So you’re pregnant—congratulations! Along with the excitement of starting a family comes a slew of new sensations in your body, like feeling cold early in pregnancy.
One of the first signs of pregnancy for many women is feeling cold all the time. Don’t worry; it’s perfectly normal during early pregnancy. Your body is going through a massive transformation to support that little joy growing inside you.
All those hormonal changes affect your body’s temperature regulation, often making you feel like you can’t get warm enough.
While the chills should subside in your second trimester as your hormones level out, you can do a few things now to stay cozy.
So grab an extra blanket, pour yourself a warm drink, and read on to find out why you’ve been feeling so cold lately and how to find relief during your first trimester.
Why You May Feel Colder in Early Pregnancy
Feeling chilly during early pregnancy is normal. Your body is going through many changes to support your growing baby, and temperature regulation is one of them.
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy hormones like estrogen and progesterone are surging, which can cause your body’s thermostat to go a bit haywire.
These hormones are busy preparing your body for pregnancy and childbirth, but they can also make you more sensitive to temperature changes and cause feelings of being colder.
Increased blood flow
Your blood volume increases dramatically during pregnancy to provide oxygen for your baby.
More blood flowing through your body means you may feel more relaxed as that blood is circulating. The extra blood also makes your extremities, like hands and feet, colder.
Metabolism boost
Your metabolism revs up during early pregnancy to provide energy for your baby’s growth and development.
While a faster metabolism suits your baby, it can leave you feeling chilled as your body works harder to generate heat.
The good news is these temperature changes are temporary.
As your hormones level out and your body adjust to the increased blood flow and metabolism changes, your internal thermostat should regulate itself again.
In the meantime, bundle up with an extra blanket, sip warm tea, take warm showers, and cuddle up next to your partner. Plus, find out what you can eat for breakfast when pregnant to help you keep going.
Your little one will be keeping you warm from the inside out before you know it!
Other Causes of Feeling Cold Besides Pregnancy
Feeling cold can happen for reasons other than pregnancy.
It could be:
Anemia Or Low Iron Levels
If your iron levels drop, your body will have a more challenging time producing red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
This can make you feel chilled. Eat more iron-rich foods like red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, and dark leafy greens. You should also ask your doctor about taking an iron supplement.
Thyroid Issues
An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can slow down the body’s metabolism, making maintaining an average body temperature challenging.
Get your thyroid checked by your doctor, who may prescribe medication to help regulate your thyroid hormone levels.
Circulation Problems
Poor blood circulation prevents body heat from flowing correctly to extremities like hands and feet. To improve circulation, exercise regularly, stay hydrated, limit alcohol and caffeine, and dress in layers.
You could also take a warm bath, use a heating pad, or do light exercises like walking in place.
Lack Of Physical Activity
Your body may have trouble generating enough heat if you’ve been less active lately.
Try to get some light exercise, like yoga, walking, or swimming. Even basic activities can pump blood and boost your body’s warmth.
The good news is that feeling cold in early pregnancy is often temporary, especially in the first trimester.
But if the chilliness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
The key is to take good care of yourself by maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, reducing stress, and resting when needed.
Tips for Staying Warm in Early Pregnancy
Feeling chilly during early pregnancy is normal. Your body is going through many changes, and it can take time for your internal thermostat to adjust. In the meantime, here are some tips to stay cozy:
Layer up
Bundle up in warm, loose layers of breathable fabrics like cotton. Thermal undergarments can add insulation without overheating you. Throw an extra blanket on the bed and wrap it in a cozy robe or sweater.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of warm fluids, such as tea, cocoa, or broth. Keeping your body hydrated will help maintain a healthy body temperature.
Herbal tea with mint, ginger, or cinnamon adds warmth. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can cause heat loss. Additionally, knowing if you can drink Thai iced tea when pregnant is important.
Use a heating pad
Place a heating pad on your back, feet, or other chilled areas. Follow directions and don’t overheat—a low or medium setting is best. Always have a layer between the pad and your skin.
Exercise gently
Go for a walk or do some light exercise like yoga. Exercise increases circulation and generates body heat. But don’t overdo it, especially in the first trimester.
Stop if you feel dizzy or short of breath and rest.
See your doctor
If your chills are accompanied by other symptoms like fever, nausea, or cramps, immediately check with your doctor.
Chills can sometimes indicate an infection. To be safe, calling anytime you have concerns during pregnancy is best.
Remember that feeling cold will likely subside over the next few months as your body adjusts and your baby grows.
Take comfort in knowing it’s usually regular and temporary. Focus on staying cozy and comfortable, drink plenty of warm fluids, and get extra rest.
Before you know it, you’ll be feeling warm and toasty again!
Conclusion
So there you have it. Feeling cold in early pregnancy is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.
Your body is undergoing many changes, and temperature regulation is just one of them. Rather than stressing over the thermostat or piling on extra layers, focus on staying healthy and enjoying this time.
Take it easy, eat right, and get plenty of rest. Before you know it, you’ll be in your second trimester, and your temperature should start to stabilize.
The chilliness will pass, but the joy of motherhood awaits! Stay warm, and congrats!
