How long does sweating last after childbirth?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Excessive sweating after childbirth gradually improves within 1 to 2 weeks. Postpartum sweating is a normal physiological phenomenon, as the excess fluid accumulated in the body during pregnancy needs to be eliminated through sweat. Combined with hormonal changes and metabolic adjustments after delivery, sweating becomes significantly increased, especially at night and after physical activity. Generally, it resolves on its own as the body recovers over the course of 1 to 2 weeks.

Generally, excessive sweating after childbirth gradually improves within 1–2 weeks. In a few cases involving individuals with weaker constitutions, it may last 4–6 weeks. Perspiration lasting beyond this period should raise concern for abnormal conditions. If in doubt, it's advisable to assess based on overall physical condition. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Postpartum sweating is a normal physiological phenomenon. During pregnancy, excess fluid accumulated in the body needs to be expelled through sweat. Combined with hormonal changes and metabolic adjustments after delivery, sweating significantly increases—especially at night or after physical activity. This usually diminishes naturally as the body recovers over 1–2 weeks.

If the mother has a weak constitution, deficiency of qi and blood, or improper care leading to chilling, the duration of sweating may be prolonged, lasting 4–6 weeks. However, if sweating is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, worsening dizziness and fatigue, or unusual body odor, it may indicate infection or other underlying issues and falls outside the range of normal postpartum recovery.

During the postpartum sweating period, it's important to dry the body promptly and change into dry clothing to avoid catching a chill; maintain adequate hydration and nutrition to support recovery. If excessive sweating persists beyond six weeks or is associated with abnormal symptoms, timely medical evaluation is recommended to identify the cause and prevent delayed treatment.

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Can I eat Codonopsis (Dangshen) after childbirth?

In general, it is acceptable to consume Codonopsis (Dangshen) after childbirth, but medical advice should be followed. When using it, moderation is key—typically 3 to 5 grams of dried, sliced herb per serving, which can be used in soups, porridge, or steeped in water. During the early postpartum period, digestive function is relatively weak; therefore, it is advisable to start with a small amount and observe the body's response. If no discomfort occurs, the dosage may gradually be increased. However, if there are clear signs of internal heat (excessive "fire") after childbirth,

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How long does it take to recover from excessive sweating after childbirth?

Postpartum night sweats are part of the physiological adjustment process. Excess fluid stored in the body during pregnancy is eliminated through sweat, and hormonal fluctuations further contribute to increased perspiration, especially noticeable at night and after physical activity. Most women recover well, with fluid metabolism stabilizing within 2–4 weeks and sweating gradually decreasing to normal levels.

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Why does my breathing make noise occasionally while sleeping after giving birth, and what should I do about it?

Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep after childbirth may be caused by improper sleeping posture, physical fatigue leading to airway relaxation, allergic rhinitis, upper respiratory tract infection, or acute bronchitis. Symptoms can be improved by adjusting sleeping position, adequate rest and recuperation, or medication. If symptoms persist or are accompanied by difficulty breathing or coughing, prompt medical attention is necessary.