High fever during pregnancy, is it dangerous? here's how to treat it

Fever during pregnancy may be a minor problem. However, still it should not be underestimated, especially if pregnant women have a high fever. Not just any fever medicine can be consumed during pregnancy. Then, how to deal with this condition? Can a high fever during pregnancy harm the unborn baby?

Can a high fever during pregnancy harm the baby?

A mild fever below 38 degrees Celsius is generally not a cause for concern and usually has no effect on your pregnancy. However, fever that is higher than that can be serious.

You may feel uncomfortable with fever, high body temperature, sweating, occasional chills, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and even dehydration.

Pregnant women and their unborn babies are more likely to experience serious complications from high fever. High fever increases the risk of birth defects, congenital heart defects or miscarriage in early pregnancy. The higher the fever and the longer the fever, the higher the risk.

In addition, a study published in the Journal of Molecular Psychiatry reports that infection in pregnancy and the current immune system response may increase the risk of autism.

High fever during pregnancy, including this condition. The study found that fever during pregnancy has a 34 percent higher risk of developing autism in children who are born. While high fever during pregnancy during the second trimester has a 40 percent higher risk.

However, there are also many reports of pregnant women who have a fever but the baby is fine. Even so, that doesn't mean you can underestimate it. Fever during pregnancy also requires special attention and proper treatment, to avoid the bad things that will happen to the baby.

Can you take medicine when you have a fever?

You can treat a fever by drinking plenty of water and resting. Stay in bed if you feel very unwell. But don't cover yourself too much with a blanket. This can make your body sweat excessively and get too hot, and it is also not good for your baby.

You can also take paracetamol to treat fever during pregnancy. But still consume according to the dose (the total dose in a day is not more than the maximum dose) and do not use it for a long time.

Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to relieve fever. NSAIDs can cross the placenta, which can harm the fetus, and can affect the baby's cardiovascular (heart) system later in life.

When your fever gets higher, and other symptoms get worse. Call your doctor immediately. The doctor will provide the right treatment to relieve your fever.

Your doctor may also offer tests if he or she doesn't find an obvious cause for your fever. This test can involve a urine sample and blood test.

Another way to deal with fever during pregnancy

If you do not want to reduce fever with medicine, you can try some of these ways.

Lie down and compress your forehead with cold water.
Take a warm shower. Avoid taking cold showers, as they can cause chills, which can increase your fever. Warm water can reduce fever when the water evaporates from your skin.
Drink lots of water to keep yourself well hydrated and can help cool your body.
Make sure the air circulation in your house runs smoothly so you don't overheat.
Avoid wearing clothes that are too thick.
Stay in a cool or shaded room.