Fever in Pregnancy

Fever and pregnancy are associated with each other. Your body experiences many changes and hormonal shifts while you are pregnant. It's natural to feel a little warmer than usual during pregnancy.

Knowing the difference between mild warmth and fever is necessary because the latter could indicate a potentially harmful condition. Nonetheless, you should always be cautious about seeking appropriate medical care if you have a fever. Thus, fevers during pregnancy are not normal, and consulting a doctor is advised. 

Fever is seen in all the three trimesters of the pregnancy. This is because your body's immunity reduces in pregnancy due to immune suppression and other changes that occur during pregnancy. However, fever in early pregnancy is particularly dangerous as it can lead to facial deformities, and heart defects in the new born.

The common question that comes to the minds of pregnant moms is, do we get a fever in early pregnancy? Well, it's common to feel a small rise in the body temperature during pregnancy, but this change shouldn't be continuous or cross 99 degrees. If it crosses this limit, it is defined as fever and should be treated by a doctor.

A transient increase in the body temperature known as a fever is typically brought on by an underlying infection. The normal body temperature of an individual is 98.6 °F (37 °C). A body temperature above this is called a fever. Temperatures over 101°F or 38.3°C during pregnancy can be alarming, especially if they persist for long during the first trimester.

A low-grade fever in early pregnancy is the same as a low-grade temperature in other circumstances. When your body temperature rises above 98.6 degrees F. (37 degrees C) it is termed a fever. If your body temperature is between 37.5 and 38.3 degrees Celsius, you have a low-grade fever (LGF).

Fever during first trimester is not a good sign. For many decades, scientists have known that fever during first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of certain heart abnormalities and facial defects including cleft lip and palate.

A fever during first trimester, could harm the growing baby. The risk of a baby being born with a neural tube defect (NTD) is twice as high in women who had a fever soon before or during early pregnancy than in those who did not.

Birth defects involving the brain, spine, and spinal cord are known as NTDs. As per CDC, taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily while pregnant can lower the risk of neural tube anomalies in the baby, even if the mother experiences fever.

Congenital abnormalities in infants have been linked to fever during pregnancy, particularly during embryogenesis phase. An increase in body temperature interferes with protein synthesis, resulting in membrane breakdown, cell death, vascular disruption, and placental infarction.

Serious infant abnormalities or even death may result from this. During the first trimester, a temperature greater than 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees C) can increase the risk of:

1. Autism spectrum disorder 
2. Cleft lip and palate
3. Heart defects
4. Abortion

The risk of preterm labour increases if you have a fever late in pregnancy.

Fever during first trimester of pregnancy raises the chances for various heart defects and disfigurements including cleft lip and palate. It has been associated with congenital defects in new-borns.

1. During pregnancy, a fever can increase the risk of:
2. Miscarriage
3. Risk of preterm labour 
4. Autism in the baby

Is fever dangerous in pregnancy, is one of the most common questions among pregnant women.

In pregnancy, high fever is considered to be harmful. The baby's risk of having a congenital heart problem, facial deformities, like cleft lip or cleft palate, and other disorders like autism can rise during the first trimester due to fever.

Pregnancy-related fevers are caused by:

1. Ear infections 
2. Foodborne infections like food poisoning
3. Pneumonia
4. Urinary tract infections
5. Kidney infections 
6. Respiratory infections like flu
7. Common cold
8. Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The physiological changes during pregnancy can make you feel warmer than usual. The changing hormones, growing baby, and increased blood flow to your skin are some of the factors that contribute to this feeling of warmth.

In addition, you may sweat more than usual during pregnancy. These changes are normal and do not cause any harm to you or your baby. However, if you have a low-grade fever during early pregnancy or a temperature of 101°F and above, you should see a doctor as it could be a sign of underlying health concern.

In some serious underlying infections, following symptoms can be seen along with fever:

1. Excess thirst
2. Decreased urination
3. Dark coloured urine
4. Foul smelling vaginal discharge
5. Dizziness
6. Breathing issues
7. Severe cramping pains

Can you run a fever in early pregnancy and still be unaware of it? Well, it's possible. 

Early in your pregnancy, high levels of pregnancy hormones and increased blood flow can cause you to have hot flashes, slightly elevating your body temperature. Due to this, you may not feel a fever, especially if it's a low-grade fever.

Your body temperature also changes during the day, and an increase of one or two degrees is normal. Check your body temperature - if it exceeds the following parameters, it is considered a fever.

1. More than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) when checked orally
2. More than 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) when measured at the forehead, ear, or rectally
3. More than 99 degrees  F (37.2 degrees C) when measured at the armpit

Although a fever during first trimester cannot always be avoided, women may be able to lower the risk of developing a fever in the first place. Preventative strategies include: 

1. Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
2. Refrain from touching your nose or eyes.
3. Use disinfectant to clean surfaces at your home and workplace.
4. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask in crowded places.
5. Frequently wash your hands with soap or hand wash.

Throughout pregnancy, paracetamol is the first choice for pain or fever. However, it should not be consumed without first consulting your doctor. Paracetamol or acetaminophen can typically be used by pregnant women to reduce fever.

Cooling blankets could also be helpful. However, an antibiotic is required if the cause is a bacterial infection. You should not take ibuprofen and aspirin for fever during pregnancy.

Paracetamol is among the most effective treatments for fever during pregnancy. Paracetamol will lower your body temperature and give you some relief. Since it has been used by many pregnant women without having any negative effects on the mother or the unborn child.

However, pregnant women should consult their doctor before using paracetamol. If you use paracetamol while pregnant, be cautious and take it for the shortest duration and at the lowest effective dose.

Looking for answers for what to do in fever in pregnancy? Home remedies for fever in pregnancy are the same as those you try for fever in general. You can try a few measures to make yourself more comfortable with a fever:

1. Keep yourself hydrated. Drink water and juices; in fever you sweat a lot leading to fluid loss and dehydration. 
2. Take sufficient rest, your immune system needs rest for a quick recovery.
3. Stay cool and comfortable. For instance:
   1. Wear light clothing.
   2. Apply a cold pack. 
   3. Apply a wet washcloth on your forehead.
   4. Have a bath at room temperature.

If you have a fever during pregnancy, firstly, do not ignore a fever during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor immediately. Take paracetamol or an antibiotic only under your doctor's guidance.

Yes. The immune system is weaker during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts, changes in blood volume and growing foetus. Weak immunity can make you more prone to infection and fever.

Fever is a sign that the body is combating infection or inflammation. Moreover, it might occur due to vaccination, or having a severe sunburn. Often, a fever during early pregnancy will subside on its own without the need for treatment. Thus, if the fever goes away and does not reoccur, you need not worry. However, check-ups are usually advised if the fever persists or is high.

Analgesic and antipyretic paracetamol is the medicine in Dolo-650 Tablet. When used as instructed by your doctor, it is considered to be safe. It is safe to take while pregnant if your doctor has prescribed it. However, a pregnant woman should not take the Dolo 650 frequently or for extended periods.

A body temperature above 101° F in any pregnant woman indicates she has a fever. [3] Fever in any form is unsafe in pregnancy. However, if you have these symptoms along with fever you must immediately reach out to a health care provider.

1. Increased thirst
2. Less urination
3. Dark colour urine
4. Vaginal discharge with foul smell
5. Dizziness
6. Severe pain or cramps
7. Breathing difficulty