Overheating In Pregnancy: Signs, Causes, Risks & Prevention

It can be dangerous for the developing fetus and warrants immediate medical attention.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Karishma Bhatia, MS Dr. Karishma Bhatia Dr. Karishma BhatiaMS MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Obstetrics & GynecologyExperience: 5 years
Written by , BSc Rebecca Malachi BSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years
Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , MSc Aneesha Amonz MSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 2 years
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A pregnant lady fell overheating

Image: Shutterstock

Hyperthermia or overheating in pregnancy can be harmful to you and your unborn baby.

In a pregnant woman, a rise in base (internal) temperature to more than 39°C (102°F) (maternal fever) is regarded as dangerous to fetus growth (1). Therefore, if you develop a fever, dehydration, heatstroke, or tiredness while pregnant, you should consult a doctor immediately. In this post, we tell you why your body temperature rises during pregnancy, how it affects you and your baby, and how to keep it under control. Knowing the signs, causes, and preventive measures of overheating can help you manage the condition and ensure a safe pregnancy.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Fetal harm can result from a temperature increase exceeding 39°C (102°F).
  • Signs of hyperthermia during pregnancy include warm skin, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and cramps.
  • Hyperthermia during pregnancy can be caused by increased blood volume, higher metabolic rate, and heat from the developing fetus.
  • Overheating during pregnancy can lead to risks such as neural tube defects, miscarriage, swelling, and chloasma.
  • Ways to stay cool during pregnancy include drinking water, swimming, avoiding the sun, taking lukewarm showers, and dressing comfortably.
  • Pregnant women can also stay cool by staying hydrated, wearing loose clothing, avoiding heat exposure, and eating cooling foods.

Is Overheating During Pregnancy Common?

Overheating during pregnancy is common

Image: IStock

It may be normal for you to feel hot during pregnancy (2). As your baby grows, your body is likely to use more energy. Certain environmental factors, such as working in hot environments or specific work conditions, can elevate your core body temperature, potentially causing heat stress (3).

Even though our body has thermoregulation ability, extreme overheating is a cause of concern, and you need to be careful, especially when going out in the hot sun or while doing strenuous activities on a hot day.

How Do You Know If Your Body Is Overheated?

You may feel distinctly unwell while you feel the heat within your body. The possible symptoms of overheating are (4):

  1. Warm skin
  2. Headache
  3. Dizziness
  4. Nausea
  5. Muscle cramps

    Muscle cramps may be a symptom of overheating during pregnancy

    Image: IStock

You may also be at a higher risk of developing heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and signs of dehydration in pregnancy (5). You should see a doctor if you have these symptoms. Additionally, dizziness may increase the risk of complications such as placental abruption and preterm labor, necessitating early delivery.

protip_icon Quick fact
Dehydration may cause Braxton Hicks contractionsiMild contractions that begin in the second or third trimester and do not increase in intensity. or false contractions (13).

Causes Of Overheating In Pregnancy

There are limited studies on the causes of overheating during pregnancy. The possible reasons include:

  • Your blood volume increases by nearly 50% by the time you reach the 34th week of gestation (5). You might feel warmer as your blood vessels expand and move closer to the skin’s surface.
  • Your heart works harder and pumps 20% more blood by the time you reach your eighth week (5).
  • Your metabolic rate increases during pregnancy to create more energy for you and your unborn baby. This may also cause a high body temperature (6). A systematic review of resting energy expenditure (EE) during pregnancy was conducted by multiple institutions. The review findings unveiled that the EE increased from 6.4% to 29.6% during the transition from early to late pregnancy.
  • The body heat shed by the growing fetus is usually absorbed by the mother. This primarily occurs in your third trimester. The increased skin temperature may, therefore, make you feel hot (7).

Some other general activities that could raise your core body temperature are (8):

  • Exercising in hot weather or for a prolonged period
  • Environmental factors such as high humidity or excessive sun exposure
  • Soaking in hot baths or saunas
Soaking in a hot bath may cause overheating during pregnancy

Image: IStock

Possible Risks Of Overheating During Pregnancy

Overheating can increase the risk of certain eventualities. According to a meta-analysis of 15 studies, excessive overheating in early pregnancy is associated with neural tube defectsiCongenital disabilities of the brain, spine, or spinal cord caused when the neural tube doesn’t close completely. in babies (9).

Overheating in the first trimester is also likely to cause miscarriage (8), but this needs further research. Also, the hot summer sun or weather could aggravate some conditions of pregnancy (10). It could intensify the already raised body temperature and accentuate edema (swelling) in the legs and feet. It could also stimulate melanocytesi, causing chloasmai (mask of pregnancy) (11).

Hot weather may accentuate swelling in the legs and feet

Image: Shutterstock

How To Stay Cool During Pregnancy?

Here are some measures to keep your temperature in control, remain hydrated, and reduce exposure to heat during pregnancy (10).

  • Drink lots of water every day. Drinking at least eight cups of water might keep your body cool, treat dehydration, reduce water retention, and fight constipation.
  • Swimming cools down your body. Go for an occasional swim after checking with your healthcare practitioner.
  • Exposure to the sun can increase your internal body temperature. Monitor your body’s response to temperature changes, limit sun exposure, and use sunscreen or wear a hat before going out in the sun.
  • Take a lukewarm shower and not a cool one as it might chill your body, prompting it to create more heat.
  • You may run cold water over your arms and wrists for a quick cool-down. Applying a cold compress on your neck also works.

