What it is
You wake up drenched and wonder if something is wrong. Night sweats after birth come from two things. Estrogen and progesterone fall sharply within days of the placenta leaving. And your body is shedding the extra fluid it carried in pregnancy, plus any IV fluids from labor. Shaking chills in the first hours after birth are common too.
What's typical
Sweats are heaviest in the first one to two weeks and ease by about six weeks. Mothers who breastfeed may notice them longer, since estrogen stays low while milk is made. Hot flashes in the day happen too. A fever is a different thing, so check your temperature if you feel unwell.
What's known
ACOG and the NHS describe postpartum sweating as a normal part of the body returning to its non-pregnant state. For a short while the hormone picture looks like menopause.
What helps
- A towel over the sheet and a dry shirt within reach, so you are not changing bedding at 3 a.m.
- Check your temperature once if you feel unwell. Sweating alone is not fever.
When to call someone
- Now (go in): sweats with a fever, a racing heart, fast breathing, confusion, or feeling very ill.
- Todaya temperature of 100.4 or more, or sweats with chills and pain anywhere.
- At your next visitsweats past six weeks, or sweats with a racing heart, shakiness, or weight loss. Ask about your thyroid.
Who helps
Tools: Postpartum Prep Checklist
Related
- Postpartum thyroid problemsPostpartum: Your Body
- Signs of infection after birthPostpartum: Your Body
- Swelling after birthPostpartum: Your Body
- Baby blues: the first two weeksPostpartum: Mind
What mothers here say
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Patient FAQ on your body after birth
- NHS — Your body after the birth
- Cleveland Clinic — Postpartum night sweats: health library article
Sources are named, not yet linked. The steward verifies each one and adds the link.
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