Postpartum Night Sweats
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN
Content reviewed against published ACOG, NIH, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with postpartum night sweats, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Postpartum night sweats are a very common experience in the weeks after delivery, caused by rapidly dropping estrogen levels and your body's need to shed the extra fluid retained during pregnancy. Waking up drenched in sweat can be unsettling, but it is a normal part of your body's adjustment after birth. For most women, night sweats resolve within a few weeks as hormone levels stabilize.
Key takeaways
- Postpartum night sweats are a very common experience in the weeks after delivery, caused by rapidly dropping estrogen levels and your body's need to shed the extra fluid retained during pregnancy. Waking up drenched in sweat can be unsettling, but it is a normal part of your body's adjustment after birth. For most women, night sweats resolve within a few weeks as hormone levels stabilize.
- Usually normal when: Waking up sweaty or damp in the first few weeks after delivery, particularly at night
- Call your doctor if: Night sweats are accompanied by a fever over 100.4 F (38 C), which may indicate a postpartum infection such as endometritis or mastitis
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“About 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression. If you have symptoms of depression that last longer than 2 weeks, tell your health care provider.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to ACOG, NIH guidelines, postpartum night sweats are a very common experience in the weeks after delivery, caused by rapidly dropping estrogen levels and your body's need to shed the extra fluid retained during pregnancy. Waking up drenched in sweat can be unsettling, but it is a normal part of your body's adjustment after birth. For most women, night sweats resolve within a few weeks as hormone levels stabilize. At 0-2 weeks postpartum, night sweats are most intense during the first one to two weeks after delivery. Your body retained significant extra fluid during pregnancy, and sweating (along with increased urination) is one of the ways it eliminates this excess. Estrogen levels are also dropping dramatically, which directly triggers hot flashes and sweating. Sleeping on a towel and wearing moisture-wicking layers can help with comfort. It is generally considered normal when waking up sweaty or damp in the first few weeks after delivery, particularly at night. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if night sweats are accompanied by a fever over 100.4 F (38 C), which may indicate a postpartum infection such as endometritis or mastitis.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-2 weeks postpartum
Night sweats are most intense during the first one to two weeks after delivery. Your body retained significant extra fluid during pregnancy, and sweating (along with increased urination) is one of the ways it eliminates this excess. Estrogen levels are also dropping dramatically, which directly triggers hot flashes and sweating. Sleeping on a towel and wearing moisture-wicking layers can help with comfort.
2-6 weeks postpartum
Night sweats typically begin to decrease during this period as your body adjusts to its new hormonal baseline and sheds excess fluid. Staying well hydrated is important, especially if you are breastfeeding, as you are losing fluid through both sweat and milk production. Most women notice a significant improvement by four to six weeks postpartum.
6-12 weeks postpartum
By this point, night sweats should be resolving or significantly reduced for most women. If you are still experiencing heavy night sweats, it is worth mentioning at your postpartum checkup. Persistent sweating beyond this point can occasionally be related to thyroid changes that sometimes occur after pregnancy.
3-6 months postpartum
Ongoing night sweats at this stage are less common and may warrant investigation. Postpartum thyroiditis, which occurs in about 5-10% of women, can cause symptoms including sweating, anxiety, and a rapid heartbeat. A simple blood test can check thyroid function. Breastfeeding mothers may continue to experience some degree of night sweats related to hormonal fluctuations.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed postpartum night sweats and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if night sweats continue beyond six weeks postpartum without improvement.
- Mention if you experience night sweats along with unexplained weight loss, anxiety, or a racing heart.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Waking up sweaty or damp in the first few weeks after delivery, particularly at night
- Night sweats that are worst in the first one to two weeks and gradually improve
- Hot flashes during the day that accompany the night sweats
- Increased sweating that coincides with letdown during breastfeeding
- Night sweats continue beyond six weeks postpartum without improvement
- You experience night sweats along with unexplained weight loss, anxiety, or a racing heart
- The sweating is so severe that it disrupts your sleep significantly beyond the first few weeks
- You develop a fever along with the sweating, which could indicate infection
- Night sweats are accompanied by a fever over 100.4 F (38 C), which may indicate a postpartum infection such as endometritis or mastitis
- You experience severe sweating along with chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or difficulty breathing
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice postpartum night sweats — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that waking up sweaty or damp in the first few weeks after delivery, particularly at night — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-2 weeks postpartum, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if night sweats are accompanied by a fever over 100.4 F (38 C), which may indicate a postpartum infection such as endometritis or mastitis.
Related Resources
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is postpartum night sweats normal?
When should I call the doctor about postpartum night sweats?
When is postpartum night sweats normal?
What causes postpartum night sweats?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about postpartum night sweats?
Is postpartum night sweats normal at 0-2 weeks postpartum?
Is postpartum night sweats normal at 2-6 weeks postpartum?
Should I go to the ER for postpartum night sweats?
Does postpartum night sweats go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Postpartum Night Sweats.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed postpartum night sweats and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if night sweats continue beyond six weeks postpartum without improvement.
- Mention if you experience night sweats along with unexplained weight loss, anxiety, or a racing heart.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Night sweats continue beyond six weeks postpartum without improvement
- You experience night sweats along with unexplained weight loss, anxiety, or a racing heart
- The sweating is so severe that it disrupts your sleep significantly beyond the first few weeks
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Night sweats are accompanied by a fever over 100.4 F (38 C), which may indicate a postpartum infection such as endometritis or mastitis
- You experience severe sweating along with chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or difficulty breathing
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of postpartum night sweats are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if night sweats are accompanied by a fever over 100.4 f (38 c), which may indicate a postpartum infection such as endometritis or mastitis.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
Was this page helpful?
Related Maternal Concerns
Dealing with Abnormal Prenatal Screening Results
An abnormal prenatal screening result can be terrifying, but it is important to understand that screening tests are designed to cast a wide net and have significant false-positive rates. Most people with abnormal screening results go on to have healthy babies after further testing confirms the baby is fine. An abnormal screening is a reason for more information, not a diagnosis.
Pregnancy Over 35 (Advanced Maternal Age)
While pregnancy after 35 carries some increased risks (including chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, and hypertension), the vast majority of people over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. The term "geriatric pregnancy" is outdated and does not reflect reality. With appropriate prenatal care and monitoring, outcomes are excellent.
Amniocentesis Questions and Fears
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test performed between 15-20 weeks that analyzes amniotic fluid to detect chromosomal conditions and genetic disorders with over 99% accuracy. The risk of pregnancy loss from the procedure is approximately 1 in 500-1,000 when performed by an experienced provider. Understanding the actual risks can help you make an informed decision.
20-Week Anatomy Scan Unexpected Findings
The 20-week anatomy scan checks your baby's major organs, structures, and growth. Most scans are completely normal. When unexpected findings are identified, they range from minor variants that resolve on their own to conditions that need further evaluation. Many findings require nothing more than a follow-up ultrasound to confirm the baby is developing well.
Less Movement with Anterior Placenta
An anterior placenta (attached to the front wall of the uterus) acts as a cushion between the baby and your belly wall, which can make movements feel muffled or less intense. You may feel movement later (22-24 weeks instead of 18-20) and primarily on the sides and lower belly. This is normal, but you should still feel regular movement once it is established.
Placenta Position Concerns
The placenta can attach anywhere on the uterine wall - anterior (front), posterior (back), fundal (top), or lateral (sides). All positions are normal. An anterior placenta may cushion the baby's movements, making kicks feel less intense or take longer to notice. The only concern is when the placenta is low-lying or covering the cervix (placenta previa).