Postpartum Night Sweats: Why They Happen & How to Get Relief

What Are Postpartum Night Sweats?

If you're waking up in the middle of the night soaked in sweat—sometimes to the point where you need to change your clothes or even your sheets—you're experiencing postpartum night sweats. This can happen even if your room is cool and you're not under heavy blankets.

Postpartum night sweats (also called postpartum hyperhidrosis) are episodes of excessive sweating during sleep that occur in the days and weeks after giving birth. They're most common in the first 1-2 weeks postpartum but can persist for up to 6 weeks or longer in some women. Just like postpartum hair loss, night sweats are a normal hormonal adjustment that resolves on its own.

👩‍⚕️

Expert Insight

"Postpartum night sweats are your body's way of eliminating excess fluid retained during pregnancy. Combined with the dramatic hormonal shifts after birth, this creates the perfect storm for nighttime sweating. It's uncomfortable, but it's a sign your body is adjusting normally." — Dr. Jennifer Chen, OB-GYN

The good news? Postpartum night sweats are temporary and completely normal. They don't indicate any health problem—in fact, they're a sign your body is doing exactly what it should be doing as it recovers from pregnancy.

Why Do Postpartum Night Sweats Happen?

There are three main reasons why new moms experience night sweats:

1. Hormonal Changes

During pregnancy, your estrogen and progesterone levels are sky-high. After delivery, these hormones plummet dramatically—often within 24 hours. This sudden drop affects your body's temperature regulation system, triggering sweating episodes as your body tries to recalibrate. Think of it like your internal thermostat going haywire temporarily.

2. Excess Fluid Release

During pregnancy, your body retains about 50% more blood and fluid to support your growing baby. After birth, you don't need all this extra fluid anymore. Your body eliminates it through three main routes: urination, sweating, and breast milk production. Night sweats are literally your body "wringing out" the excess fluid you've been carrying for nine months.

3. Breastfeeding Hormones

If you're breastfeeding, you have an additional factor at play. The hormone prolactin (which stimulates milk production) can also affect your body's temperature regulation and contribute to night sweats. Some breastfeeding moms notice they sweat more during or right after nursing sessions, especially at night.

The Bottom Line:

Postpartum night sweats are a natural, temporary part of your body's recovery process. They're actually a positive sign that your hormones are adjusting and your body is eliminating excess pregnancy fluid. Not pleasant, but totally normal!

How Long Do Postpartum Night Sweats Last?

Every woman's experience is slightly different, but here's the typical timeline:

The Night Sweats Timeline

1

Days 1-7: Peak Intensity

Night sweats are usually at their worst in the first week postpartum. You might wake up multiple times per night completely drenched. This is when your hormones are dropping most dramatically and your body is releasing the most fluid.

2

Weeks 2-4: Gradual Improvement

Night sweats typically start to decrease in frequency and intensity during weeks 2-4. You might still wake up sweaty, but not as often or as severely. Some nights might be better than others.

3

Weeks 4-6: Mostly Resolved

For most women, night sweats have resolved or are minimal by 6 weeks postpartum. Occasional mild sweating might still occur, but it shouldn't be disruptive to your sleep.

?

Beyond 6 Weeks: Talk to Your Doctor

If you're still experiencing significant night sweats beyond 6-8 weeks postpartum, mention it to your healthcare provider. While breastfeeding moms may have mild sweating longer, persistent severe night sweats could indicate thyroid issues or infection.

💡 Factors That Can Affect Duration

Breastfeeding: May extend mild night sweats due to hormonal fluctuations
Amount of fluid retained during pregnancy: More swelling = potentially more intense sweats
Room temperature: Hot environments can make sweating worse
Activity level: Your body eliminates fluid through sweat and urine

What Actually Helps: Relief Strategies That Work

While you can't stop postpartum night sweats entirely (they're part of the natural recovery process), you can make yourself significantly more comfortable:

🛏️

1. Optimize Your Sleep Environment

Create the coolest, most comfortable sleeping conditions possible.

✓ Keep the room cool — Set your thermostat to 60-67°F (15-19°C)
✓ Use breathable bedding — Cotton or bamboo sheets wick moisture better than synthetic fabrics
✓ Try a fan — Air circulation helps evaporate sweat and keeps you cooler
✓ Layer your bedding — Use light layers you can easily kick off instead of one heavy blanket

👕

2. Wear the Right Sleepwear

What you wear makes a huge difference in comfort.

✓ Choose moisture-wicking fabrics — Athletic wear, bamboo, or performance fabrics designed for sweating
✓ Wear loose, light clothing — Avoid tight or heavy pajamas
✓ Keep extras bedside — Have 2-3 pairs of PJs ready for quick middle-of-the-night changes
✓ Consider nursing bras made for sweating — If breastfeeding, look for moisture-wicking nursing tanks

💧

3. Stay Hydrated

It might seem counterintuitive, but drinking MORE water actually helps.

