Pyrexia in Pregnancy: What the Doctor Prescribes?

By Dr. Poonam Gupta in Obstetrics And Gynaecology

Feb 16 , 2018 | 2 min read

Are you pregnant and running a fever? We understand that you’re concerned about the health of your child so it is important to know which remedies are safe. Here we discuss some questions regarding fever during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of a fever during pregnancy?

When you get a fever during pregnancy, you’ll show the same signs as a normal person with a fever. You will have a high temperature, sweating, shivering, headaches, and muscle aches. When you’re pregnant, your immune system needs to provide for both you and your baby. As a result, you are more susceptible to colds and fever during pregnancy.

What can I use to treat a fever during pregnancy?

It’s okay to take paracetamol while you are pregnant. Although it’s not possible to say that any medicine is completely safe to use during pregnancy as there is no evidence to show that paracetamol will harm you or your child. However, it’s recommended that you take only the lowest necessary amount only for as long as needed or recommended by a doctor. During pregnancy with fever, never take antibiotics on your own. Dr. Poonam Gupta, Senior Consultant, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj says, Antibiotics should be taken only if required after proper investigations and under doctor’s supervision Keep yourself adequately hydrated Try to keep the temperature below 100 degree Fahrenheit by tepid sponging and paracetamol. Avoid going to crowded places like malls, markets, theatre etc during flu season.

Can a fever during pregnancy harm my baby?

Your baby’s growth is fuelled by a particular sequence of steps that allow their organs and blood vessels to grow in tandem. This series of steps depends on proteins – molecules in your body that are required for the growth of organs. When you have pyrexia symptoms, it may happen that your body temperature increases from 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 Celsius) to anywhere above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 Celsius). This increase in temperature may keep the proteins from functioning properly and in rare cases can lead to miscarriages or birth defects.

What are the causes of fever during pregnancy?

Women are more likely to suffer from the common viral fever when they’re pregnant. This is because your immune system is overstretched and is protecting both you and your baby. A low-grade fever can be the result of something as common as a cold. However, a higher-grade fever may be linked to flu or UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) and you should immediately consult your doctor.

To reduce your chances of contracting a fever, make sure that you do not go near people who are sick, ensure you wash your hands regularly and thoroughly. Also avoid eating raw meat, fish, and cheese during pregnancy to avoid exposure to Listeria Bacteria, which can cause a high fever. Don’t worry if you have a low fever. Many women have a fever during their pregnancies, and their babies turn out just fine.

If you feel that your fever continues for a long time, you should consult your gynaecologist or doctor for further medication and treatment. This will ensure that you and your baby are healthy.