Pregnancy and Cold Symptoms: Understanding the Reasons and Signs

Feeling Cold During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Pregnancy can bring about a variety of physical changes, and one common complaint is feeling cold. This article explores the reasons behind this sensation and offers some practical advice on how to stay warm and healthy during this exciting time.

Causes of Feeling Cold During Pregnancy

Immune System and Infections: Pregnancy weakens the immune system, making pregnant women more susceptible to common infections like colds or flu, which can cause chills or feelings of coldness [1][3].
Circulation and Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts affect blood flow and body temperature regulation, potentially leading to sensations of cold or chills [5].
Fatigue and General Pregnancy Symptoms: Early pregnancy fatigue and hormonal fluctuations can alter body temperature perception [5].
Pressure on Respiratory Muscles: As pregnancy progresses, pressure on the diaphragm and lungs can impair breathing and sometimes cause respiratory discomfort that may feel like chills [1].

Symptoms of Feeling Cold During Pregnancy

Constipation
Muscle cramps
Low energy
Trouble concentrating
Night sweats (not dangerous but can make sleeping more difficult)

Treatment and Prevention

For Feeling Cold Due to a Cold or Flu: Rest, stay hydrated, use safe non-medicated remedies like humidifiers or warm fluids. Certain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and some cough medicines are considered safe but always consult your healthcare provider before use [3].
Prevent Infections: Since pregnant women are more prone to colds and flu, vaccination (like the flu vaccine) is recommended to reduce risk [1].
General Prevention: Dress warmly, maintain good nutrition, stay hydrated, and avoid exposure to cold environments [4]. Managing stress and getting adequate rest can also help maintain your body's ability to regulate temperature [2][5].
If Cold Symptoms Persist or are Severe: Contact your healthcare provider as some infections can be serious during pregnancy [1].

Additional Considerations

Pregnant people should seek regular medical care and discuss all symptoms with a doctor or midwife, including any unusual coldness or problems regulating body temperature [6].
If a pregnant person develops a fever, it is important to call a healthcare provider immediately. A fever during pregnancy may increase the risk of certain adverse outcomes, including birth abnormalities [7].
Staying away from sick people, washing hands frequently, and seeking prompt care for any signs of infection can help reduce the risk of feeling uncomfortably cold during pregnancy [8].
Early intervention to treat infections and thyroid issues can improve the health of both the pregnant person and the baby [9].
It is safe to take acetaminophen or paracetamol during pregnancy to control a fever and protect the developing baby from dangerously high temperatures [10].
If a person has a fever, a doctor may recommend antibiotics to treat a suspected bacterial infection. Monitoring infections is important during pregnancy, as they can affect the baby's development [11].
The body's attempts to cool itself can sometimes make a person feel cold, especially in an air-conditioned room without blankets [12]. Sudden intense feelings of coldness may signal a fever, especially if a person has chills, body aches, or other symptoms of illness [13].
If a person feels chronically cold - even when it is warm, and they are appropriately dressed - this might signal an issue [14]. People with hypothyroidism usually need to take synthetic thyroid hormones every day and have regular testing of thyroid hormone levels during and after pregnancy [15].
A pregnant person may wish to consider getting the flu shot at the start of the flu season to reduce their risk of infection [16].

In conclusion, feeling cold during pregnancy is often related to immune changes making infections more likely or hormonal and circulatory shifts affecting body temperature perception. Treating underlying infections safely and general measures like proper clothing and rest can alleviate symptoms [1][3][4]. Pregnant women should prioritise their health and seek medical advice when necessary to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.

[1] NHS (2020). Cold and flu in pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cold-flu-pregnancy/ [2] American Pregnancy Association (2021). Cold and flu during pregnancy. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/prenatal-care-and-lab-tests/cold-flu-during-pregnancy/ [3] Mayo Clinic (2021). Common Cold: Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20366043 [4] Healthline (2021). How to Stay Warm During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/staying-warm [5] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2019). Pregnancy and Body Temperature. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pregnancy-and-body-temperature [6] National Health Service (2020). Hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypothyroidism/pregnancy/ [7] American Pregnancy Association (2021). Fever During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/fever-during-pregnancy/ [8] NHS (2020). Common illnesses in pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/common-illnesses-in-pregnancy/ [9] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2019). Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/thyroid-disease-in-pregnancy [10] Mayo Clinic (2021). Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/acetaminophen-tylenol-and-pregnancy/faq-20058428 [11] American Pregnancy Association (2021). Fever During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/fever-during-pregnancy/ [12] National Health Service (2020). Hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypothyroidism/pregnancy/ [13] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2019). Fever During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/fever-during-pregnancy [14] Mayo Clinic (2021). Hypothyroidism Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20357872 [15] National Health Service (2020). Hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypothyroidism/pregnancy/ [16] American Pregnancy Association (2021). Flu Shot During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/prenatal-care-and-lab-tests/flu-shot-during-pregnancy/

The weakened immune system in pregnancy can make a pregnant parent more prone to developing dermatitis, blocked nasal passages, or even HIV.
Ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory arthritis, can cause joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the lower back and hips, which may intensify during pregnancy.
Macular degeneration, a condition affecting the eyes, can occur in pregnant people with certain predispositions, and regular screenings should be part of a women's health routine to detect any early signs.
Atopic colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, can be a complication for people with a history of atopic dermatitis or asthma.
Obesity during pregnancy can worsen symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and increase the risk of complications for both the parent and the baby.
Fever is a common symptom of both colitis and macular degeneration, and pregnant individuals should seek medical advice immediately if they experience a fever.
Crohn's disease, another type of inflammatory bowel disease, can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue, which people may attribute to pregnancy symptoms.
Science has shown that hormonal shifts during pregnancy can exacerbate symptoms of dry skin, dermatitis, and psoriasis in some individuals.
Night ulcers, a complication of diabetes, can form on unprotected areas of the skin, especially in cold temperatures, and pregnant people with gestational diabetes should be vigilant in monitoring their blood sugar levels.
A preventive strategy for parents-to-be is to maintain a healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, and take prenatal vitamins - such as those containing folic acid and DHA - to support their health and the baby's development.
Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer are constantly researching new treatments and therapies for pregnancy complications, including atopic colitis and psoriatic arthritis.
If a pregnant woman has a history of asthma, she should ensure she has a plan in place to manage her symptoms, as they may worsen during pregnancy.
A health-and-wellness regimen that includes stress management techniques, adequate sleep, and regular check-ups can help parents maintain a healthy body temperature during their pregnancy.
It is essential for pregnant women to have open communication with their healthcare provider regarding any unusual changes, such as chronic cold sensations, dry skin, or other health concerns, to ensure the well-being of both the parent and the baby.