Hyperhidrosis during pregnancy

Hormonal and circulation changes can make you feel warmer or sweat more, while the growing body can make folds and footwear harder to keep dry. Hyperhidrosis may predate pregnancy, become more noticeable, or be confused with a new medicine effect or another health problem. Persistent moisture can irritate skin and contribute to heat rash or intertrigo. Sweating during sleep, across the whole body, or with other new symptoms should be assessed rather than assumed to be a normal pregnancy change.

Wear loose breathable layers, keep the room cool, drink according to your maternity team’s advice, and change damp clothing or socks promptly. Dry skin folds gently and avoid fragranced products on irritated areas. Before using an antiperspirant, oral medicine, supplement, injection, iontophoresis, or energy-based treatment, ask your obstetric or dermatology clinician whether it is appropriate during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Bring the product name and ingredient list; do not stop prescribed medicine without guidance.

Contact your maternity team for sweating with fever, dizziness, fainting, reduced ability to keep fluids down, palpitations, or concerns about overheating. Seek emergency help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion, collapse, or severe heat illness. Arrange routine review if sweating is newly intense, widespread, nighttime, or affecting sleep and daily activities.

Could this change be pregnancy-related, medicine-related, or something else? Which topical products are suitable at my stage of pregnancy? What symptoms would mean I should contact the maternity team urgently?