Fever during pregnancy should be treated with caution and should not be taken as a normal condition. It is always recommended to get tests, an examination, and medication based on which trimester the fever occurs in.
What body temperature is dangerous during pregnancy?
A temperature above the normal temperature of 38.5 degrees centigrade (100 degree Fahrenheit) is considered to be a fever and needs to be treated.
What are the causes of fever during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the immune system is weak due to a lot of hormonal imbalance. A pregnant woman should be extremely cautious as it is easy to catch infections during the term. The fever can lead to extreme weakness in the body, dehydration, chills, and flu. Fever can be caused due to:
- A bacterial infection
- A viral infection
- Some other underlying condition which can be determined by tests, if the fever does not subside with medication.
Treatment with medication
A viral fever often resolves on its own, or a mild dose of Tylenol is enough for its recovery. If the fever is caused by a bacterial infection then a mild dose of antibiotics may be suggested. Pregnant women should not take aspirin or ibuprofen. It is best to consult a doctor to determine the cause of the fever and avoid self-medication.
Treatment with natural remedies
Home remedies are a good option for treatment as it has no side effects on the body or the baby. In fact, most Obstetricians and Gynaecologists consider it best to avoid medication during the first trimester of pregnancy, so that it does not affect the development of the baby’s vital organs. Some of the natural care options for fever are:
- Hydration and rest
Drink plenty of water and rest well. Juices without sugar are good too. - Staying cool
Dress lightly and stay under the fan or in an air-conditioned room. Cold water compress on the forehead or icing also helps to bring down the temperature. - Gargling with salt water
If the throat is infected or if you have a persistent cough, gargling with salt water will help to reduce it. - Steam inhalation or nasal drops
This can be used to reduce the discomfort of a nose block. - Lemon water with honey
This mix can be had like herbal tea. Lemon helps to bring down the body temperature. - Drinking warm soups
This is especially beneficial if the fever is accompanied by cold-like symptoms.
How to reduce the risks of fever during pregnancy?
The following points should be considered to reduce the risk of being affected by a fever when pregnant.
- Flu vaccination
Getting vaccinated against flu, before pregnancy can help reduce the chances of complications related to flu, like pneumonia, bronchitis or sinus infections. - Healthy lifestyle
Eating a healthy diet, getting sufficient rest and exercising regularly is necessary for general well-being during pregnancy. Avoid eating out as much as possible, to prevent food poisoning. - Maintain hygiene
Keeping your hands clean and washing them often is essential. - Wash your veggies
Wash raw foods well to remove all traces of germs and any pesticides. - Avoiding and managing stress
One must try and be happy at all times. Avoid stressing yourself. Make sure you are surrounded with your family members.