5 Things To Do When You Have Fever During Pregnancy

Fever increases as the body temperature rises. Any temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever. If you have a fever during pregnancy, you should immediately consult your doctor as it is often a symptom of an underlying condition, including pregnancy loss and is potentially harmful to your growing baby.

Your immune system becomes weaker when you’re expecting. You can blame the changing levels of hormones. Therefore, you are more susceptible to getting sick. According to research, fever during pregnancy has been linked with congenital irregularities and birth defects like neural tube defects. Here’s everything that you can do if you have a fever during pregnancy.

Causes Of Fever During Pregnancy

Fever during pregnancy can be caused by urinary tract infections and respiratory viruses.

Some other causes of fever during pregnancy include:

• Pneumonia
• Influenza
• Tonsillitis
• Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
• Viral gastroenteritis (stomach virus)

5 Things To Do When You Have Fever During Pregnancy

It is advisable to call the doctor without any delay. The doctor will then try to rule out the cause of the fever. Here’s a list of things you can do if you have a fever during pregnancy:

1. Take antibiotics after consulting a doctor: If the cause of the fever is a bacterial infection, the doctor might prescribe antibiotics.

If the doctor notices any symptoms of the flu, he/ she will prescribe antiviral medications, which are most effective when taken within 48 hours of noticing the symptoms.

Instead of taking ibuprofen that can harm your developing baby, you can discuss with your doctor if you can take acetaminophen.

It appears to be the safest pain and fever relief medication to use during pregnancy.

2. Get adequate rest and sleep: Ensure that you are sleeping well and taking adequate rest. Taking short naps during the day can also help to heal faster.

You can ask for help from your family members or partner so that they can take over the household chores.

3. Stay hydrated: Dehydration due to morning sickness during pregnancy can also cause fever.

Ensure that you are drinking plenty of water and fluids throughout your pregnancy and stay hydrated.

4. Continue to take prenatal vitamins: Prenatal vitamins promote proper nourishment and development of your growing baby. These vitamins also strengthen your body’s defence against infections.

Therefore, it is important to continue to take prenatal vitamins throughout your pregnancy.

5. Avoid junk food: It is advisable to avoid junk food during pregnancy as it might cause food poisoning and can cause fever along with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Dr Pooja Marathe, Community Expert – Lactation & Nutrition says, “Fever during pregnancy can be due to various reasons. It creates stress in the body internally and then elevates the body temperature. However, this is temporary. Having plenty of fluid is the primary requirement for the fever to come down during this crucial time and will help for the smooth functioning of the body.

You can do your part in reducing the chances of fever during pregnancy. It is advisable to get a flu shot, Tdap vaccine and the COVID 19 vaccine. If you are worried about its safety, you can consult your doctor. These vaccines help create proteins or antibodies that serve as protective shields for your unborn baby.