A woman suffering from night sweats, during pregnancy (first trimester) or any other time, has a wide array of choices when it comes to stopping night sweats.
It is of primary importance to remember that pregnancy is a delicate time; it is important to support the body as much as possible as it transitions from conception to birth. Hormone levels will fluctuate regardless of what action is taken, but the physical and emotional effects of these fluctuations should be monitored and treated with care.
Below are several ways of preventing and/or eliminating night sweats during pregnancy (first trimester)
Diet & Exercise. Given the physically restrictive nature of pregnancy, it is important to exercise, but only to the extent that is both possible and safe. This will aid in overall health and well-being. Additionally, pregnant women should take care to consume foods high in fiber, Vitamins B, C, and D, and calcium. These nutrients have been shown to reduce night sweats during pregnancy (first trimester). Avoid saturated fats, spicy and sugary foods, caffeine, and of course all alcoholic beverages. Soy has also been proven to help reduce night sweats during pregnancy (first trimester).
Get Comfortable Pregnancy. is by definition not a terribly comfortable time in a woman’s life, and night sweats are an unwelcome addition to the general discomfort. Night sweats during pregnancy (first trimester) can be alleviated by wearing lightweight, soft, comfortable pajamas that do not hold in too much heat, by avoiding too many or too-heavy blankets, keeping a towel and cold water near the bed (to cool down quickly), and getting enough sleep. Pregnant women should get at least eight hours of sleep per night.
Herbal Remedies. If night sweats during pregnancy (first trimester) are severe enough to consistently disrupt sleep, herbal remedies (combined with the lifestyle changes already discussed) may provide relief. Herbal remedies serve to restore the balance of estrogen levels, thus keeping the hypothalamus from raising false alarms and causing night sweats.
Every pregnancy and every woman is different. The tips and information listed above are meant to serve as a guide for women in early pregnancy and the night sweats that often accompany it. Night sweats during pregnancy (first trimester) can be difficult and trying, but there are always methods for easing the suffering.
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