Why Do I Feel Cold During Early Pregnancy? Explained
motherly·May 4, 2026
Why Do I Feel So Cold During Early Pregnancy?
You’re wrapped in a shawl in the middle of summer. Your hands are icy when everyone around you is complaining of heat. You’re shivering slightly despite a comfortable room temperature. And you’re wondering: is this normal in early pregnancy?
Why Do I Feel So Cold During Early Pregnancy?
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You’re wrapped in a shawl in the middle of summer. Your hands are icy when everyone around you is complaining of heat. You’re shivering slightly despite a comfortable room temperature. And you’re wondering: is this normal in early pregnancy? The answer, for most women, is yes — and there are real biological reasons for it.
The Main Reason: Basal Body Temperature Fluctuations
After ovulation, the body’s basal body temperature (BBT) rises slightly — usually by 0.2 to 0.5 degrees Celsius. If conception occurs, this elevated temperature is maintained by progesterone. But around weeks 4 to 8, blood volume begins expanding dramatically — by up to 50% over the course of pregnancy. Blood vessels dilate to accommodate this increase. This vasodilation redistributes heat to the skin and extremities, leaving your core feeling cooler than usual — and triggering the sensation of feeling cold.
Other Reasons You May Feel Cold in Early Pregnancy
1
Anaemia
Iron-deficiency anaemia is extremely common in Indian women — even before pregnancy. When you’re anaemic, your blood carries less oxygen, leading to poor circulation, fatigue, and feeling cold. A blood test (CBC and serum ferritin) will tell you if this is a factor.
2
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid slows metabolism, causing cold intolerance, fatigue, weight gain, and constipation — all symptoms that overlap significantly with early pregnancy. A TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test is part of standard first trimester screening.
3
Low Blood Pressure
Blood pressure drops in early pregnancy as blood vessels relax. Low blood pressure reduces circulation to the extremities — hands, feet, and the skin surface — causing you to feel cold. Especially noticeable when standing up quickly.
4
Low Blood Sugar
If you’re struggling with morning sickness and eating less than usual, blood sugar levels can drop. Hypoglycaemia causes shivering, cold sweats, and a feeling of chilliness. Eating small, frequent meals is the best management strategy.
5
Dehydration
Mild dehydration — common when morning sickness makes drinking fluids difficult — affects circulation and temperature regulation. Staying well-hydrated is important.
6
Immune System Changes
Early pregnancy involves deliberate immune suppression to prevent rejection of the embryo. This can occasionally leave you feeling run-down, with mild chills similar to the start of a cold.
Is Feeling Cold Ever a Warning Sign?
Most of the time, no. But there are circumstances where feeling cold alongside other symptoms warrants medical attention:
- Fever with chills — infection risk should be assessed promptly in pregnancy
- Extreme fatigue, pallor, and dizziness alongside coldness — could indicate significant anaemia
- Coldness with rapid heartbeat — could indicate thyroid issues or anaemia
- Cold, clammy skin with dizziness and fainting — seek immediate care
How to Stay Comfortable
Layer Clothing
Keep a shawl or light dupatta handy even in warm months.
Wear Warm Socks
Extremities lose heat fastest — keeping feet warm makes a significant difference.
Eat Warm, Nourishing Foods
Soups, dal, khichdi, warm sabzis — all contribute to internal warmth and nourishment.
Drink Warm (Not Hot) Liquids
Ginger chai, warm nimbu paani, haldi milk in moderation — soothing and warming.
Maintain Blood Sugar
Eat small meals every 2 to 3 hours to prevent blood sugar drops that worsen cold sensations.
Get Checked
Get your haemoglobin and thyroid checked — both are standard first trimester tests.
When to Ask Your Doctor
Mention feeling cold at your next appointment. Request a check of haemoglobin, ferritin, TSH, and blood pressure. These are standard first trimester investigations. If any are abnormal, they can be corrected early with significant benefit to your pregnancy outcome.
FAQs — Feeling Cold in Early Pregnancy
I feel cold but my temperature is normal. Is that possible?
Yes. The sensation of feeling cold doesn’t always correlate with a fever or measurably low body temperature. Circulation changes, low blood pressure, and anaemia can all cause subjective coldness with a normal thermometer reading.
My feet are permanently cold in early pregnancy. Is this normal?
Cold extremities — particularly feet — are common due to vasodilation and redirected blood flow. Keep feet warm, elevate them occasionally, and ensure you’re not anaemic.
Should I be worried if I feel alternately hot and cold?
Temperature dysregulation — feeling hot one moment and cold the next — is normal in early pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations. If it’s accompanied by fever, sweating episodes, or heart palpitations, see your doctor.
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