Mrs Rajan is 13 weeks pregnant. She’s elated that she’s going to become a mother. She has happily shared the news with her partner but has been complaining about the problems she’s undergoing. For instance, she feels constipated and nauseous. Not just that!
Due to the surging hormones the heart rate is up. The blood in the body is swelling up and she might be complaining about feeling hot. The hustle and bustle going on inside the body might even make her wear tank tops in the winter season (😉).
But, lately, she has also been complaining about shivering in the cold instead of sweating.
She visits her doctor with her partner to find out, whether feeling cold during early pregnancy is natural.
Feeling Cold During Early Pregnancy is Natural or Not?
To be clear, feeling cold chills while pregnant is a common early pregnancy symptom. It does not necessarily mean you’re suffering from a cold and flu. It just means that you might need to layer yourself with an extra blanket or cardigan because the temperature control system makes you feel hot and working hard to help your little one grow healthily, can keep your body cool. Does that help?
But, that’s not the end of all the explanations. There are a few other simple explanations for feeling cold during early pregnancy as follows:
Your Hormones Play the Roller-coaster Ride
During pregnancy, the hormones are on a roller-coaster ride. Due to soaring pregnancy hormones, you might always feel hot. However, occasionally, you might respond with a few opposite symptoms, like feeling cold. The progesterone hormones can make you feel cold.
You’re Anaemic
Anaemia is a common nutritional deficiency disorder during pregnancy and is prevalent in 14% of pregnancies across the world. Anaemia occurs due to an iron deficiency in your body. During pregnancy, you would require twice as much iron, as is normally required for the healthy development of the life you’re nurturing inside. Moreover, anaemia during the early stages of your pregnancy may leave you weak, pale-skinned, and cold.
Underactive Thyroid Hormones
The thyroid hormones are essential for the developing baby’s brain and nervous system. Not just that! The thyroid hormones are responsible for impacting the metabolism of your body and controlling the heartbeat and temperature of your body. Underactive thyroid (Hypothyroidism) can make you feel chill.
You’re Sleep Disrupted
You needn’t be surprised! A few decent hours of sleep is all that you need to keep your body temperature normal. But, the backaches, heartburn, and frequent bathroom visits may not just disrupt your sleep, but you might even feel cold.
You’re Anxious
A quarter of pregnant women suffer from anxiety. In 2015 nearly 16% were reported to suffer from anxiety. Similar maybe your mental state. Your worries about the growing baby with the progression of your pregnancy can make you feel cold.
What Should You Do To Warm Up?
Don’t panic! You can do a lot to help yourself. See, what you can do for yourself:
Get Some Iron-rich Food
You might feel anaemic during your pregnancy. Having a balanced nutritional diet that includes iron, folic acid, and Vitamin C is the key. This can keep both your pregnancy blood pressure (hypertension) and anaemia under control.
Stay Away From Caffeinated Drinks
Apart from the caffeine–stimulated drinks like tea, kola nuts, and aerated drinks, you can consume coffee and caffeinated drinks moderately (less than 200 mg per day). Isn’t it just a little bit to feel warm?
Do Some Light Activities
After all, exercising strengthens your immunity. Do some low–impact activities – like brisk walking and Kegels to make you feel warm.
Drink Enough Water or Fluids
Your body might lose fluids when you’re feeling cold early during pregnancy. Keeping yourself hydrated is key. Replenish the lost fluids in your body, by drinking water, salt water, fruit juices, and chicken soup. Try to drink warm tea.
Take enough rest, don’t forget to consult your doctor for medicines, and follow our blog page for more information on pregnancy, postpartum, baby care, and the benefits of cord blood banking.