    Apply cold compresses on the neck to stay cool

    Image: IStock

  • Wear comfortable and loose clothes that allow you to breathe easily.
  • Carry a battery-operated fan or foldable fan to use when you feel overheated.
  • If you have been exercising during pregnancy, do that in a temperature-controlled room.
  • Brisk walking, water workouts (swimming), stationary bicycling, modified yoga, and PilatesiA type of exercise that aims to strengthen muscles and improve posture, balance, and flexibility. are considered safe. Avoid hot yoga or hot Pilates as they may lead to overheating (12).
  • Exercise in the morning or evening, when the temperature is cooler.
  • Keep your bedroom cool by keeping the windows open in the evenings and closed during the daytime.
  • Place indoor plants in the house as they might cool the air and add freshness.
  • Cut down on caffeine as it is known to increase blood pressure (thereby increasing the risk of gestational hypertension) and core body temperature.
  • Eat cold foods such as salads, fruits, and vegetables with high water content. Reduce the intake of spicy foods as they may increase the chances of overheating in the body.
protip_icon Quick tip
Include cooling foods such as melons, bananas, cucumber, bitter gourd, strawberries, and tomatoes in your pregnancy diet to beat the heat (14).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I avoid exercise if I get overheated during pregnancy?

Exercising is recommended in pregnancy if not otherwise advised by your doctor. However, if you tend to get overheated during pregnancy, you may observe certain precautions such as avoiding hot yoga or hot pilates and exercising outdoors in hot and humid weather. You may exercise in a temperature-controlled room, drink plenty of water, and wear loose-fitting clothes to keep cool (15).

2. Can medications or supplements cause overheating during pregnancy?

Prenatal vitamins are not usually reported to cause overheating during pregnancy. However, if you have been prescribed thyroid medications, such as levothyroxine, it may cause heat sensitivity as a side effect (16).

3. Is using air conditioners to regulate my body temperature during pregnancy safe?

Yes, it is usually considered safe to use air conditioners to regulate body temperature during pregnancy. However, make sure you get the air conditioners in your house serviced regularly to ensure the air is clean and free from germs.

As the metabolic rate of your body and the blood pressure increase during pregnancy, it is normal to experience overheating during pregnancy. However, it might be a cause for concern if you experience signs of dizziness, dehydration, or high fever during pregnancy. It is advisable to drink enough water, stay in cool places, wear comfortable clothing, follow a healthy lifestyle and avoid performing activities that might stress you out and cause overheating. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any of the concerning signs to avoid any complications.

Infographic: Preventive Measures To Avoid Overheating During Pregnancy

You may be more prone to hyperthermia while pregnant due to various reasons. However, it is essential to maintain the proper body temperature to prevent any adverse effects on your fetus. So, check out the suggestions in this infographic that might help you stay cool during pregnancy.

how to stay cool when pregnant (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Signs Of Overheating In Pregnancy And Tips To Stay Cool

Overheating In Pregnancy_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team


Delve into this video for tips on how to take care of yourself during high temperatures and avoid overheating while pregnant.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Nicholas Ravanelli, et al.; Heat stress and fetal risk. Environmental limits for exercise and passive heat stress during pregnancy: a systematic review with best evidence synthesis; BMJ Journals (2017).
2. Pregnant this summer? Beating the heat means safety and comfort; The University of Alabama at Birmingham
3. About Heat Exposure and Reproductive Health; CDC
4. Summer heat brings special health risks for pregnant women; American Heart Association
5. Priya Soma-Pillay, et al.; Physiological changes in pregnancy; Cardiovascular Journal of Africa (2016).
6. Thomas W. Wang And Barbara S. Apgar; Exercise During Pregnancy; The American Academy of Family Physicians (1998).
7. The Third Trimester; The Johns Hopkins University
8. Can having a fever while pregnant hurt my baby?; March Of Dimes
9. Moretti ME, et al.; Maternal hyperthermia and the risk for neural tube defects in offspring: systematic review and meta-analysis; Epidemiology (2005).
10. Keep Cool: Hot-Weather Tips for Pregnant Women; University of Rochester Medical Center
11. Hajira Basit, et al.; Melasma; StatPearls Publishing (2019).
12. Exercise During Pregnancy; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
13. Summer heat brings special health risks for pregnant women; American Heart Association
14. Aiying Xie et al.; Relationship between food composition and its cold/hot properties: A statistical study; Journal of Agriculture and Food Research
15. Exercise During Pregnancy; The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
16. Levothyroxine; MedlinePlus

 

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Dr. Karishma Bhatia
Dr. Karishma BhatiaMS
Dr. Karishma Bhatia did her MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and currently practices in Rohini, North Delhi. She also completed DNB, MNAMS and Fellowship training in Gynaecological Laparoscopy (Kiel, Germany) and Reproductive Medicine.

Read full bio of Dr. Karishma Bhatia
Rebecca Malachi
Rebecca MalachiBSc
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Aneesha Amonz
Aneesha AmonzMSc
Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz
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