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If you’ve been wondering, ‘Do you sweat more in pregnancy?’ the answer is yes – and it’s not just during the day. Night sweats, pregnancy, and postpartum all go hand-in-hand – and it’s down to a few key factors:
Sweating at night in early pregnancy is very common. You might even find yourself thinking, ‘Are night sweats a sign of pregnancy? (and you’d be correct – although they aren’t a definitive sign on their own). Rising estrogen and progesterone affect your internal thermostat and disrupt your ability to regulate your temperature, which can lead to hot flushes, cold sweats, and sweat that smells slightly different from usual.
Your body pumps more blood and works harder to support your baby, which generates more heat and makes night sweats more likely.
Emotional changes and restless sleep can trigger night sweats. Pregnancy is a time of huge change, so don’t be alarmed if you wake up to a damp bed. It's usually this mix of hormonal and physical changes, plus room temperature and bedding (more on this later).
Many people are surprised by this, but sweating at night post-pregnancy is also completely normal. As your hormones find balance again, estrogen and progesterone levels fall quickly, and your body sheds excess fluid from pregnancy, making post-pregnancy sweats very common.
Most people notice that nighttime sweats post-pregnancy improve within a few days to a few weeks. For some, mild night sweats can last longer while hormones and menstrual cycles settle. However, if they continue beyond a few weeks or feel extreme, speak with your doctor.
You may not be able to stop night sweats completely, but you can make them more manageable.
Cool your sleep environment: Use a fan, lower the thermostat, or crack a window
Choose breathable fabrics: Think cotton sheets and light, loose sleepwear.
Stay hydrated: Sip water throughout the day and keep a glass by your bed, and limit spicy foods and caffeine near bedtime.
Dr. Luke
Sweating at night can affect your skin in several ways:
Dehydration and tightness: Repeated sweating can leave skin feeling dry, tight, or flaky.
Irritation and chafing: Constant moisture in areas like your underarms, under your breasts, and inner thighs can cause redness and discomfort.
Blocked pores and breakouts: Sweat mixed with oil can clog pores, leading to bumps on the chest, back, and face.
Odor changes: Smelly sweat during pregnancy is common because hormonal shifts can change your natural scent.
Gentle, consistent care helps keep your skin comfortable and resilient through night sweats in both pregnancy and the postpartum period.
If you usually take a hot shower before bed, turn the heat down. Try a warm (not hot) shower. Don’t be fooled, a cold shower won’t help either, as it can trigger your body’s stress hormones as they work to warm you up, and actually end up making you hotter.
Shower in lukewarm water after a particularly sweaty night to remove salt and bacteria without over-drying. Choose a mild, moisturizing cleanser that respects your skin barrier, like our Deep Moisture Body Wash. It’s made with gentle cleansers and skin-loving ¼ moisturizers to help your skin retain its natural moisture, leaving skin soft and smooth.
Apply a clinical-strength deodorant before bed: Choose an antiperspirant from our Clinical Care Antiperspirant range. With up to 96 hours of protection, they’re our best protection against hormonal, heat, and stress sweat.
Most night sweats during pregnancy and postpartum are normal, but you should contact your doctor or midwife if:
Feeling hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable can be frustrating, but pregnancy night sweats and post-pregnancy sweats are usually a normal part of your body’s transition. With a cool sleep environment, mindful hydration, and gentle care from products you like can support both your comfort and your skin while your body does the important work of growing a baby —and recovering from pregnancy.
Pregnancy night sweats can dehydrate skin, increase irritation in areas where moisture and friction combine, and contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. The best care routine includes:
Yes, sweating at night post-pregnancy is very common as your hormones shift and your body sheds extra fluid. Most people notice improvement within a few days to a few weeks.
While night sweats are completely normal during pregnancy and postpartum, they can also signal an infection, thyroid issue, or another condition that needs attention. So speak to your doctor if they aren’t improving with time, you feel unwell with a fever, chills, or chest pain, or you experience any breathing problems or a rapid heart rate.
