Fever During Pregnancy

Introduction:

During pregnancy, there are a lot of changes in the body to nurture the developing fetus. Among physiological changes, maintaining a stable body temperature is important to ensure the fetus's growth and development. Fever is increased body temperature due to infections, illnesses, or inflammatory conditions. During pregnancy, the range of temperature is 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. An increase in body temperature beyond this normal range during pregnancy requires monitoring and investigations. When the body of pregnant women responds to pathogens, it leads to an increase in body temperature. There can be minor temperature fluctuations because of a change in the blood flow and hormonal fluctuations. If there is a persistent change in body temperature, there can be an underlying health issue. The article discusses fever during pregnancy, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

What Is Considered a Fever During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a fever is an elevation in the body temperature than a normal range. The normal range of body temperature is 97 degrees to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature is measured orally. If the temperature exceeds 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, then it is considered significant. Due to an increase in metabolism or hormonal fluctuations, pregnant women can experience slightly higher temperatures. Pregnant women should measure their temperature by using a thermometer. They can consult a healthcare provider for guidance and treatment. Fever during pregnancy should be monitored and managed to ensure the mother’s health and the growth and development of the fetus.

What Are the Causes of Fever During Pregnancy?

Several factors can cause fever during pregnancy. The common causes of fever during pregnancy are as follows:

• Infections: The common cause of fever during pregnancy is infections. Most of the pregnant women experience urinary tract infections. This can be due to the change in the urinary tract. The other infections are respiratory tract infections, such as flu, common cold, or pneumonia. These infections can cause congestion, body aches, and cough. Gastrointestinal infections like gastroenteritis and food poisoning can cause fever, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis, can cause fever. Rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to an increase in body temperature.

• Viral Infections: Some viral infections, such as influenza or the common cold, can cause fever.

• Bacterial Infections: Certain infections, such as throat infections, bacterial skin infections, and bacterial pneumonia, can lead to elevated body temperature.

• Hormonal Changes: It is common during pregnancy. Hormonal alterations during pregnancy can cause a slight elevation in temperature. But, it is not considered a fever.

• Dental Infections: Infections like gum or teeth infections can cause fever.

How Does Fever Affect the Developing Fetus?

Persistent fever during pregnancy can affect the developing fetus. The abnormal elevation in temperature at different stages of pregnancy is described below:

• First Trimester: During the first trimester of pregnancy, the abnormal body temperature affects the neural tube development of the fetus. The neural tube develops into the brain and spinal cord. The defects associated with neural tube defects are spina bifida. The condition in which the spinal cord does not close properly.

• Second and Third Trimester: During these trimesters of pregnancy, the abnormal fever can lead to preterm birth or low-weight birth. It may also lead to fetal distress and may require interventions during delivery.

• General Impact on Fetus: A high temperature can affect protein function and fetal growth and development. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the placenta, impacting the fetus's oxygen and nutrient supply.

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Fever During Pregnancy?

A slight decrease in body temperature is normal during pregnancy. It is important to report to the healthcare provider to monitor symptoms. The common symptoms associated with fever during pregnancy are as follows:

• An increase in body temperature, which exceeds more than 100.4 Fahrenheit. For an accurate assessment of temperature, use a thermometer.

• Chills or shivering.

• Generalized body aches or headaches.

• Muscle pain.

• A low energy level, the feeling of fatigue or weakness.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• An increased heart rate or tachycardia.

• If the cause of the fever is infections, the symptoms can be cough, congestion, or sore throat.

• Infections during pregnancy can also cause shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.

• The symptoms associated with urinary tract infections are pain and burning on urination and frequent urination.

• In the case of gastrointestinal infections, the symptoms can be stomach pain, discomfort, or cramping.

• Some skin infections can cause skin rash, redness, or inflammation.

• A change in fetal movement.

How to Manage Fever During Pregnancy?

Managing fever during pregnancy is important for the growth and development of the fetus. The treatment of fever during pregnancy is important for ensuring the safety of both the mother and the developing fetus. The steps to manage fever during pregnancy are as follows:

• Consult With a Healthcare Provider: If the pregnant woman has a fever during pregnancy, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment and guidance.

• Monitor Temperature: Pregnant women should use a thermometer to monitor or measure body temperature. They should note temperature readings in a notebook.

• Stay Hydrated: They should drink more water, such as herbal teas and electrolyte-rich drinks, to maintain hydration.

• Take Proper Rest: Pregnant women should rest adequately to support their immune system against infection.

• Cool Compress: Pregnant women should take a cloth and dampen it in a cold water bath to manage fever. Then, place it over the forehead and neck to lower body temperature.

• Dress Comfortably: They should wear loose and comfortable clothes. This will provide them comfort.

• Medications: Healthcare professionals may prescribe fever-reducing medicines.

• Avoid Overheating: They should avoid activities that increase the risk of elevation of body temperature, such as hot baths and vigorous exercise.

• Treatment of Underlying Cause: If the cause of fever during pregnancy is infections, the healthcare provider may prescribe medications to treat viral or bacterial infections.

What Are the Preventive Measures to Avoid Fever During Pregnancy?

The preventive measures to avoid fever during pregnancy are as follows:

• Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

• Stay hydrated.

• Manage stress.

• Get seven to nine hours of sleep.

• Practice good hygiene.

• Take recommended vaccinations.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• Maintain a clean environment.

• Avoid consuming raw food.

• Travel safely.

• Take treatment for infections to prevent complications.

• Attend prenatal check-ups.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, there can be a slight fever during pregnancy due to changes in hormone levels and metabolism. If the body temperature is above 101.4 degrees Fahrenheit, it is a sign of concern. In case of any infections, hormonal changes, or inflammatory conditions, the pregnant woman should consult with the healthcare provider for appropriate treatment. They should follow preventive measures, such as maintaining hygiene, a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing stress, and attending prenatal check-ups.