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Fever in Pregnant Women: Causes, Risks, and Safe Treatment Options

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Fever is the body’s natural response to certain infections or diseases. Although it does not cause miscarriage, it can be a sign of infection.

One common cause of fever in pregnant women is a viral infection, such as influenza or colds. This virus can cause fever with other symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sore throat and muscle aches.

This condition can affect the comfort and well-being of pregnant women and increase the risk of complications if not treated properly.

Fever can also be the body’s response to inflammatory conditions, such as a tooth infection or tonsillitis. This inflammatory condition can cause an increase in body temperature and other symptoms such as pain and swelling.

Pregnant women have fevers more often

Mothers need to treat inflammatory conditions well, especially during pregnancy, to prevent complications that may arise. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can also affect body temperature.

Some pregnant women may experience a mild fever or body temperature fluctuations without an infection or other medical condition. Although this mild fever is often harmless, it is important to monitor body temperature closely and consult a medical professional if you have any concerns, Mother.

Frequent causes of fever in pregnant women

During pregnancy, the body experiences various hormonal and immunological changes that can affect the response to infection. This makes pregnant women more susceptible to fever and increases the risk of experiencing fever more often than those who are not pregnant.

One of the main changes is a decrease in the body’s immune response to infection to prevent rejection of the fetus which is actually a foreign cell in the body.

Looking at the site Parents, Dr. Greves, an obstetrician, said that pregnant women need to find out the cause of frequent fevers, because it could be an indication of a serious problem. Viral infections such as flu or colds are common causes of fever during pregnancy.

However, bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections or kidney infections can also cause fever. In addition, diseases such as listeriosis or toxoplasmosis caused by bacteria or parasites can also cause fever during pregnancy. Serious medical conditions such as encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain, can also cause fever.

It is important to remember that fever during pregnancy is not uncommon and can be a sign of a health problem that needs to be taken seriously. For the health of mother and baby, it is important to consult a doctor to find out the cause of the fever and get appropriate treatment.

Impact of pregnant women with fever on the fetus

According to several studies, fever during pregnancy can increase the risk of congenital abnormalities in the fetus and even autism. However, the results of this study need to be reviewed further to confirm the actual relationship.

A number of epidemiological studies have found a correlation between fever occurring in the first trimester of pregnancy and an increased risk of congenital abnormalities in the baby.

These congenital abnormalities include birth defects such as cleft lip and palate as well as heart and nervous system problems. Although these findings are interesting, further research is still needed to understand the causal relationship between fever and this congenital disorder.

Apart from that, several studies have also shown that fever during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, can increase the risk of autism in children.

However, the results of this research are still controversial and there is no clear scientific consensus. Some experts believe that fever itself may not be a direct cause of autism, but is an influential risk factor.

Sick pregnant woman/ Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto/JackF

Safe fever treatment during pregnancy

Collect healthline, Fever in pregnant women can be treated depending on the symptoms felt. Read in full, Mother.

1. Pain and headaches

The use of pain relievers during pregnancy requires careful consideration because some drugs can affect the health of the pregnant woman and fetus.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a drug often recommended for pain relief during pregnancy because it is classified in category B, this means animal studies have not shown significant risks, although human research is limited.

On the other hand, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen should be avoided during pregnancy because they can increase the risk of complications in the fetus, especially in the third trimester.

Long-term use of NSAIDs or in the first trimester can increase the risk of miscarriage or abnormalities in fetal development.

In situations where pain is very severe, such as after surgery, doctors will prescribe short-term opioid painkillers. The use of opioids must be in accordance with the doctor’s instructions and limited to the required dose because excessive use can cause risks to the mother and fetus.

In addition, the use of opioids during pregnancy can also cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a condition where the baby experiences withdrawal symptoms after birth due to exposure to opioids in the womb. Therefore, the use of opioids should be considered carefully and only used if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the mother and fetus.

2. Flu and cough

The use of cold medicines during pregnancy requires careful consideration because some of the active ingredients in cold medicines have potential risks for fetal development. Most doctors recommend delaying use of cold medications until after the 12th week of pregnancy to minimize risks to the baby.

Some safe options that can be used to relieve flu symptoms during pregnancy include:

  • Ordinary cough syrup can help relieve coughs caused by flu.
  • Dextromethorphan (Robitussin) and dextromethorphan-guaifenesin (Robitussin DM) are safe choices for cough relief. Both are classified in category C by the FDA, meaning animal studies suggest a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate studies in humans.
  • Expectorant medications during the day and cough suppressants at night can help treat coughs that interfere with sleep.
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a safe choice for relieving pain and fever during pregnancy. This drug is classified in category B by the FDA, meaning animal studies have not shown significant risks, although human research is limited.
  • Meanwhile, the active ingredient pseudoephedrine in Sudafed can affect blood flow from the uterus to the fetus. Its use during pregnancy can be safe in some cases, but it is necessary to consult a doctor if you have high blood pressure or other health problems.

    It is always important to follow the doctor’s advice and avoid non-prescription medications without medical approval during pregnancy.

    How to prevent fever during pregnancy

    Launch Medical News Today, Hay fever cannot always be completely prevented, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting sick in the first place. Some effective prevention methods include:

  • Flu vaccination is a very important preventive measure, especially during flu season. This helps protect against flu viruses that can cause fever and other complications. This can also help protect the baby after birth because they will receive protection from the mother.
  • Washing your hands frequently with soap and running water regularly is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection. This includes simple but effective steps to remove germs and viruses from your hands which can help prevent you from contracting illnesses that can cause fever.
  • If someone is sick, especially with symptoms of a cold or other infection, it is best to stay away from them if possible. The spread of disease can occur through the air or direct contact, so reducing exposure to people who are sick can help prevent you from becoming infected.
  • By taking these preventative steps, you can help protect yourself and your baby from illnesses that can cause fever during pregnancy. Staying consistent with these preventative practices can help maintain health and minimize the risk of developing disease.

    This is a review about pregnant women who often experience fever. Hopefully this is useful, Mother.

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    2024-04-13 05:35:08
    #Pregnant #Women #Fever #Safe #Medication #Choices #Prevention

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