Hot Flashes

Hot flashes, though most often associated with menopause, are quite common during pregnancy also. The increased blood flow to your skin is the reason that makes you feel hot and flushed. Read on to learn how to cope with this discomfort and feel better.Even if the symptoms of hot flashes are associated with menopause you must know one thing that it is absolutely normal to experience hot flashes during pregnancy. In fact, there are so many hormonal changes going on inside the body that a lot of things come along your way through the entire term of pregnancy. In this articleWhat Happens When Hot Flashes are Experienced?Symptoms of Hot FlashesPrevention and Treatment for Hot FlashesPotential Risks to Your Unborn ChildWhat Happens When Hot Flashes are Experienced?Hot flashes are feeling of sudden heat in the areas of head, neck and chest. Although it lasts for few seconds or minutes, it makes you kick the blanket off your body and fan yourself wildly as well. Just keep in mind that hot flashes usually come and go and this is normal. You will start sweating as your body will try to cool down.You should educate yourself to differentiate between fever and hot flashes because if you have fever, your body temperature will remain high constantly. Therefore, stay alert and be careful because high fever is dangerous in pregnancy. Generally, hot flashes appear during second and third trimester and may reoccur after the birth of your child also.Symptoms of Hot FlashesSudden feeling of intense heat in head, neck and facePerspirationIncreased heart rate or palpitationSweatingDizzinessNauseaHeadacheWeaknessAnxietyFood cravings or aversionChillsPrevention and Treatment for Hot FlashesIt is highly likely feel hot and sweaty even during winters with your basal metabolic rate up by 20%. You will perspire most at night, or whenever your body is at rest. Drinking extra fluids and bathing often will bring temporary relief. You can also use a good anti-perspirant. Unfortunately, hot flashes cannot be prevented or treated but you can follow the below mentioned remedies to deal with them.Keep your bedroom cool so that you help yourself have a cool environment and get a better sleep at night.Wear breathable pajamas or put layers of clothing that can be removed whenever you have hot flashes.Prefer wearing clothes made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen so that sufficient amount of air is allowed to flow near your skin.Take an extra shower to keep yourself fresh and cool.Keep a mini fan in your bag or near you.Use wet wipes with you when you go to your workplace.If it is hot during the day, see that the curtains are closed so that your room does not get warmed up.Drink sufficient amount of water so that you save yourself from dehydration.Avoid smoking.Avoid spicy food and caffeine.Take refuge in stress reduction techniques like meditation and yoga.Follow a healthy lifestyle and eat balanced food.Opt for fresh fruits that have cooling effect.Potential Risks to Your Unborn ChildHot flashes or sudden increase in the body temperature can cause your child’s temperature to rise. However, you can prevent this by keeping yourself hydrated and spend time in cool places specially at night. Avoid prolonged exposure to heat and engage yourself in moderate exercise. If you find that the discomfort is longer, get out of the situation and contact your doctor immediately. Sometimes hot flashes are indication of labour which you might not recognise. No one is sure about the actual cause of hot flashes. However, it is a temporary discomfort and will fade away in a matter of few seconds or at most 5 minutes. Only if you find that it is causing you a lot of discomfort, you should not contact your doctor. If the hot flashes are experienced in early pregnancy, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Sometimes it also depends on your body weight. Paying attention to food habits and lifestyle will help you stay out of these discomforts to a great extent.Are hot flashes common during pregnancy? How to deal with hot flashes during pregnancy? Can hot flashes cause any harm to the unborn baby during pregnancy? Discuss here.