If you’re a new mom experiencing postpartum night sweats then you’ve come to the right place! But what causes them and what can help you deal with them?
The fourth trimester of pregnancy is wild. No matter how prepared you think you are, postpartum is the craziest mix of hormones, lack of sleep and the unfortunate postpartum night sweats that honestly hit you out of the blue. For that reason, I wrote this blog post in an effort to help new moms ease into motherhood and have a better idea of what to expect postpartum.
In this post you will learn allll about postpartum night sweats including what causes them, how long they last, the best postpartum pajamas to wear and even more new mom tips to add to your purse. It’s a must read for new moms!
Postpartum Recovery
Postpartum recovery during the fourth trimester comes with some significant changes. Not only are you learning how to take care of your newborn baby but your body is also going through its own changes.
Postpartum body changes include:
- Mood shifts and hormonal changes that can lead to postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression
- Uterine contractions
- Bowel issues
- Breast soreness and engorgement
- Vaginal soreness or c section incision pain
- Hair and skin changes
- Weight loss
- Lack of sleep
- Postpartum night sweats
What Are Postpartum Night Sweats?
There’s normal sweating from working out or waking up in the middle of the night because you have too many blankets on…. and then there are postpartum night sweats.
When you are experiencing postpartum night sweats, you will wake up in the middle of the night completely drenched and feeling like you need a shower. Oftentimes, you fall back asleep with no blankets on and wake up absolutely freezing. It’s crazy.
Usually this only happens during the day too. In my experience, moms don’t randomly experience postpartum night sweats and chills throughout the day like you do at night and it isn’t like a “hot flash” during menopause either.
What Causes Postpartum Night Sweats?
It’s no surprise that hormones are the culprit for postpartum night sweats.
Postpartum hormones can cause a new mom to feel a rollercoaster of emotions including irritability, crying and the baby blues. These feelings are extremely common but still can come as a shock to moms who have never experienced them before.
During the postpartum period, your levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones are decreasing as they adjust to pre-pregnancy levels. This leads to changes in your body temperature at night and lots of sweat!
Additionally, during pregnancy your body needed extra fluids to nourish your baby and keep him safe but after birth, your body no longer needs it. One way your body gets rid of the extra fluid is through postpartum night sweats. Another is through frequent urination.
Related: The Shocking Truth About Postpartum Emotions That New Moms Need To Know About
How Long Do Postpartum Night Sweats Last?
This is the burning question that all new moms ask. When the heck will I stop sweating so much?!
The answer really depends from mom to mom but usually postpartum night sweats begin a few days after birth and can last for a few weeks. They typically taper off on their own as your fluid levels decrease and hormones are regulated.
How To Deal With Postpartum Night Sweats
There’s no “cure” for postpartum night sweats and it’s usually something moms have to find ways to manage while they ride it out. It’s not one of the most fun postpartum body changes but it’s also not forever.
Remember that sweating is normal and IT WILL pass in a few weeks.
So what are the secrets to getting through it in the early weeks after birth?
1. Wear the right pajamas
The best postpartum pajamas are loose and light fitting. Some moms swear that a postpartum nightgown is the way to go, especially because there are nursing friendly nightgowns you can buy.
This was my go to nightgown after having my son. I had it in multiple colors and with a matching bathrobe as well.
Related: What To Wear After A C Section In The Hospital
2. Stay hydrated during the day
It can be hard to remember to take care of yourself when you’re busy changing diapers, feeding and soothing your newborn baby on repeat, but it is sooo important that you eat and drink too.
One of the ways you can manage postpartum night sweats is to drink lots of water during the day and cut back on caffeine consumption in the afternoon. And with all the sweating you will do, it’s even more important to stay hydrated.
3. Keep the room cool
Turn on the AC, open a window and turn on the ceiling fan if you have one. This isn’t a time to think about your partner (sorry men…). He can put on a sweatshirt if it’s cold or use an extra blanket at night. Remember that you are the one going through the hormonal changes and recovering from birth.
4. Sleep on a soft towel
This might sound weird but sleeping on a soft towel really helps spare your sheets from needing to be washed daily. Postpartum night sweats are like nothing you’ve experienced before. You will wake up feeling like you’re dripping in sweat or just took a shower so it can be really helpful to sleep on a towel or a pad while you’re in the thick of it.
5. Consider using powder.
If your postpartum night sweats are causing skin issues, you can try a talc-free powder on your body. The powder will absorb excess moisture and help prevent a heat rash from developing.
6. Take your temperature if you think you have a fever.
If you think you have a fever, don’t hesitate to grab your thermometer and confirm. Which leads us to the next point….
When should I See A Doctor?
You should call your doctor if your postpartum night sweats and chills do not go away after a few weeks or if they come with additional symptoms such as a fever.
Postpartum complications can arise so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you feel like something is off.
Potential complications include (but aren’t limited to):
- Breast infection (mastitis)
- C section scar infection
- Excess bleeding
- Postpartum depression
- Postpartum anxiety
- Hyperthyroidism
- Postpartum thyroiditis
- Diabetes
- Hypoglycemia
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