Why You May Feel Cold During Pregnancy—And What To Do About It

While most people feel warm during pregnancy, you can also feel cold. Here are the reasons and when it may be serious.

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG

Pregnancy is full of the unexpected, from suddenly liking the taste of pickles to needing to go to the bathroom every few minutes. But one symptom that can puzzle many parents-to-be is feeling cold. Perhaps you need extra blankets at night or feel downright shivery while lounging on the couch. Pregnancy chills can be a confusing and surprising symptom.

While it can be nothing to worry about, there are situations where feeling cold during pregnancy indicates an issue. Experts get to the bottom of this pregnancy phenomenon, including why and how to treat it. So, grab a mug of your favorite warm beverage and read on for more info.

Is It Normal To Feel Cold During Pregnancy?

While most people feel warmer during pregnancy thanks to increased metabolism, blood flow, and hormone surges, some may feel colder. And this can be completely normal.

“If you feel cold when you are pregnant, more often than not, the reason is not anything to worry about,” says Janna Mudd, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN with Hoffman and Associates in Baltimore. “Just like when a person is not pregnant, it is normal to feel hot or cold sometimes. It does not mean that something is wrong, necessarily.”

But there are times when feeling cold during pregnancy can indicate an issue that needs medical attention.

Causes of Feeling Cold During Pregnancy That Aren't an Emergency

There are pregnancy-related reasons that you may be feeling chillier than normal that aren’t usually a cause for concern. These can include:

Dealing with fatigue

Your body needs rest to regulate your body temperature correctly, and if you haven’t been sleeping well lately, which is common during pregnancy, this may be a big reason behind your cold spells.

Not eating enough

An increase in pregnancy hormones can affect your basal body temperature. These are the same hormones that are responsible for morning sickness. If you’re not eating because you are nauseous, your body might not have enough nutrients to regulate your body temperature.

Treatment for Feeling Cold During Pregnancy

Treatment will depend on the cause. When there’s no medical condition causing you to feel cold, a few things at home can help. “If you are cold while pregnant, there are simple things you can do like adjusting what you wear, adding an extra layer of clothing or a blanket, or adjusting the environment, such as changing the thermostat or closing a window,” says Dr. Mudd.

There are a few other things you can do as well:

• Eat right. Even if you don’t want to eat, try snacking or eating light meals. It’s important to give your body the energy it needs to support your growing fetus and your changing body.

• Stay hydrated. To support more blood volume and the fetus’ amniotic fluid, you need to stay hydrated. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant people should drink 8 to 12 cups of water daily.

• Wear layers. There’s nothing wrong with bundling up, but it can overheat you if you stay like that for too long. Dressing in layers is a better option, so you pull clothes on and off depending on how you feel.

• Rest. Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep or a quick nap. Resting can reduce stress and lower blood pressure.

• Take prenatal vitamins. These can help to ensure you have enough nutrients to support yourself and your growing fetus. Prenatal vitamins also have extra doses of iron, which can stave off anemia that often presents as symptoms of feeling cold and shivery.

When To Seek Medical Help

Pay close attention to what is happening with your body if the feeling of coldness during pregnancy persists.

"A major cause of concern would be if you have a fever. You should reach out to your obstetric provider if you have a fever or other health concerns,” says Dr. Mudd. “And cold sweats can be associated with things, such as low blood sugar, stress, or infection.”

When in doubt, always call your health care provider, especially if these cold spells are more frequent. Your provider may want to check for the following:

Thyroid issues

Some people can develop thyroid issues during pregnancy. Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland can’t make enough thyroid hormone, while hyperthyroidism (less common in pregnancy) is your body making too much thyroid hormone. This can change how your body stores and utilizes energy, affecting how you regulate your body temperature. Thyroid issues need to be treated during pregnancy because they can impact both the parent and fetus.

Low blood pressure

This is characterized as a reading of 90/60 or lower, and it can happen as your body tries to produce more blood for you and the fetus. A health care provider will monitor your blood pressure at every visit. While there is typically no medical treatment for low blood pressure, you may need to rest and take it easy if your symptoms are bothersome.

Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia can occur during pregnancy because of the increase in blood volume. Anemia can cause circulation problems, leading you to feel cold constantly.

“One may feel cold because with anemia because the blood is thinner, and when the blood is thinner, it is not transporting as much oxygen throughout the body, and you may feel colder,” says Kathryn Boling, MD, a family care physician at Mercy Personal Physicians at Lutherville in Maryland.

You'll likely be told to take a daily prenatal vitamin or iron supplement.

Infection

Infections in the body can cause fever. Chills are the body’s natural reaction to increased body temperature. Your health care provider will want to find out what's causing the fever and how to treat it.

Anxiety

It’s common for pregnancy to cause anxiety. Research shows it impacts up to almost a quarter of pregnant people. Since anxiety triggers a flight-or-fight response, it can impact body temperature. A provider can help you find ways to manage anxiety, and sometimes that may include medication.

The Bottom Line

Feeling cold during pregnancy can happen for some. While it’s not always a cause for concern, it’s important to speak with your health care provider if the cold feeling persists so that they can make sure a medical condition isn’t causing it. And if you are feeling cold with a fever, it’s important to get evaluated.

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