Having a fever is a cause for alert for anyone, especially if you are pregnant. The increase in body temperature is usually accompanied by symptoms such as headache, muscle fatigue, chills or excessive sweating. Although women's immune systems are weakened during pregnancy and most cases are usually mild, fever can appear as an indication of a more serious condition for the mother or fetus.
If your body temperature exceeds 38 degrees, you should avoid taking any medication until you consult a doctor or pharmacist. According to the specialized magazine Ser Padres in an article, taking acetylsalicylic acid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is not recommended during pregnancy. However, paracetamol could be taken as long as the dose of 4 grams per day is not exceeded.
In cases of mild fever, taking antipyretics is not useful as long as the mother can continue with her activities of daily living. In fact, this can be counterproductive, since fever responds to a natural defense mechanism to fight viruses and other microorganisms in which this medication could interfere.
Pregnant women experience a reduction in immune defenses and are therefore more susceptible to fever. This fact, which is within the normal range, can, however, be a sign that the body is fighting to combat some other illness. Conditions such as rhinitis, angina or otitis are in fact quite common during pregnancy.
On the other hand, the flu is one of the diseases that pregnant women tolerate the worst. If you are diagnosed with the flu, you must rest completely and follow a treatment of antivirals. This disease can have serious consequences during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, as it can trigger contractions and increase the risk of premature birth.
Fever accompanied by contractions may be a symptom of an infection in the amniotic sac or placenta, known as chorioamnionitis in medical terminology. In these cases, it is likely that the sac that surrounds the fetus will rupture, with the consequent loss of amniotic fluid. This can progress to spontaneous labor and, if it lasts too long, it must be induced. If this happens, you should contact your midwife immediately.
The sudden onset of fever could also be a symptom of listeriosis, a very serious disease for the fetus that can cause perinatal infections and even cause abortion. Detection is key to addressing it and that is why it is necessary to go to the doctor in case of fever.
