Can having a fever during pregnancy affect the fetus?
During pregnancy we fear more for the health of our baby than ours, what happens when we have a fever?
Fever is an increase in a person’s body temperature when it is above 38 degrees Celsius. It is a common symptom that accompanies many diseases and infections. It manifests itself as a defense mechanism of the body itself, since by increasing normal body temperature, it can better fight viruses and bacteria. When the fever appears in a pregnant woman, the fear is greater, not because of her, but because of what could happen to the fetus.
Many times, fever is caused by something as common as a flu or a cold as a result of the change in temperatures or a specific drop in defenses. In these cases, the fever is not usually very high and it is normal for the doctor to recommend a treatment based on paracetamol . This medicine is valid throughout pregnancy to treat fever and pain without affecting the fetus.
Even so, even if we deduce what the doctor is going to prescribe, it is advisable to go to his consultation so that the diagnosis is totally safe and can rule out other origins. It should also be noted that it is highly recommended for pregnant women get vaccinated against flu in order to try to avoid even the slightest fever.
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WHEN SHOULD FEVER BE CONCERNED?
There are other cases in which the fever is caused by complications in pregnancy. These cases may be a sign that the pregnant woman may be suffering from more serious diseases such as some type of infection or pre-eclampsia . In these situations, attention should be paid to the following symptoms, in the event that the pregnant woman has them without any justified origin. Be alert if the pregnant woman has a fever that exceeds 39 degrees Celsius , frequent vomiting, diarrhea , painful urination, vaginal bleeding, loss of amniotic fluid, severe headache , loss of vaginal fluid and abdominal pain or uterine contractions .
These cases necessarily require you to go to a doctor as soon as possible to avoid aging. With this, it is achieved that the pregnant woman receives the corresponding treatment. Although the body temperature during pregnancy tends to increase , you should always see a doctor in case of doubt.
Fever is most dangerous during the first trimester of pregnancy , specifically between weeks 4 and 14 since it is the phase in which the organs of the fetus are developing. During the rest of the pregnancy, although it is not so serious, it is possible that the fever causes contractions in the uterus that, in the most severe cases can cause the premature birth of the fetus.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN WHO HAVE A FEVER
Obviously, before starting to list a series of tips to take into account when a pregnant woman has a fever, it must be said that the first thing to do is go to the doctor so that he can examine, determine the cause of the fever and so on. to be able to put the corresponding treatment.
Once the doctor has started treatment, normally if the fever is not very high, it will indicate that the pregnant woman take paracetamol, it is advisable to follow these tips:
– Do not cover too much . Adding more heat to our body is not good, so it is recommended that you do not wear more clothes than necessary or cover yourself with blankets that make you sweat.
– Take a shower with lukewarm water . This will help reduce fever, as long as it is not taken very cold. It should be taken one degree below the fever, that is, at 37 degrees Celsius.
– Hydrate . Hydration is essential at these times. Apart from drinking water as usual, it is advisable to drink citrus juices with a contribution of vitamin C and vegetable broths.
– Rest . Rest is essential when a person is ill, especially if it is a pregnant woman.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.