Hot flashes during pregnancy: a comparative study

To conduct a preliminary study assessing the association of hot flashes with pregnancy.

268 pregnant and non-pregnant women matched on age and race completed a written questionnaire on sociodemographic and clinical information and the experiences of hot flashes. Binary logistic regressions were used to determine predictors of hot flashes.

While controlling for significant bivariate associations, pregnant women were more likely to report hot flashes than non-pregnant women (odds ratio 5.22; confidence interval 2.75-9.89; p<0.001). Hot flashes during pregnancy typically first occurred before the third trimester and were experienced on a weekly basis. Most pregnant women reported that their hot flashes were not severe or bothersome.

Findings suggest that hot flashes are common during pregnancy. Studies of hot flashes during pregnancy may further elucidate the causal mechanisms of hot flashes in other populations.