Feeling chilly during pregnancy can be a common experience. While pregnancy brings about many changes, fluctuations in perceived body temperature are common. Understanding these shifts can help explain why some pregnant individuals feel colder.
Common Physiological Changes
Hormonal shifts influence how the body regulates its temperature during pregnancy. Progesterone, a hormone that rises steadily throughout gestation, can affect the body’s thermoregulatory set point, sometimes leading to a sensation of coldness even as core body temperature might slightly increase.
Changes in blood circulation also contribute to varying temperature sensations. During pregnancy, blood volume increases significantly, by approximately 40-50% by mid-pregnancy, to support the growing uterus and fetus. While this increases overall blood flow, the distribution of blood changes, with a greater proportion directed to the uterus, placenta, and kidneys. This redirection can sometimes lead to reduced blood flow to the extremities, such as hands and feet, making them feel colder.
Lower blood pressure, which is common during the first and second trimesters due to hormonal influences causing blood vessels to relax and widen, can affect overall warmth. A drop in blood pressure can reduce the efficiency of blood circulation to peripheral areas of the body, contributing to a feeling of coldness. These circulatory adjustments can create periods where the body feels cooler as it adapts to these demands.
Potential Underlying Medical Conditions
Feeling cold during pregnancy can sometimes point to underlying medical conditions. Iron-deficiency anemia, a common concern in pregnancy affecting roughly 15-25% of pregnant individuals, can cause cold intolerance. This condition results in fewer healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. When oxygen delivery is compromised, the body may struggle to maintain warmth, leading to persistent cold sensations.
Thyroid dysfunction, specifically an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), can also manifest as feeling cold. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism and body temperature, and an imbalance can slow down bodily functions, resulting in cold intolerance. Monitoring thyroid function is a routine part of prenatal care, as proper thyroid hormone levels are important for both maternal and fetal health.
Insufficient fluid intake, or dehydration, can impact the body’s ability to regulate temperature effectively. Water helps distribute heat throughout the body, and when fluid levels are low, the body’s temperature control mechanisms can become less efficient, leading to a feeling of chilliness. Maintaining adequate hydration is important for overall health during pregnancy.
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can also contribute to transient cold sensations. If blood sugar drops too low, which can happen if meals are skipped or inadequately spaced, the body may react with symptoms like shakiness, weakness, and a feeling of coldness. Regular, balanced meals and snacks can help stabilize blood sugar and prevent these dips.
Managing Coldness and When to Seek Medical Advice
To manage feelings of coldness during pregnancy, simple measures can often provide comfort. Layering clothing allows for easy adjustment to temperature changes throughout the day. Opting for natural fibers like cotton or wool can also help retain warmth effectively. Staying consistently hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps support the body’s temperature regulation processes.
Consuming regular, nutritious meals and snacks helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, which can prevent sudden drops that might lead to feeling cold. Keeping the indoor environment at a comfortable temperature, perhaps slightly warmer than usual, can also contribute to overall comfort. Gentle physical activity, if approved by a healthcare provider, can also improve circulation and generate warmth.
While feeling cold is often a typical pregnancy symptom, certain accompanying signs warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider. Persistent and severe coldness, especially if it is new or worsening, should be discussed. Other red flags include experiencing a fever alongside coldness, extreme fatigue that significantly interferes with daily activities, dizziness, or any other new, concerning symptoms that do not seem to resolve.