Implantation is the process in which a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. This early stage of pregnancy prompts physical and hormonal changes in the body that can cause various symptoms. One possible symptom some women report is feeling colder than usual or having chills around the time of implantation.
What happens during implantation?
Implantation typically occurs 6-12 days after ovulation when the egg is fertilized by a sperm. The fertilized egg, now called an embryo, travels down the fallopian tube and into the uterus. It then attaches and burrows into the uterine lining, which thickens to support the growth of the embryo.
This process triggers the release of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. Levels of progesterone also increase to help maintain the pregnancy in its early stages before the placenta forms.
Why might implantation make you feel cold?
The hormonal changes and physical sensations that accompany implantation can sometimes manifest as feeling colder than normal or getting chills. Here are some reasons why:
- Increased blood flow – More blood flows to the uterus and pelvic area to nourish the embryo. This can cause the rest of the body to feel colder.
- Lower core body temperature – Progesterone levels rise during implantation, which can lower core body temperature slightly.
- Estrogen effects – Sinking estrogen levels contribute to feeling chilled.
- Early pregnancy side effects – Fatigue, cramping, and bloating may be perceived as chills.
- Psychosomatic response – The emotional excitement of early pregnancy subconsciously translates into feeling cold for some women.
How common is feeling cold during implantation?
There are no statistics on exactly how many women feel colder than normal during implantation. But anecdotal reports indicate it is relatively common:
- On online forums, many women share experiences of feeling extra cold, getting the chills, or needing to bundle up more around the time of implantation.
- Some OBGYNs say patients regularly report feeling chilled or having cold symptoms when they come in for early pregnancy confirmation.
- One study found that 18% of women reported temperature change as an early sign of pregnancy.
So while not universally experienced, feeling cold seems to be a symptom for a sizable minority of women in the early stages of pregnancy.
How long does the cold feeling last?
For women who do feel colder after implantation, this symptom is temporary. It typically lasts for a few days or weeks. As the body adjusts to the rising pregnancy hormone levels, normal temperature regulation resumes.
Here is a rough timeline for how long chills may persist:
- 1-3 days – Some women only notice feeling very cold on the day implantation happens or the day after.
- 1 week – It’s common for the chilled sensation to last around a week as hormone changes ramp up.
- 2-3 weeks – For some, it takes a couple weeks for the body to adapt to progesterone and estrogen changes.
- 1st trimester – Occasionally, symptoms like chilled hands and feet can last through the first 12 weeks.
If the cold feeling is severe or lasts beyond the first trimester, let your doctor know. This could signal an underlying health issue or vitamin deficiency.
Tips for dealing with cold symptoms
Here are some tips to help alleviate a cold or excessively chilled feeling in the early weeks of pregnancy:
- Layer on extra blankets and warm socks at night
- Dress in layers and add a jacket or cardigan
- Stay warm after baths or showers
- Drink warm teas, broths, or cider
- Take warm baths
- Use a heating pad or hot water bottle
- Get enough iron, vitamins B12 and D
- Exercise to boost circulation
- Keep the thermostat higher for a while
Make sure to stay hydrated as well. The chilly sensation should pass along with other early pregnancy discomforts.
Other common early pregnancy symptoms
Along with feeling cold, some other signs and symptoms in the first few weeks of pregnancy may include:
- Missed/late period
- Swollen/tender breasts
- Nausea/vomiting
- Bloating/gas
- Cramps
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Food cravings/aversions
- Increased urination
Every woman’s experience is unique. Some may experience many symptoms, while others have none at all. If you suspect pregnancy, take a home test or see your doctor.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor promptly if you have:
- Unusually severe cold symptoms
- Shivering/shaking chills
- Fevers or potential flu
- Bleeding along with cold sensations
- Symptoms lasting several weeks
- Other concerning symptoms
Your doctor can check for issues like infections, hormone imbalances, or vitamin deficiencies. Most cases of feeling cold during early pregnancy are normal and not a cause for concern.
Conclusion
Feeling chilled or extra sensitive to cold temperatures is relatively common in the early weeks of pregnancy for some women. Shifting hormone levels and other implantation-related changes taking place in the body can manifest as cold hands, feet, or sensations of being cold. This symptom tends to be temporary and subside as the body adjusts. Layering up, staying active, and keeping warm can help overcome the cold feeling until it passes. If severe or prolonged, contact your doctor to rule out any medical issues. But in most cases, a little extra blankets and warm drinks can get you through this cold phase.