Running A Fever While Pregnant: What It Could Mean - BabyGaga

Pregnancy is a difficult phase, and it is natural not to feel well all the time. During pregnancy, the immune system becomes very weak, making you more susceptible to fever and other conditions. Having an illness during pregnancy can be a thing of concern - you might be worried about how it affects your baby. Adding to the uneasiness, you are already feeling during pregnancy; the temperature rise can surely be a thing of concern for your baby.

However, having a fever or experiencing chills is utterly unrelated to your pregnancy most of the time. Instead of panicking, call your doctor and ask him for the medicine you should take for dealing with fever and then try to figure out what caused it and how it would affect your baby? In this article, we have attempted to provide you with all information about fever in pregnancy and its consequences.

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Symptoms of fever

via: usatoday.com

The symptoms may be any one of the following:

  • Back pain,
  • Shortness of breath,
  • Neck stiffness,
  • Chills,
  • Abdominal pain

Common Reasons

If you are feeling feverish, then it can be due to the following bugs:

  • Influenza- Each of us has experienced flu or cold at some point in our life, so we know it's very irritating. As the immune system is not quite active during pregnancy, you can easily get attacked by it. Take rest and drink plenty of fluids along with an antiviral medication prescribed by a doctor.

RELATED: What You Need To Know About UTIs In Pregnancy

  • Urinary tract infection- Up to 10% of expectant moms will get a UTI at some point. It's common during pregnancy because the growing fetus tends to put pressure on the bladder and urinary tract, which traps bacteria or causes urine to leak. It can be treated with antibiotics and lots of liquids.
  • Gastrointestinal virus- Diarrhea and vomiting caused by a GI bug can invite severe consequences if not dealt with properly. Dehydration can cause contractions and even preterm labor.
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Pregnancy-Related Reasons For Fever

via: pexel.com

In rare cases, fever may only affect pregnant women, and these are not common illnesses and should be treated by the gynecologist. They are:

  • Septic Abortion- When the uterus becomes infected due to a surgically treated miscarriage or abortion. It usually happens in the first trimester.
  • Listeria- This is an infection caused due to consuming contaminated water or food. It attacks the nervous system and, if left untreated, can lead to a miscarriage of premature delivery.
  • Chorioamnionitis- It is a bacterial infection caused to the membranes surrounding the fetus and the amniotic fluid, causing problems like tender uterus, rapid heartbeat, etc.. The woman suffering would have to deliver the baby, and the baby too would need to be put on antibiotics. If untreated, the baby may develop sepsis, meningitis, and respiratory problems.
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During The First Trimester

The first trimester is the high-risk zone for every pregnancy. Gynecologists warn you to be very cautious until a heartbeat is recorded by the third month. During this time, if a fever knocks you down, rising stress levels and tension are normal. Instead of worrying and increasing your blood pressure, stay calm, and work for the solution.

A study from the Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that women who reported fever during the first trimester were more likely to have a baby with a neural tube defect. This possibility is twice as likely as a woman who did not have any fever during the first trimester. Neural tube defects are severe birth defects of the brain and spine( spina bifida, anencephaly). It usually happens during the first month of pregnancy.

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RELATED: How To Cope With Having A Fever During Pregnancy

A recent study shows that fever at the initial stages of pregnancy has an increased risk of heart and jaw defects at birth. The good news is consuming 400 micrograms of folic acid every day reduced the risk of a baby born with a neural tube defect. Usually, doctors prescribe folic acid tablets from the start i.e., from the time you are planning to conceive.

During The Second and Third Trimesters

via: thebump.com

The third trimester is the toughest - with the increase in your baby bump, it becomes challenging to walk, stand still, sleep, or do anything. On top of that, if you have a fever, misery is added. If you have illness due to a GI bug, dehydration can cause contractions and even preterm labour. Preterm labour can bring lifelong effects, including visual and hearing impairments, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and weak growth. During dehydration, you can also experience dizziness, weakness, fainting, hypotension, and in severe cases, electrolyte imbalance.

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It is better to stay prevented by taking flu shots beforehand if you are planning a pregnancy. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and flush out any infection you might have had. Stay safe. Stay well. And though fever is usually not a matter of concern, it's better to check with your healthcare provider if you have it during those nine months of pregnancy.

READ NEXT: New Study Shows Zika Virus ‘Harms Baby Brain Collagen Development’

Source: Parents, CDC, Medical News Today

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