Feeling colder in early pregnancy can be a common experience. Early pregnancy, the first trimester, involves significant physiological adjustments. While many expect symptoms like nausea or fatigue, feeling chilly is also a normal part of this transformative phase. This article explores the reasons behind these sensations and offers guidance for managing them.
Understanding Body Temperature Changes
The primary driver behind body temperature changes in early pregnancy is the surge in hormones. Progesterone, which rises significantly during pregnancy, has a thermogenic effect, slightly elevating core body temperature. While this often makes individuals feel warmer, it can also lead to fluctuations that result in feeling colder. The body’s thermoregulation system works to maintain a stable internal temperature, and these hormonal shifts can influence its efficiency.
Metabolic adjustments also influence how the body perceives and regulates temperature. Pregnancy increases the body’s metabolic rate to support the developing fetus, which can lead to variations in body temperature. These changes can sometimes cause individuals to feel cold, even in a warm environment. Additionally, blood flow shifts to prioritize the uterus and developing baby. This redistribution can temporarily reduce circulation to the extremities, contributing to coldness in those areas.
Other Factors Causing Cold Sensations
Beyond pregnancy’s direct physiological changes, other underlying conditions can contribute to coldness. Anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia, is common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and the body’s need for more iron. When there are not enough healthy red blood cells, the body struggles to deliver sufficient oxygen to tissues, which can lead to coldness, along with fatigue and pallor.
Thyroid dysfunction, specifically hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, can also cause increased sensitivity to cold. Thyroid hormones are important for regulating metabolism and body temperature, so an underactive thyroid can result in constant coldness. Minor infections can also trigger chills or coldness, even before a fever develops, as the body initiates an immune response.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While feeling cold in early pregnancy is often normal, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Consult a healthcare provider if coldness is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other concerning signs. For instance, if coldness is paired with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, extreme fatigue, or weakness, it could indicate an infection or another underlying issue.
Additional red flags include dizziness, lightheadedness, or unusual pallor, as these might suggest anemia or low blood pressure. Any sudden, severe cramping or heavy bleeding alongside coldness should also prompt immediate medical evaluation. Discussing all symptoms with a healthcare provider ensures a proper diagnosis and appropriate guidance for a healthy pregnancy.
Managing Cold Sensations
For those experiencing coldness in early pregnancy, several practical strategies can help increase comfort. Dressing in multiple layers of clothing allows for easy adjustment to changing body temperatures. Wearing socks and slippers can also help keep feet warm, especially if extremities tend to feel colder.
Consuming warm beverages like herbal teas or soups can help regulate body temperature and provide a comforting warmth. Staying adequately hydrated is also important, as dehydration can affect temperature regulation. Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and ensuring sufficient rest can contribute to overall well-being and help manage temperature fluctuations.