If you are pregnant, any health concerns or illness can equally affect your unborn baby too. Similar is the case of suffering from fever during pregnancy. Fever is quite a common illness to many, but it may not be as simple as it may sound during this precious phase. Several related concerns and illnesses might enter the body, and one may lose out on immunity and overall fitness. The condition can quite cause complications for the baby too. While this may not always be the case, why take the risk? It is always essential to keep a check and know how to treat and tackle such illnesses on time.
Today, we will give you a glimpse of how to handle fever in the pregnancy phase. It is among the prevalent concerns many women complain about during the carrying period, and here is how one can overcome it effectively!
What are Safe and Unsafe Body Temperatures During Pregnancy?
It is no different to examine and find out the severity of fever while pregnant. The rule of thumb remains the same. Any temperature above 100 or 101 degrees is considered as suffering from fever. So in case you are suffering from a body temperature above 101 degrees, rush to the doctor immediately and consult for medication.
If the fever is below 101 degrees, it is low and in a safe zone. You can go ahead with home remedies and tackle low fever with personal help. Any severe body temperatures, if not treated within time, can adversely affect the baby’s fetal growth and development.
Causes of Fever for Pregnant Ladies:
There can be several causes behind suffering from fever in pregnant women. While the reasons for suffering from fever during the phase of pregnancy can be several, it is crucial to make sure that one’s immune system and immunity levels aren’t lowered due to related infections. Here are a few common causes.
- Viral Infection.
- Gastrointestinal Tract Infection.
- Influenza Virus.
- Bacterial Infection Of Membranes.
- Viral infection due to Contaminated Food and Water.
- Upper tract infection.
- Bacterial Infection in Urinary Tract.
While these are among the common reasons for suffering from fever, they may not always be the case. If any symptoms, as mentioned below, if experienced, one should immediately consult the health care provider for further inputs and treatment.
Read Also: Common Cold During Pregnancy
Symptoms of Fever During Pregnancy:
It may not always be the case that only suffering from high temperatures can be linked to fever. During the pregnancy phase, it is essential to note and emphasize the fact that any of the following symptoms should be reported to the doctor.
1. Chills:
In any case, the body chills and shivers from within the body. If you are experiencing such a condition, along with others, then it may be a case of fever.
2. High Temperature:
Your thermometer should be raising at this time. One does not need to get too worried if the temperature is not beyond 101 degrees.
3. Body Pains and Cramps:
If not all the time, most women also experience mild to severe body pains during fever. In case you have bad pains and spasms, it is advised to consult your family doctor immediately.
4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):
UTI is not always a common symptom when one is suffering from a fever. But you may experience a frequent need to urinate or pain/burning feeling during urinating. Few women also complain about pain near the lower back or abdomen area.
5. Flu and Cold:
Cold, fever, and flu may be common symptoms when suffering from high fever during pregnancy. If you have symptoms of flu (including nausea and vomiting), do visit your doctor for treatment.
6. Dizziness:
It is no joke if you are feeling weak and dizzy all the time. The fever may be adversely affecting your immunity system, and one must remain hydrated all the time at this phase. In case you feel giddy, you must rush to the doctor.
7. Diarrhea:
If you are suffering from loose stools more than four times a day, you may also be suffering from diarrhoea. While it is among the common symptoms, one may suffer from dehydration at this point. It is recommended to have proper water intake.
Given these several possible symptoms, the most common ones that are noticed during the time of pregnancy in women are a fever with chills, headache and body pain.
How to Treat Fever during Pregnancy:
Never take the case of high fever during pregnancy as a joke. It is vital to get treated by a medical professional. Here are some suggestions on how to go about both high and low fever for quicker results.
1. Use a Cool Washcloth:
A cold compress is one of the best ways in which a pregnant woman can lower her body temperature. A washcloth can be soaked in cold water and can be applied on the forehead as well as on the neck. This should be repeated by dipping it in cold water again and reapplying it to the suggested areas. This is one of the most efficient ways to bring down the fever and quite a safe and effortless one.
2. Lukewarm Water Bath:
Well again, another of the right ways to reduce fever during pregnancy is to take a lukewarm shower. The evaporation of the water on the skin is what leads to the achievement of the goals in a perfect manner. This should be done 1-2 times each day for 5-7 minutes till the problems subside entirely.
3. Have Plenty of Healthy Liquids:
Water and other healthy liquids like herbal teas, soups, broths and more can help in flushing out the toxins and bacteria and virus from the body that is causing so much trouble and leading to high body temperatures. About 10 glasses of water are recommended not only during a fever for its treatment but also each day during early pregnancy to keep ailments away. Staying hydrated will also keep the electrolytes in balance and not lead to severe issues of dehydration. Lemonades can also be tried on!
4. Stay Under Fan’s Circulation:
A simple way to reduce fever during pregnancy is to use a standing fan and stay within the limits of the fan’s circulation. According to professionals, it is one of the efficient ways in which fever can be treated without any side effects. It will also give you the comfort you deserve at this point.
