Breast Feeding And Hot Flashes

A hot flash is characterized by a sudden flush of heat passing through the body, with the effect evident prominently on the face, neck and chest. The occurrence of hot flashes is apparent in the form of reddening of the skin in segments or uniformly and perspiration ranging from minor to profuse. The duration of a hot flash could vary from a few seconds to minutes to even an hour.

Hot flashes accompanied by other symptoms like giddiness, heart palpitations, temperamental changes, sleep disorders, night sweats, depression, and headaches tend to generate a feeling of one’s body being out of control. While such signs are extremely common during menopause, they are often experienced by women during breast feeding as well.

Although the occurrence of hot flashes is not synonymous with lactation, the experience is case specific. It is a well known fact that a woman’s body is subjected to tremendous hormonal fluctuations all throughout pregnancy and during lactation as well. The fundamental reason for this experience is a decline in the level of estrogen in the body that leads to sudden elevation in the heat. The incidences of hot flashes are observed to increase in the second and third trimesters, and are at its peak after delivery owing to the sudden decline in the level of the hormones.

Studies highlight that more than 90 percent of women are believed to suffer from hot flashes in the postpartum stage. Different women may react to the fluctuations in the hormonal levels during lactation in a different manner. While some may complain of hot flashes, there are others who have undergone sensations of nausea and tingling during breast feeding.

In general, hot flashes that occur in intervals are not a cause of concern. However, it is essential to be able to differentiate between hot flashes and fever as the latter could indicate an infection in the body that may prove to be dangerous in terms of pregnancy. The basic difference between these two conditions is that while fever increases the body temperature, a hot flash merely generates a feeling of heat with no influence on the body temperatures. A body temperature above 100 F during pregnancy calls for immediate medical intervention. The only solution possible with respect to hot flashes is to wear light clothing that can help you ease of the heat comfortably. Apart from this, the only alternative you have is to be patient and let the condition pass. Remember it is only a passing momentary phase of life and is not here to stay. However, be well prepared to endure the experience once again during menopause!

More Articles :

• Breast Feeding And Hot Flashes
• Causes Of Hot Flashes In Men
• Home Remedies For Hot Flashes
• Hot Flashes Alternative Therapies
• Hot Flashes And Lupus
• How Many Years Do Hot Flashes Last ?
• Hypothyroidism And Hot Flashes
• Vitamin D And Hot Flashes
• What Causes Hot Flashes ?
• What Do Hot Flashes Feel Like ?
• What To Do For Hot Flashes ?
• When Do Hot Flashes End ?