Extreme shivering at night

[BrianCoxandTheTempleofDOOM]

Hi,

am 27+6, 2nd pregnancy.

Throughout this pg I have had episodes where, even though my bedroom is warm, I wake up and have the most horrendous 'cold' episode, resulting in extreme shivering.

It has probably happened 4 times throughout the pregnancy - must have started early on in 2nd trimester.

It isn't pleasant, but it is something I have just assigned as 'one of those things'.

Last night, however, it was quite distressing.

I had a late night (bed just after Midnight), had had a snack before bed (don't normally but was v.v.hungry) and a cup of tea.

Woke about 2am and reluctantly dragged myself out of bed for the loo , as I sat on the loo I suddenly felt very cold. It was chilly as heating wasn't on but not freezing (heating had been on all day/night, goes off around midnight)

Could barely finish (sorry!) my wee as was shaking so violently. Managed to get back to bed and put my dressing gown on and climb into bed with my duvet and blanket - everything was uncomfortable to touch (even though the bed was warm IYSWIM).

I then shook violently for what felt like 5 mins (was probably less) and had no control over my body, it was horrendous - so scary.

Have Googled this morning, seems that some people (non pg) do experience this and Dr's have put it down to anxiety/low bp/low blood sugar. The only pg related search I can find is over 5 years old and was put down to low blood pressure.

Has anybody here had these symptoms? I am genuinely quite scared of it happening again to that extreme (it really isn't a case of me being a bit cold, it was awful). I am on no medication, had been on anti-depressants but came off due to pg, am feeling fine in relation to depression/anxiety. Had a cold last week but again, fine now.

I am having my Whooping Cough jab this week so will mention it (and hope they don't think I'm mad )

Could be low blood sugar or low BP but it sounds like a rigor and you get those with urine infections.
Drop a wee sample off at the gp or midwife and ask them to send it to the lab even if dipstick is negative. Hope you feel better soon.

I had this (but in early pregnancy), and I think it was low blood sugar as I was running around after a toddler and not eating regularly. Are you eating enough? I feel for you, I found the shivering awful sometimes.

Thanks both, I will take a sample with me when I go for my jab.

I think I will also have a look at suitable pre-bed snacks, to keep my sugars up.

Glad I'm not the only one, last night has left me a bit shook up (so to speak) and I don't want that happening again.

I also have this I'm not as far as you 10+5 but have had this from day 1 of finding out. Has been put down to my thyroid and not having regular maintained blood sugar. Currently Sat with heating on, fire on, layers of clothing an a blanket. Let me know if you find a fix x

I will do, I haven't a problem wiht being cold generally - well, my thermostat is buggered in comparison to non-pg people but I think that is normal to a degree.

I am actually a bit apprehensive about going to bed this evening....! Silly isn't it.

I have lower back pain (feels muscular) but that combined with the night shivers does seem to indicate a water infection (not that I am medically trained ha!)

Will seek midwife or GP help in week and report back.

I had this in first trimester, had no other symptoms but at booking appt urine test found a UTI, it hasn't happened again since treatment. Worth ruling out with MW?

I had the exact same thing a few days ago, sat on the loo and my whole body was shivering/convulsing, very scary and I've never known shivering like it.
Would be interested to see how you get on BrianCox and what it turns out to be, as my next midwife appointment isn't for a week.

I've experienced this in pregnancy a few times and for several nights after giving birth. In the end I realised it was night sweats. I didn't feel too hot at all but I my skin was wet with sweat and I violently shivered for ages.

Mention it to your midwife and make sure you have something warm to wear if you need to visit the loo in the night.

Thanks for your replies, I will definitely report back.

I am putting off going to bed haha.

I think my dressing gown will feature in my nighttime attire this evening!

Good to know I am not the only one, is scary but then you also question whether you are just a big wimp who can't handle a bit of a chill!

BrianCox if its any help I went to the doc today about the extreme shivering, he has sent off urine sample for suspected UTI, but otherwise he said it may be onset of one of the many virus's going round. The other possibility he mentioned was Amniotic infection (?) but this tends to be accompanied by leaking of amniotic fluid.

Def worth getting tested ASAP as UTIs can bring on premature labour if untreated.

Wocket thank you for that update.

I am seeing the MW on Thursday morning about my lower back pain and will mention it.

Interesting about the amniotic infection, hopefully it won't be that then!

Update:

Ended up on the Labour ward the other night after Boy decided to not move ALL BLOODY DAY! I called for advice and they suggested I come down. Hooked up to the monitor and he eventually behaved, took a very sturdy wobble of my belly (by the MW), lots of water and patience - but he moved and his heart rate was fine too.

Mentioned my shivering thing and the Dr who examined me (had to have an internal due to back pain, in case it was early labour - it isn't! Phew!) and she didn't seem bothered/concerned. I have had bloods/urine test and BP checked - all fine.

I think it can be put down to just 'one of those things'

I have been diagnosed (or whatever the right word is) with Pelvic Girdle Pain and referred to Physio, advised to buy a pregnancy girdle

So, my back pain has been recognised but not 'fixed' so am still in discomfort and the shivering was just a weird (yet scary) one-off, hopefully.

All very strange but reassuring to know there is nothing untoward going on.

So pleased to read this. I've had 3 episodes of this during my pregnancy (I'm now 25 weeks) and had my third one last night. They are so scary and I'm worried about going to bed and it happening again!

I experienced the same for the past 4 days. Went to my GP. Had urine test. Came out UTI is the culprit. I am now taking antibiotics for it. Better visit your doctor and have a urine test to find out the cause.