When you're sweating a lot, you're losing fluids. Your body needs adequate hydration to regulate temperature properly and to continue eliminating excess fluid efficiently. Aim for 10-12 glasses of water daily, especially if you're breastfeeding. Having healthy snacks with high water content (like fruit and veggies) can help with hydration too.

Pro tip: Keep a large water bottle on your nightstand. When you wake up sweating, take a few sips before changing clothes.

🛁

4. Time Your Showers Strategically

When and how you shower can impact nighttime sweating.

✓ Take a lukewarm shower before bed — Not hot! Hot showers can raise your core temperature
✓ End with cool water — A brief cool rinse can help lower your body temperature
✓ Don't go to bed with wet hair — This can make you feel colder initially, then trigger sweating

🍽️

5. Watch What You Eat & Drink Before Bed

Certain foods and drinks can trigger or worsen night sweats.

Avoid in the evening:

• Spicy foods — Can raise body temperature and trigger sweating
• Caffeine — Stimulates your metabolism and can increase sweating
• Alcohol — Dilates blood vessels and raises body temperature
• Large, heavy meals — Digestion generates heat

🛡️

6. Protect Your Mattress & Pillows

Make cleanup easier and protect your bedding.

✓ Use waterproof mattress protectors — Protects your mattress and is easy to wash
✓ Layer towels over your sheets — Quick to change in the middle of the night
✓ Have backup sheets ready — Keep a clean set nearby for fast changes

What About Supplements or Medications?

Generally, no specific supplements or medications are recommended for normal postpartum night sweats because they're temporary and self-resolving. However:

• If you have a vitamin deficiency (especially vitamin B12 or vitamin D), correcting it might help
• Herbal remedies like sage tea are sometimes suggested, but evidence is limited and safety during breastfeeding isn't well-studied
• If sweating is severely disrupting your sleep, talk to your doctor about options

Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements or medications while postpartum, especially if breastfeeding.

When Should You Call Your Doctor?

While postpartum night sweats are usually normal, sometimes they can indicate a health issue that needs attention:

✅ Normal Night Sweats

• Start within days after delivery
• Worst in first 1-2 weeks
• Gradually improve over time
• No other concerning symptoms
• You feel well otherwise

⚠️ Call Your Doctor If:

• Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
• Chills or shaking with sweats
• Foul-smelling discharge or bleeding
• Breast pain or redness (possible mastitis)
• Persistent beyond 6-8 weeks
• Other symptoms: rapid heartbeat, anxiety, weight loss

Conditions That Can Cause Abnormal Sweating:

Postpartum thyroiditis: Temporary thyroid dysfunction affecting 5-10% of new moms
Infection: Uterine infection (endometritis), mastitis, or other postpartum infections
Postpartum preeclampsia: Rare but can occur up to 6 weeks after delivery
Medication side effects: Some medications can cause sweating

When in doubt, call your healthcare provider. It's always better to get checked and have peace of mind than to worry unnecessarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do postpartum night sweats mean my hormones are out of balance?

Actually, the opposite! Night sweats are a sign your hormones are *rebalancing* after pregnancy. Your estrogen and progesterone drop dramatically after birth, and your body is adjusting to pre-pregnancy hormone levels. This is completely normal and healthy.

Will night sweats be worse if I had a C-section vs. vaginal delivery?

No significant difference. Both C-section and vaginal delivery moms experience postpartum night sweats at similar rates because the sweating is triggered by hormonal changes and fluid elimination, not by the method of delivery. However, C-section moms may retain slightly more fluid due to IV fluids during surgery.

Can I exercise if I'm having night sweats?

Yes, once you're cleared for exercise by your healthcare provider (usually 6 weeks postpartum, sooner for gentle walking). In fact, light exercise can help your body eliminate excess fluid more efficiently and may reduce overall sweating over time. Just stay well-hydrated and wear moisture-wicking workout clothes.

Are night sweats worse if I'm breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can extend the duration of night sweats slightly because nursing keeps certain hormones elevated and fluctuating. Some moms also experience sweating during or right after nursing sessions. However, the intensity usually isn't worse—just potentially longer-lasting (mild sweating may continue for a few months while nursing).

Will I have night sweats with every pregnancy?

Not necessarily. While many women experience night sweats with multiple pregnancies, the severity can vary between pregnancies. Some moms have them with one baby but not another. Factors like how much fluid you retained, hormone levels, and even the season (hot summer vs. cool winter) can all influence your experience.

Can night sweats affect my milk supply?

Night sweats themselves don't affect milk supply. However, if you're sweating heavily and not drinking enough water to replace lost fluids, dehydration could potentially impact your milk production. This is why staying well-hydrated (10-12 glasses of water daily) is crucial when you're both sweating and breastfeeding.

You Deserve Support Through Every Postpartum Symptom

Night sweats are just one of many postpartum changes you're navigating. ThriveAfter helps you track symptoms, get personalized support, and connect with moms who understand what you're going through.

Our app includes a symptom tracker, 24/7 AI therapist chatbot, expert resources, mood monitoring, and a supportive community—all designed specifically for postpartum moms.

Download ThriveAfter Free

Join thousands of moms thriving in this new season