Shaking or shivering during pregnancy is common. While often a natural physiological response, many individuals wonder if it signals labor. Understanding its causes can help alleviate anxiety.
Shaking During Pregnancy
Shaking during pregnancy is common and does not always indicate labor. Several non-labor factors contribute to these tremors. Anxiety or stress can trigger shaking as the body’s nervous system reacts to heightened emotional states. Fatigue can also manifest as shakiness.
Dehydration is another common cause, as insufficient hydration can lead to weakness or shakiness. Low blood sugar, from not eating regularly, may also cause tremors. Hormonal fluctuations can impact temperature regulation, resulting in shivering. Feeling cold can also lead to shaking as the body tries to warm itself.
Shaking as a Labor Symptom
Shaking can occur as a physiological response during labor. These involuntary shivers are a normal part of childbirth. Hormonal shifts play a significant role, with increased levels of oxytocin, adrenaline, and cortisol. Adrenaline can cause jitters and tremors, especially as labor intensifies.
The transition phase of labor, when contractions become very strong, is a common time for shaking. This period involves intense physical exertion, affecting the body’s temperature regulation. Exhaustion from labor’s physical demands can also contribute to tremors. Additionally, epidural anesthesia can disrupt temperature regulation, leading to shivering and shaking.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While shaking during pregnancy or labor is often a normal physiological response, specific situations warrant immediate medical attention. If shaking is accompanied by regular contractions, particularly before 37 weeks, or if contractions are becoming progressively stronger and closer, it may indicate true labor. A sudden gush of fluid or continuous leaking from the vagina, along with shaking, should prompt a call to a healthcare provider.
Vaginal bleeding that is heavier than spotting, especially when combined with shaking or pain, requires urgent evaluation. Severe or persistent abdominal pain that does not subside, decreased fetal movement, or any signs of preeclampsia such as sudden swelling in the face or hands, blurred vision, or a severe headache, are also reasons to contact a doctor. If shaking is severe, persistent, or causes significant distress, or if there are other concerning symptoms like fever or dizziness, seeking medical advice is important for peace of mind and safety.