Postpartum Night Sweats: Why Am I Sweating So Much After Giving Birth?
I wish I'd known...
If you're experiencing night sweats after giving birth, you're certainly not alone. The first time I woke up absolutely drenched in sweat, I panicked. I thought I had a fever or that something was seriously wrong. I wish I’d known that waking up drenched in the middle of the night, even when the room is cold, is actually a very common part of the body’s recovery process.
💡 I didn't know that...
Postpartum night sweats are extremely common, affecting approximately 29% of women in the first few weeks after birth. They are usually most noticeable during the first one to two weeks as your body works to eliminate the extra fluid gained during pregnancy [1].
There is nothing quite like the "postpartum glow" turning into a "postpartum soak" at 3 AM. It is so frustrating to have to change your pyjamas (and the sheets) when you're already exhausted. As if dealing with postpartum bleeding and milk leaking wasn’t enough, let's look at why your body is working overtime to keep you cool.
What is it?
Postpartum night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating that commonly occur during the first few weeks after birth. Although they can happen during the day, many women find it most noticeable and disruptive during sleep.
Why does it happen?
The primary driver is the dramatic drop in oestrogen and progesterone levels immediately after the placenta is delivered. This sudden hormonal shift is thought to affect your body's internal thermostat (the hypothalamus), in a similar way to the hot flushes experienced during menopause [2].
Additionally, during pregnancy, your blood volume increases by nearly 50%. Once the baby is born, your body no longer needs this extra fluid. Sweating, along with increased urination is one of the main ways your body eliminates this excess water [3]. If your night sweats gradually become less frequent over the first few weeks, that's a reassuring sign that your body is returning to its pre-pregnancy state.
What can I do?
It might feel counterintuitive to drink more when you're sweating so much, but you need to replace the fluids you're losing to avoid dehydration and headaches.
Wear loose-fitting pyjamas made of cotton, linen, or bamboo. These are more breathable and moisture-wicking than synthetic fabrics like polyester.
Keep a clean towel and a spare set of pyjamas next to your bed. If you wake up wet, you can quickly layer the towel over the damp sheet and change without having to fully strip the bed in the middle of the night. (I ended up sleeping on a towel laid over my sheets for the first few nights because it saved me having to change the bedding every time I woke up drenched).
Keep your bedroom cool, use a fan, or sleep with a lighter duvet. If you are breastfeeding, remember that skin-to-skin contact also makes you feel warmer, so having a cooler room can help.
When should I seek help?
While sweating is normal, it can occasionally be a sign of an underlying issue like a postpartum infection or a thyroid problem. You should contact your midwife or GP if you notice any of the following:
Seek medical advice if:
- A fever (temperature above 38°C / 100.4°F).
- Sweating accompanied by a foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Pain, redness, or swelling in your breasts (which could indicate mastitis).
- Extreme anxiety or heart palpitations.
- A persistent cough or chest pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do postpartum night sweats last?
For most women, the heaviest sweating occurs in the first two weeks. It typically resolves entirely by six weeks postpartum as your hormone levels begin to stabilise.
Does breastfeeding make the sweating worse?
It can. Breastfeeding keeps certain hormone levels (like oestrogen) lower for longer, which can extend the duration of night sweats for some women. The physical warmth of your baby during skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding can also make you feel hotter, particularly during night feeds.
Can I take anything to stop the sweating?
There is no specific medication to "stop" postpartum sweating, as it is a natural physiological process. Management focuses on staying comfortable and hydrated while your body adjusts.
Are postpartum night sweats a sign of infection?
Not usually. On their own, night sweats are a normal part of postpartum recovery. However, if they're accompanied by a fever, feeling unwell, foul-smelling vaginal discharge or increasing pain, you should seek medical advice promptly.
Further reading
For more information on common postpartum symptoms and when to be concerned, you can visit the Cleveland Clinic guide:
Cleveland Clinic: Postpartum Night SweatsReferences
- Sare, A. K., et al. (2014). "Night sweats: a common yet under-reported postpartum symptom." Journal of Clinical Nursing. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24035604/)
- Kinyoun, Dr. (2022). "Postpartum hormonal changes and night sweats." Nebraska Medicine.
- Cleveland Clinic (2023). "Postpartum Night Sweats: Causes & Treatments."
- Boushra, M., et al. (2025). "Postpartum Infection." StatPearls [Internet].
Looking for more support?
If you're navigating the early weeks after birth, my Six-Week Postpartum Recovery Programme provides calm, evidence-based guidance through each stage of recovery, with weekly videos and easy to browse resources to help you feel confident about what's normal.
Related Articles
Explore the Postpartum Recovery Library, for answers to common questions and worries