5. Good Rest:
The body needs time to accumulate the energy and thus help the immune system fight off problems, including fever. This is only possible if you take proper sleep and rest throughout the day. About 9 hours of undisturbed sleep at night and regular naps during the day are highly advisable when it comes to fever treatment. It also helps in healthy pregnancy when there is no ailment to be treated. This is one of the best tips for how to control fever during pregnancy.
Read Also: Dengue Fever During Pregnancy
6. Healthy Nutrition:
A fruit smoothie will not only replenish the body with the required vitamins and minerals to fight off the fever but also enhance your taste buds and make you mentally refreshed. A smoothie is one of the exciting ways in which health can be restored without compromising on the taste. Similarly, you can also make salads and fruits for proper nutritious intake.
7. Do Not Wear Heavy Clothing:
Wearing a single-layer cloth is essential during pregnancy to provide perfect body temperature. If you are wearing many-layered clothes, then this would raise your body temperature and overheat your body. When you are feeling cold, you must use a thin blanket for covering yourself only when required and remove it when you are warm enough. A single-layered or one-layered cloth allows appropriate air circulation. The material of the fabric is also a point of matter. Always use cotton fabric that is light, comfortable to wear and maintains your body temperature. Overdressing may lead to premature birth because of increased body temperature.
8. Vitamins Intake:
Proper medicines are needed to be taken to reduce fever during pregnancy months. It is safe to take fever-reducing medicine, but the doctor must prescribe that. Paracetamol makes you feel comfortable and lower the tendency of occurring fever. During pregnancy months you should avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, which have a lot of side effects for pregnant women. Proper medication is needed for a baby’s development as pregnancy is a highly delicate situation. Medicines containing caffeine as one of the ingredients must be avoided when you are pregnant. Also, taking parental vitamins at the exact time maintains your body’s vitamin and mineral levels. These proper vitamins will strengthen your immune system and hence helps to reduce fever during these months especially.
9. Consult a Doctor:
During pregnancy, it is essential to consult a doctor if you have a fever and which medicines to take as most of the medicines have had side effects during pregnancy or may the ingredient in the drug is not perfect for your health condition. The common cold can cause fever, flues, any infection inside the body, and also from food poisoning. So you need to take preventive action for these causes. If proper medication is not taken, it causes irritation, rashes, abdominal pain and nausea. Further, one may never diagnose oneself if it is normal or viral fever or the case of specific dengue typhoid during pregnancy time. If the fever sustains more than 24 to 36 hours after medication, then surely consult a doctor.
10. Say No to Homoeopathy:
It is highly essential to take appropriate medicines for fever during pregnancy. Homoeopathic medicines may not have a proper effect on you while having a fever during pregnancy months. You must consult a doctor or also a health care provider while taking certain medicines and also homoeopathic medication. This might affect the baby’s health, so we need to avoid homoeopathic remedies. The same applies even in the case of low fever during pregnancy, avoid homoeopathy!
11. Stay at Cool Places and Indoors:
You need to stay indoors in order not to get affected easily which does not affect your as well as the baby’s health. If you are out, try to keep in the shade and cool places so that the heat does not affect your health condition. Proper body temperature is maintained by staying at cool places and reduce the risk of fever too. Overheating can be prevented by providing the exact body temperature for your metabolism.
12. Avoid Junk and Processed Foods:
Consumption of oily food and fast food must be avoided while having a fever. Frequent cold increases the chances of fever. For this reason, you must avoid having certain food items that increase the possibility of a common cold. It is recommended not to have cucumber, curd and other food that increases the chance of fever.
Further, chuck the junk and processed packet foods, and always prefer a healthy and nutritious diet. Never give up on cravings, and prefer home-cooked food only. This applies at all three stages, fever during pregnancy in the first, second or third trimester.
Home Remedies to Reduce Fever:
Besides the treatment options, it is always good if one can add them up with natural home remedies and ways to mitigate high to low fever. They do not harm but rather aid in quicker recovery. Here are a few clues!
1. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple Cider Vinegar is an alkaline fluid that helps in reducing infections. Bacterial infections find it challenging to thrive in an alkaline environment, and this helps in quick recovery from fever caused to bacteria. It’s best to give this remedy a try before resorting to antibiotics.
Method:
- Mix 2 tbsp of ACV in warm water.
- Drink it 2-3 times a day.
- You can also gargle with this water to get rid of a sore throat.
2. Lemon:
Lemon is another best alkaline diet that helps in boosting the immune system and fight infections. It is also recommended to consume this Vitamin C-rich fruit every day during pregnancy. Bacterial infections can be brought into control using Lemon.
Method:
- Squeeze 2 lemons in a jar of water.
- Add some honey and sea salt.
- Mix thoroughly, Consume throughout the day.
3. Basil:
Basil leaves are an excellent remedy for bringing down symptoms of fever. They are extremely powerful antibiotics and anti-fungal remedies that can help in curbing infections. These leaves can be easily consumed by taking them in the form of warm tea for soothing relief.
Method:
- In a cup of boiling water, mix 1 tbsp of Basil.
