Is viral fever during pregnancy dangerous?

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Bui Minh Phuc - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital. Doctor has more than 18 years working in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

Fever during pregnancy will often make pregnant women worry because it will adversely affect the fetus. It is important to see a doctor for treatment and to find the cause of fever during pregnancy. Viral fever during pregnancy is often a symptom of an underlying condition that could potentially harm a baby in the womb.

When a pregnant woman has a body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, it is a sign that her body is fighting an infection. A new study done on animal embryos shows that fever early in pregnancy increases the baby's risk of heart and jaw defects after birth. However, further studies are needed to determine whether fever or the type of infection is causing the malformation. If you have a fever higher than 38 degrees Celsius in the first 3 months of pregnancy, you need to see a doctor for immediate treatment. This can help prevent short- and long-term complications for the developing fetus.

Fever is usually caused by urinary tract infections, respiratory viruses, and other infections. Common causes of fever during pregnancy include:
Influenza Pneumonia Tonsillitis Gastroenteritis (stomach virus) Pyelonephritis (kidney infection).

Pregnant women should pay attention and talk to their doctor about symptoms that accompany a fever. Includes symptoms such as:
Shortness of breath Back pain Chills Abdominal pain Stiff neck.

Food poisoning can also be the culprit for fever during pregnancy. Food poisoning is usually caused by viruses, or bacteria (or their toxins).
If you have food poisoning, you may also have stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea and vomiting are especially problematic during pregnancy because they can cause dehydration, contractions, and preterm labor.
Important electrolytes lost with vomiting and diarrhea need to be replenished. In some cases, dehydration can cause blood pressure to stabilize and require hospitalization.

Even if pregnant women think they'll be fine once their fever goes away, it's always a good idea to see a doctor. If the fever is caused by a viral illness, hydration and tylenol will usually resolve on their own. But if the cause is bacterial, the person needs to be treated with an antibiotic. Pregnant women should not take aspirin or ibuprofen. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor for proper treatment.

For adults, a temperature higher than 38 degrees Celsius is considered a fever. The best way to try to avoid a fever is to wash your hands often, protecting yourself from a cold or flu that can lead to a fever.
Stay away from people who are sick and get the flu shot, unless you are allergic to egg protein or you have experienced an allergic reaction to a flu shot in the past.
Viral fever in pregnant women can cause spontaneous abortion to infection of the fetus with congenital viral syndromes. Furthermore, a viral infection can cause a pregnant woman to give birth prematurely. Epidemiological evidence suggests that pregnant women are at increased risk of severe illness and death from viral infections, notably during pandemics such as influenza and EBola. Therefore, understanding why pregnant women are at risk is important for designing appropriate prevention and treatment methods.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-up, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package helps to facilitate the process. birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care

Source: healthline.com