Fever during Pregnancy
Fever is an increase in the temperature of the body. Pregnant woman should take care of their health because in pregnancy, any health related problem can affect the developing fetus.
Causes of fever in pregnancy
- bacterial, viral and fungal infection cause fever in pregnancy
- The most common cause of the fever is pneumonia
- After infection of Streptococcus pneumoniae the pregnant woman gets affected by pneumonia
- Symptoms of pneumonia are swelling in lungs and fever
- Uncommon reasons of fever are appendicitis and meningitis
- Infection of bacteria, virus and fungus cause inflammation in the tissue of appendix causes fever
- Meningitis is swelling of the protective linings of the brain
- In this disease viral and bacterial infection cause inflammation in the meninges of the brain
- In this disease, the patient shows fever with headache
- Infection by pathogens in urinary tract causes fever in pregnancy
How to reduce fever in pregnancy
- In fever, body gets dehydrated. For hydration and reducing temperature drink plenty of water and juices of fruit
- Sucking ice cubes will help to remain hydrated
- Take complete bed rest
- Warm bath will help to reduce the body temperature
- Minimize temperature of the room, so that body temperature will decrease
- Do not take common medicines for reducing fever. It can harm mother and baby.
- Take medicines to control fever under guidance of doctor
- Avoid tight and heavy cloths. Body heat can hold by the tight clothes
- Light weight clothes helps in releasing body heat
Effect of fever in pregnancy
- The first three months of pregnancy are very important because in this period basic development of the fetus occurs
- Any harmful effect on the health of mother can affect the fetus development
- If pregnant woman is suffering from fever in first trimester, then it can affect the fetus development
- It can cause defect in the development of central nervous system
- There are more chances of miscarriage
Prevention of fever in pregnancy
- Mostly fever is caused by infection. To prevent fever the pregnant woman should take care of personal hygiene
- Washing hands before eating food and after visiting the toilet
- Avoid crowd
- Try to keep away from patients
- Eat balanced food
Rather than worrying about fever, pregnant woman should be calm and relaxed. More worry can be dangerous to the health of mother and baby. If fever does not decrease, then call your doctor.
