Fever in Pregnancy

What causes fever during pregnancy?

Fever and chills during pregnancy are not normal. Since your immune system, that is, your immunity, will decrease when you are pregnant, you can easily catch many diseases and get sick. If your fever is higher than 38 degrees, it could be a serious condition. So it can affect your baby as well. It is best to call your doctor in order not to risk your own health and the health of your baby.

There are many reasons that can cause fever and chills during pregnancy. If treated properly, you can overcome it. Therefore, do not worry.

If there is fever and rash during pregnancy, it may be related to CMV, toxoplasma and Parvovirus. It can cause congenital anomalies especially in the baby in your womb.

Urinary tract infection

More than 10% of women have a urinary tract infection at some point in their pregnancy. The urinary system consists of the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. This system is affected when you have a bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Generally, bladder infection, ie cystitis, is not a serious problem. It can be easily treated by taking the right antibiotics and drinking plenty of fluids. However, if not treated properly, bladder infection can progress to the kidneys and cause many discomforts, such as preterm birth, low birth weight and sepsis. Some urinary tract infections are asymptomatic, but some may have difficulty urinating, burning when urinating, cloudy or bloody urine, accompanied by fever, chills, and lower abdominal pain.

İnfluenza (Grip)

If you have fever, chills, body aches, cough, nausea or vomiting, you probably have the flu due to the influenza virus. Pregnant women are at great risk for the flu as their immune systems are suppressed and tend to have it severely. Figuring out if this is the flu or a simple cold? Flu symptoms develop quickly and are more serious than the common cold. If you suspect you have the flu from your symptoms, you should call your doctor. Your doctor will advise you to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Taking antiviral drugs shortens the symptoms and prevents the development of serious complications. The CDS recommends that all pregnant women get the flu vaccine.

Upper respiratory tract infection (common cold)

Symptoms of viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, consisting of the sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx and larynx, are like flu. Likewise, there may be a runny nose, sore throat, cough and difficulty in breathing. An upper respiratory infection is not as serious as the flu and usually goes away on its own. Symptoms usually last 3-14 days and can be treated at home. If the symptoms of the disease still persist even after days have passed, it may have progressed to a more serious infection (sinusitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis and pneumonia, which we call pneumonia) You should call your doctor because it is important.

Gastrointestinal Virus

Diarrhea and vomiting due to gastrointestinal infection in pregnant women can be dangerous if left untreated, dehydration and abdominal pain may trigger contractions and premature birth may develop. Other important effects may include hypotension, dizziness, weakness, fainting, and in severe cases, electrolyte imbalance. Most cases regress spontaneously, but the consumption of fluids and electrolyte-containing beverages, the BRAT diet (banana, rice, apple juice, and toast) is extremely helpful. CDC call your doctor immediately if you have bloody vomiting, signs of dehydration (little or no urination, dry mouth, feeling thirsty, dizziness, bloody stools, and fever).

How to reduce fever during pregnancy? What can we do at home?

First of all, call your doctor, if the symptoms do not pose a danger to your health and your baby’s health, you can follow the suggestions below.

Ways to safely lower your pregnancy fever:

You can heal yourself by drinking plenty of fluids and resting. If you feel unwell, take bed rest, but be careful not to get too hot or sweaty under the duvet. Temperature is not good during pregnancy.

Avoid dressing in layers and too tight. Choose light, cotton, breathable fabrics. If you are cold, you can wear another thin coat. Wearing appropriate clothes and breathing in your body helps to reduce fever during pregnancy.

Place a towel soaked in cold water on your head and/or back. Repeat as needed.

Take a warm shower or soak in the tub. Do not use cold water. Not that the water is cold, but the evaporation of water from your body will reduce your fever.

ventilate your room,

Cold and still drinks such as fruit juice, lemonade, and electrolyte sports drinks help lower body temperature and help you regain lost sugar and electrolytes.

You can take Paracetamol to reduce fever during pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor the dosage and duration of use. Aspirin and ibuprofen type pain relievers should not be used during pregnancy, especially in the last 3 months.

Saline nasal sprays are good for nasal congestion. Lozenges containing vitamin C can also be good for sore throat.

If you are unsure of the cause of your fever, call your doctor. The diagnosis will be made after your doctor’s examination and tests.

When should I go to the doctor during pregnancy?

If your fever does not decrease within 24-36 hours, you should call your doctor. In addition, if you have abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal cramps or rashes on the skin, you should definitely inform your doctor. Fever may be a symptom of an illness such as CMV, flu, food poisoning, urinary tract infection, toxoplasma, or rubella.

How is fever treated during pregnancy?

Using acetaminophen (Tylol, Parol and similar) while pregnant is safe for both you and your baby. However, you should discuss with your doctor the dosage and how long to use it. Stay away from ibuprofen (Advil), Most doctors advise their pregnant women to stay away from NSAIDs. Because the use of these drugs, especially in late pregnancy, may affect your baby’s cardiovascular system.

Is fever in pregnancy harmful to the baby? 

A low fever in the early stages of pregnancy is probably not a serious problem, but a high fever can be fatal to the baby. 38 degrees and above). Some physiological processes involved in the baby’s organ development in the early period of pregnancy are sensitive to body temperature, and a fever of 38 degrees and above may cause miscarriage. In the late period of pregnancy, fever does not pose a significant problem as all organ development of your baby is completed, but if the cause of fever is due to intrauterine infection, it may cause a problem. To be safe, you should call your doctor.

In studies conducted on women who had a high fever and used hot water tubs or saunas during pregnancy, the baby to be born was found to be at high risk for neural tube defect anomaly such as spina bifida. This risk is especially in the first 5-6 after fertilization. The neural tube may not close properly. After these weeks, the probability decreases, so it does not matter in the second or third trimester. Studies have also shown that prolonged high fever, especially in the first 3 months, causes miscarriages, but the result is not conclusive. Because many women who had a high fever during pregnancy had a healthy baby.

Short-term fever can be treated with acetaminophen, but it’s best to call your doctor if you have a very high fever or have had a high fever for a long time.

It is safe and recommended to get the flu vaccine during the flu season to protect pregnant women from flu and prevent high flu-related fever.

Jin.Op.Dr. Yeşim Yercok

Gynecology Obstetrics and IVF Specialist

For appointment Tel: 0216-3851715

Address: Fener Kalamış cad. Billur apt. No:5 Da:9 Kiziltoprak/Istanbul