Temperature during pregnancy

Fever during pregnancy can lead to serious complications related to the health of the woman and her fetus. Deterioration in health may be caused by hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother. But there is no need to panic. Let's talk in more detail about the reasons for increased body temperature during pregnancy and ways to combat this problem.

Temperature during pregnancy - what is the danger

A dangerous temperature for a child starts at 37.8 °C. If it rises above 38 °C and lasts for several days, then this already adversely affects the development of the nervous system, brain, and limbs of the fetus. In addition, an increase in temperature can lead to premature delivery in the last months of pregnancy, and in the early stages to I'll have a miscarriage. Protein synthesis in a woman’s body may be disrupted, and the cardiovascular system may malfunction due to intoxication.

When to lower your temperature during pregnancy

Before reducing your temperature with medication, you need to consult a doctor and find out the reasons for the deterioration in your health. The doctor will also tell you which medications can be used during pregnancy and which cannot. The temperature can be reduced if:

• It reached 38°C, and in the later stages, it is recommended to take measures at 37.5°C.
• If folk remedies don't help.
• In cases where the temperature was caused by a sore throat. The risk of intoxication for the fetus and the expectant mother in this case is very high.
• If the temperature rises, despite the fact that you tried to bring it down without the help of medications.

You should not fight a high temperature on your own. This is dangerous for any healthy person, and even more so during pregnancy. It is better to call a doctor or an ambulance. Do not refuse hospitalization if it is offered to you. At the hospital, you will at least be under the supervision of experienced professionals. They will always be able to provide you with immediate assistance.

How to reduce fever during pregnancy

If the temperature is not critical, then it is best to limit yourself to proven folk methods. They are safer for a pregnant woman.

First of all, drink a lot. But do this carefully, as too much water can lead to swelling. In the first trimester you don’t have to limit yourself, but in the remaining trimesters of pregnancy you need to be careful. You can drink water, tea with lemon, berry fruit drinks, a weak chamomile decoction and whatever you want. You should not drink carbonated coffee drinks with artificial colors.

In addition to drinking plenty of fluids, you can resort to rubbing, a cool compress on the forehead. Don't wrap yourself in blankets. This may make the situation worse.

A slight increase in temperature will not harm either you or your baby. Therefore, calmly use the above methods.

If the temperature rises and does not respond to your efforts and attempts to bring it down, then you should resort to solving the problem with the help of medications.

You should not take Aspirin and medications based on acetylsalicylic acid. This substance can lead to miscarriage in the early stages, and in later stages – to premature birth and a protracted nature of the birth process. In addition, this acid can cause serious disturbances in the development of the fetus.

If such a need arises, you can take paracetamol-based antipyretics. These include: Panadol, Tylenol, Efferalgan, Paracet. You need to start taking it with ½ the dose prescribed according to the instructions. You should only resort to medication to lower your temperature as a last resort.

Even before taking approved medications, you should consult your doctor. To begin with, consult a gynecologist. After the examination, if no problems are found, go to the therapist. He will order tests for you. When the results are ready, the doctor will make a conclusion and prescribe the treatment that is appropriate for you.

Remember, any virus or infection can have a bad effect on the fetus. The disease must be detected on time.  While in this position, be attentive to yourself. Listen to your body. If you feel unwell or have something sick, it is better to play it safe and go to the doctor.