According to many doctors, the most common cause of night sweats during pregnancy is decreased levels of a hormone called estrogen. Diet, exercise, and certain medications could also be contributing factors. In some cases, certain diseases not related to pregnancy could also be underlying causes of the problem. Night sweats are considered a relatively common problem in pregnancy, and they usually stop a few weeks after delivery.
Research seems to indicate that most women experience hormonal imbalances while pregnant, particularly in the hormone called estrogen. These imbalances can influence an area of the brain called the hypothalamus, which is thought to be responsible for controlling how the body responds to temperature. When functioning normally, the hypothalamus usually causes the body to sweat when it gets too hot. Fluctuating estrogen levels can incorrectly trigger this reaction.
Spicy foods, along with caffeinated beverages and foods that are high in sugar, can cause night sweats during pregnancy. These foods generally increase the body's metabolism, which can lead to sweating. Many pregnant women tend to be more sedentary, and this, especially when combined with a poor diet, can lead to more sleep problems, including night sweats.
In some cases, certain diseases could be the cause of night sweats during pregnancy. These can include bacterial infections, cancer, or diabetes. Many pregnant women suffer from gestational diabetes, a disorder that usually goes away a few months after delivery. It is usually caused by rapid weight gain, and is generally more common in older pregnant women.
Certain medications can also cause night sweats during pregnancy. Anti-nausea medications and some antidepressants are thought to be the most common, as they tend to cause an increase in body temperature. There are also pain relievers that could have the potential to cause the condition.
Night sweats are generally worse at the beginning and end of a pregnancy, because this is when the body typically experiences the most intense hormonal imbalances. To minimize the worst of these effects, some women try to implement dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as some fairly simple environmental controls. Keeping bedrooms as cool as possible and wearing light clothing to sleep may help some women. Using fewer blankets or keeping a window open can also reduce the severity of sweating in some cases. There are some natural herbal remedies available, but pregnant women are generally advised to check with their doctors before taking any type of medication, herbal or otherwise.