Is it normal to be cold during early pregnancy?

Why This Happens

Feeling cold during the first trimester can feel confusing, especially if you are also dealing with hot flashes. There are several physiological reasons why your internal thermostat might feel off.

• Hormonal fluctuations: The surge of progesterone and other hormones can affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature, leading to unexpected chills.
• Metabolic changes: Your body is working overtime to build a placenta and support a growing embryo, which can divert energy and change how you perceive temperature.
• Blood volume shifts: As your blood volume increases, your body may prioritize sending blood and warmth to the uterus and fetus, potentially leaving your extremities feeling colder.

What It Might Mean in Your Situation

The meaning of these chills often depends on the patterns you notice. For some, being cold is a fleeting sensation that comes and goes with fatigue. For others, it may be a constant struggle to stay warm regardless of the room temperature. It is helpful to look at the broader context of your symptoms:

• Timing: Do the chills happen mostly after a long day of morning sickness or fatigue? This may be a sign of exhaustion.
• Consistency: Are you cold all the time, or do you swing rapidly between feeling freezing and overheating? This is a common hallmark of pregnancy hormone shifts.
• Accompanying Symptoms: If you are feeling cold alongside extreme fatigue or dryness of skin, it could be related to other factors like thyroid function or iron levels.

What To Do About It

1. Layer your clothing: Instead of one heavy sweater, wear several light layers. This allows you to adjust quickly as your temperature fluctuates throughout the day.
2. Communicate your needs: If your partner or coworkers don’t understand why you are shivering in a warm room, explain it simply. You might say: “My body is working really hard right now and my temperature regulation is a bit off, so I need an extra blanket/heater to feel comfortable.”
3. Track and monitor: Keep a brief log of when you feel coldest and if it coincides with other symptoms. If the chills are accompanied by a high fever, significant pain, or an inability to keep fluids down, this is a decision point to contact your provider immediately.

Real-Life Example

Sarah, six weeks pregnant, found herself wearing a cardigan to the office even though her colleagues complained it was too hot. Initially, she felt self-conscious and tried to “tough it out,” which left her feeling fatigued and distracted. After mentioning it to her partner, she realized she was simply experiencing common early pregnancy temperature shifts. She started keeping a small shawl at her desk and drinking warm herbal tea, which helped her manage the chills without feeling isolated from her peers.

Related Questions

• Is it normal to have hot flashes in early pregnancy?
• Why am I so tired in the first trimester?
• How can I manage temperature swings during pregnancy?
• What are common early pregnancy symptoms?

When To Seek Outside Help

While feeling cold is often a normal part of early pregnancy, outside medical help is necessary if the chills are accompanied by a high fever, shaking, or signs of infection. If you experience extreme lethargy, severe dizziness, or a total lack of appetite, you should contact your OB-GYN or primary care provider to rule out anemia or thyroid issues. For urgent medical concerns, contact local emergency services or your healthcare provider’s after-hours line.