Highlights
- Mild coldness in early pregnancy can be normal and is often linked to circulation, blood pressure, or energy demands.
- Persistent or severe chills may signal an underlying issue, such as low iron, thyroid imbalance, or infection, and should be checked by a provider.
- Simple lifestyle adjustments (like layering, eating balanced meals, and resting) can help you stay comfortable while your body adapts.
At Perelel, we hear it all the time: early pregnancy can bring unexpected symptoms, from food aversions to fatigue to feeling chilly when everyone else seems fine. While heat and hot flashes get most of the attention, some women notice they feel colder than usual in the first trimester.
So, what does it mean? Let’s break down what’s normal, when to check in with your provider, and how to manage those uncomfortable shivers.
Why Pregnancy Can Affect Temperature
Pregnancy triggers a cascade of hormonal and metabolic shifts that can affect how your body regulates heat. Most women expect to feel warmer due to increased progesterone, higher metabolism, and more blood circulating. That’s why feeling cold can come as a surprise.
It doesn’t always signal a problem. For some, it’s simply a normal variation of how the body adapts. But because chills can overlap with other conditions, it’s important to understand when coldness is just a quirk of pregnancy and when it might need a closer look.
Normal Reasons You May Feel Cold
There are a handful of reasons why you might feel colder than usual in early pregnancy.
Here are some of the most common:
Hormonal Fluctuations
Shifts in estrogen and progesterone can influence how your blood vessels expand and contract. This affects circulation and may leave you feeling a little cooler than expected.
Circulatory Changes
Your body is starting to increase blood supply to support your growing pregnancy, but this expansion takes time. Until your blood volume fully rises, you may notice cooler hands, feet, or overall temperature sensitivity.
Lower Blood Pressure
It’s common for blood pressure to dip in the first trimester as your blood vessels relax. A slight drop can make you feel lightheaded or chilled, especially when standing up quickly.
Higher Energy Demands
Your metabolism is working harder to support both you and your baby. If your meals or snacks aren’t keeping pace, your body may have less energy to keep you feeling warm, making you more sensitive to cold.
What’s Not Normal
Feeling cold itself isn’t usually harmful, but persistent chills or other concerning symptoms should prompt a check-in with your healthcare provider.
A few conditions to know:
Low Iron (Anemia)
During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to make extra red blood cells. If those needs aren’t met, you may feel unusually cold, tired, or weak. Bloodwork can help confirm if your iron levels are low.
Thyroid Imbalances
The thyroid helps regulate energy and body temperature. When it’s not functioning as expected, you might notice changes such as feeling colder than usual, fatigue, or shifts in weight. Your provider can test thyroid function if needed.
Infections
If coldness is paired with fever, aches, or other sudden changes, it could be a sign your body is responding to something that needs medical attention. Prompt evaluation is important to keep both you and your pregnancy safe.
Nutrition or Hydration Gaps
Going too long without balanced meals or falling behind on fluids may make cold sensations more noticeable. Because your body’s demands are higher in early pregnancy, even small gaps can affect how you feel.
When To Call Your Doctor
Reach out to your provider if you experience:
- Persistent or severe chills
- Chills accompanied by fever, pain, or burning with urination
- Dizziness, fainting, or rapid heartbeat
- Symptoms of anemia, like pale skin or shortness of breath
- Fatigue or hair/skin changes that suggest thyroid imbalance
Your provider may recommend a blood test to check iron levels and thyroid function or for signs of infection.
How To Stay Comfortable
Even if chills are harmless, they can still be uncomfortable.
A few practical tips:
- Layer smart: Keep a cozy sweater or blanket nearby to add warmth quickly when needed.
- Eat regularly: Balanced meals with protein, whole grains, and iron-rich foods help maintain steady energy and support healthy circulation.
- Sip something warm: Herbal teas or warm lemon water can be soothing and hydrating at the same time.
- Move gently: A short walk or light stretching boosts blood flow and helps shake off that “always cold” feeling.
- Rest well: Fatigue makes chills feel worse, so giving yourself permission to rest can make a real difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does feeling cold mean I’m having a boy or a girl?
No. Temperature changes are not linked to your baby’s sex. Feeling cold is more about how your body is adjusting to pregnancy, not the gender of your baby.
Can feeling cold in early pregnancy affect my baby?
Typically, no. For most women, feeling chilly is more about their own circulation or energy needs. Your baby continues to receive nutrients and support through the placenta.
Will feeling cold go away later in pregnancy?
Often, yes. As blood volume expands and your body fully adjusts to pregnancy, many women notice the chill eases. That said, new symptoms can emerge in later trimesters, so it’s always good to stay tuned in to your body.
The Takeaway
Feeling cold in early pregnancy isn’t usually a cause for concern, but it can sometimes point to issues like anemia, thyroid imbalance, or infection. Pay attention to how often it happens and whether it comes with other symptoms. Always check in with your provider if you’re unsure.
Pregnancy is full of surprises, and your body’s signals deserve to be taken seriously. At Perelel, we’re here to support you with trusted education and doctor-backed nutrition through every stage.
Not sure what your body needs right now? Take our 60-second quiz to build a personalized routine that meets you exactly where you are.
Sources:
Changes During Pregnancy | ACOG
