How do I cope with postpartum night sweats?

Bottom linePostpartum night sweats are common and harmless, caused by your body shedding pregnancy fluid as estrogen drops, and usually settle within a few weeks; cope by wearing light cotton nightwear, keeping the room cool, using a towel over your sheet, and staying hydrated, but see a doctor if you also have fever, weight loss, a racing heart, or sweats that persist or feel severe.

Night sweats after birth are very common and usually harmless. They happen as your body sheds the extra fluid built up in pregnancy and your hormones (especially estrogen) drop sharply. They typically settle within a few weeks.

Practical ways to cope

• Wear light, breathable cotton nightwear and bedding
• Keep your bedroom cool and use a fan
• Place a towel over your sheet or pillow to absorb sweat
• Keep water by the bed and sip to stay hydrated
• Have a spare set of nightclothes ready for changes

Why it happens

Your body is offloading the extra fluid of pregnancy through sweat and urine, while hormones readjust. Breastfeeding can prolong the hormonal shifts a little.

When to check with a clinician

Night sweats are usually normal, but see a doctor if you also have:

• A fever or feel unwell (possible infection)
• Weight loss, a racing heart, or anxiety (possible thyroid issue, which can occur postpartum)
• Sweats that are severe or persist well beyond a few weeks

See why am I sweating so much postpartum for more.

Femora helps you track postpartum symptoms like night sweats so you can see them ease and flag anything unusual.