Fact Checked
Fever is the normal defense of the body against infection or injury, but if it continues for a long period, it can affect the mother and the unborn baby. There is also the risk for miscarriage. Common conditions that can cause fever during pregnancy include the flu, common cold, urinary tract infection and food poisoning.
Symptoms of fever during pregnancy
- Mild fever usually 100 F or higher, chills, sore throat, runny nose, cough, and muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Vomiting and nausea
- Symptoms of urinary tract infection such as burning sensation when urinating, increased urge to urinate, cloudy or red-brown urine and pelvic pain
- Symptoms of bacterial infection such as chills, shivering, diarrhea and fatigue. If left untreated can result to stillbirth, miscarriage and premature birth.
Treatment
- Take a lukewarm bath or shower to lessen the fever. The water that evaporates from the skin draws out heat and reduce the body temperature. Avoid using cold water to prevent shivers that can increase the temperature.
- Place a cool wash cloth over the forehead to lessen fever by drawing out heat from the body and lessen the temperature. Another alternative to lessen the body heat is using an overhead or standing fan. Set the fan in low setting to prevent getting chilled that can worsen the condition.
- Drink plenty of liquids to replenish the lost fluids during fever. Eat warm chicken soup or broth to give extra fluid in the body. Drink beverages rich in Vitamin C such as orange juice.
- Get plenty of rest to promote healing of the condition. Avoid being excessively stressed out.
- If there is dizziness, lie down to avoid the risk of falling or stumbling.
- Avoid being overdressed when pregnant especially when suffering from fever to prevent overheating of the body and lessen the risk of heatstroke or premature labor. Dress with single layer clothes that are made of light, breathable fabric such as cotton that allows proper circulation of air in the body.
- Use a thin blanket to cover the body if needed.
- Take prenatal vitamins regularly to boost the immune system of the body and maintain balance of minerals and vitamins. Take prenatal vitamins after a meal with plenty of water.
- Use over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol to lessen the fever and make the body comfortable.
Tips
- In a glass filled with warm water, mix a 1 tsp of salt and gargle if suffering from sore throat.
- For sinus headaches or nasal congestion, use nasal lavage or saline sprays. Other option is a humidifier to lessen the symptoms.
FACT CHECK
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Fever-During-Pregnancy
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/could-fever-harm-my-baby