- Add 1/4th tbsp of Pepper.
- Strain the tea and consume it warm.
4. Gargle with Salt Water:
You may also be experiencing sore throat and pain/uneasiness at this point in time. You can quickly get rid of this issue with this simple home remedy. The saltwater helps to clear the bacteria and also gets rid of the dry cough issue.
Method:
- Take a cup of boiling water.
- Add a spoonful of salt to it.
- Mix it well, and Gargle it well without consuming the liquid.
5. Herbal Tea:
What best than seeking some relief from hot herbal tea? While herbal tea not only has medicinal properties of treating cold and cough, it also gives immense benefits through dissolving mucus and getting rid of it.
Method:
- Keep a cup of water in a pan, to boil.
- Add herbal tea leaves and the required amount of sugar to them.
- Let it boil, Filter the tea and consume it hot.
Read Also: List of Vaccines for Pregnant Women
Medicines for Fever During Pregnancy:
It is firstly advised always to treat the fever with natural remedies and ways. However, in case of suffering from high temperatures, always consult the doctor before taking over-the-counter medication by yourself. In the case of oral medications, there are both safe and unsafe pills which are to be taken with full knowledge before consuming them. Hence, do not consume and take treatment of fever with medicines before the advice from your health care provider.
1. Safe Medications:
The doctor generally will suggest you the best possible lower-level dose to treat fever, as required. Paracetamol is a standard tablet that is often advised by medical professionals. The alternatives are Tylenol (which has Acetaminophen), which is found in any pharmacy. If you are suffering from frequent fever, never take the case easily during pregnancy. We recommend you to rush the doctor immediately.
2. Unsafe Medicines:
It is essential also to take note of oral medications to avoid during pregnancy. While it is best to use nondrug measures to treat the condition, it is always recommended to avoid painkillers, combination products (to treat several conditions), aspirin, and phenylephrine drugs during this phase.
Preventing Fever While Pregnant:
As they say, ‘prevention is always better than cure. It is always better if one can avoid health concerns and illness during pregnancy, given the effect it may lay even have on the unborn child. Here are some tips from us to best stay healthy and immune!
- Have a good amount of vitamin C. This helps always to stay immune.
- Stay hygienic. Wash hands with soap and never eat anything near untidy surroundings.
- Make sure you take your injections and vaccinations on time if any. It is preferable to take shots to avoid the flu.
- Do not consume foods which can probably cause allergies.
- Avoid processed and junk food, which can cause food poisoning.
Serious Conditions During Pregnancy:
It is not just about suffering from fever, but rather the state can also lead to many complicated situations at times. These conditions can pose complications and be dangerous. Here are some prevalent dangers of fever during pregnancy and how it may affect the baby.
1. Septic Abortion:
The case of septic abortion can take place when the uterus is infected. This can happen due to abortion or miscarriage. Besides the infections during pregnancy, severe fever with body temperature combined with low blood pressure and difficulty in excreting urine can cause septic abortion.
2. Chorioamnionitis:
The chorioamnionitis is a bacterial infection that can affect the membranes and amniotic fluid in the uterus. These are vital to make sure that the health of the fetus is good. The condition can get quite complicated, leading to blood clots and pelvic infections. There may be complications with delivery, and the unborn child may face respiratory diseases as well.
3. Listeria:
The case of listeria is mostly due to processed and bad foods. Any consumption of expired food products or unhealthy foods which did not suit the body can lead to hormonal imbalances, leading to listeria. This can lead to fetal infection and result in stillbirth or premature delivery. A stiff neck, diarrhoea, headaches, and nausea are common symptoms of this condition.
Given the various conditions and complexities which may be associated due to suffering from fever during pregnancy, it is always better to stay cautious and healthy. Follow the home remedies and tips, and they can be quite beneficial!
It is advisable to take suggestions and treatment from the health care provider before undertaking any self-treatment. This guide is only indicative of possible situations and sicknesses associated with suffering from fever while pregnant. Consult your doctor for personalized suggestions and treatment for the best results.
Q1. Can Fever Lead to Miscarriage?
Ans: If fever is associated with further complications and related illness, then there are chances of miscarriage. Not all fevers result in the condition but have opportunities to pose difficulties to the unborn child.
Q2. What are the Effects of Fever on the Baby?
Ans: Low fevers can be easily treated, and they generally do not pose complications to the baby. However, high temperatures with giddiness, low blood pressure, chills, nausea etc. can have side effects such as low birth weight, miscarriage or birth defects.
Q3. Is Fever Normal During Early Pregnancy?
Ans: Be it the case of fever in early or late pregnancy; the condition is not always common. Since one may never know the condition and health from within, a checkup is always recommended with the doctor. In case it is just caused due to viral, you are lucky, and it can be easily treated with a standard dosage.
Q4. Is Fever a Sign of Pregnancy?
Ans: A sole symptom of having a fever may not always mean you are pregnant. However, if you experience chills, feeling warm, nausea, and changes in the body, then it is advised to check with the doctor.
