Night Sweats in Early Pregnancy

Waking up drenched in sweat during early pregnancy is surprisingly common. Hormonal surges, a higher core temperature, and increased blood flow all contribute. Night sweats can be uncomfortable but are usually a normal part of early pregnancy — and for many people, they ease as the first trimester progresses.

Why Night Sweats Happen in Early Pregnancy

The main cause is hormonal. In the first trimester, levels of progesterone rise rapidly to support the pregnancy. Progesterone raises your core body temperature, and your body responds by triggering its natural cooling system — sweating. Oestrogen fluctuations also play a role, affecting the brain's temperature regulation centre in a similar way to the hot flushes associated with the menopause.

Alongside hormonal shifts, your blood volume increases significantly during early pregnancy — by the end of the first trimester, your heart is already working harder to pump more blood around the body. This increased metabolic rate generates more heat, particularly overnight when your body temperature naturally dips and the contrast can feel more noticeable.

Some women also find that pregnancy dreams become more vivid and intense in the first trimester, which can disrupt sleep and cause them to wake feeling hot and unsettled, compounding the sensation of night sweating.

What Night Sweats Feel Like

Night sweats in pregnancy typically involve waking in the night feeling uncomfortably warm, with damp or wet skin — particularly around the neck, chest, and back. Some people describe it as mild warmth, while others find themselves needing to change nightwear entirely. You might also notice that you feel generally warmer than usual during the day, and that you are sweating more during light activity.

Night sweats in pregnancy are almost always accompanied by other early pregnancy symptoms — nausea, fatigue, frequent urination, and breast tenderness — which can help reassure you that they are part of the normal hormonal picture.

Managing Night Sweats in Pregnancy

There is no way to stop pregnancy night sweats entirely, but several things can make them more manageable:

Choose breathable sleepwear. Lightweight, loose-fitting pyjamas or nightgowns in natural fibres such as cotton or bamboo allow heat to escape more easily. Avoid synthetic fabrics, which trap heat.
Keep the bedroom cool. Aim for a bedroom temperature that feels slightly cool to you. A window left slightly ajar, a fan, or air conditioning on a mild setting can all help.
Layer your bedding. Use a lighter duvet or layer blankets so you can throw off a layer quickly in the night without fully waking up.
Stay hydrated during the day. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps your body regulate temperature more efficiently. Avoid large drinks immediately before bed if frequent urination is also disturbing your sleep.
Cool down before bed. A lukewarm (not cold) shower before bed can help lower your core temperature and make it easier to fall asleep comfortably.
Keep a cool flannel by the bed. A damp, cool flannel on the back of your neck or forehead can provide quick relief if you wake feeling hot in the night.

When to Contact Your GP or Midwife

In most cases, night sweats in early pregnancy are a completely normal symptom driven by hormones. However, there are some situations where you should contact your GP or midwife:

Night sweats accompanied by a high temperature (fever) — particularly above 38°C
Sweating alongside chills, shivering, or rigors
Sweating with pain, particularly one-sided pelvic or abdominal pain
Night sweats with a rash, swollen glands, or unexplained weight loss
Sweating that is severe and persistent and significantly affecting your ability to sleep or function

A fever during pregnancy always warrants a call to your GP or midwife, as it can occasionally indicate an infection that needs treatment. If you are ever unsure, call 111 for advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

### Are night sweats normal in early pregnancy?

Yes — night sweats are very common in the first trimester and are considered a normal pregnancy symptom. Rising progesterone raises your core body temperature, and your body sweats to cool down. They are usually harmless and tend to ease as hormones stabilise later in pregnancy.

When should I worry about night sweats in pregnancy?

Night sweats on their own are rarely a cause for concern. You should contact your GP or midwife if sweating is accompanied by a fever above 38°C, chills, pain, a rash, or swollen glands. These symptoms together can indicate an infection that needs to be assessed.

How long do pregnancy night sweats last?

Night sweats are most common in the first trimester, when hormonal changes are most rapid. Many people find they ease considerably in the second trimester as hormone levels stabilise. Some women experience them throughout pregnancy, and they can also return in the postpartum period as hormone levels drop again after birth.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Speak to your midwife or GP if you have personal concerns about symptoms during pregnancy.

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