As your pregnancy approaches the nine-month mark, symptoms such as sweating and cramping may intensify. According to the American Pregnancy Association website, women in week 35 have typically gained between 24 and 29 pounds. As your weight increases, your body temperature naturally escalates to accommodate the increased oxygen demand and blood flow, causing your sweat glands to work harder.
Timeline
Most women expect to give birth around the 40th week after the first day of their last period. According to the Baby Center website, babies who are at week 35 are typically larger than 18 inches long and do not have much room to maneuver in the womb. In addition to symptoms such as frequent urination and heartburn, excessive sweating commonly occurs in women approaching their due date. Vasodilation -- increased blood in the capillaries -- is a common occurrence for women in the late stage of pregnancy. Vasodilation can cause you to faint in hot environments, such as crowded rooms or steamy bathrooms, or if you get up suddenly.
How It Works
As your womb, stomach and intestines rearrange to allow room for the growing baby, the flow of blood to your skin is increased. This causes you to feel warmer than usual, and will engage your sweat glands to help cool you off and regain a normal body temperature. Since your progesterone levels are also pumping at an elevated rate, your skin’s capillaries are more open than usual, creating sensations of feeling warm or flushed during your pregnancy. The Birth.com.au website suggests that the sweating will probably intensify as your baby grows in size and begins to take on extra body weight during the later months of your pregnancy.
What to Do
To reduce your risk of fainting and overheating, try to keep yourself cool at all times. Wear cool clothing and drink liquids, including sports drinks, regularly to replenish your fluids and keep up your electrolytes. If you sweat excessively, you are probably losing salt from your body, which may cause cramping in your legs.
Safety Concerns
At this point in the pregnancy you will most likely begin to see your practitioner on a weekly basis. Between now and the 37th week you will be asked to perform a vaginal and rectal culture test to check for any Group B streptococci bacteria. Use these appointments as an opportunity to tell your doctor about your symptoms of sweating and dehydration. Call your doctor or seek immediate medical attention if you experience fainting, excessive sweating or abnormal hot flashes.
