On a typical day, fevers aren't fun, but when you're pregnant, they're downright miserable! A high fever during pregnancy can be potentially harmful to your baby, especially during the first trimester, so you should do everything you can to reduce your temperature if you're experiencing sweats and shakes. During pregnancy, a woman's body temperature changes. Her body generates more heat due to:
● Increased metabolism.
● Elevated levels of hormones such as progesterone.
● Increased workload on the woman's body due to extra weight as the pregnancy. progress, as well as the processing of fetal nutrients and waste products.
Women may feel exhausted, lightheaded, faint, or even hot during pregnancy. While a slight rise in body temperature is normal if you wake up sweating or feeling extremely hot, chances are that you might be experiencing pregnancy hot flashes. The question is, how do you know it's not something more like a fever?
How Can I Know If I Am Getting Hot Flashes or Fever?
Pregnancy hot flashes are not harmful to your baby, but fever may complicate matters. Here are a few markers you can use to diagnose hot flashes:
● It usually lasts only a short time; it is a fleeting sensation.
● Always measure the temperature with a thermometer when in doubt. If the temperature exceeds 100 F, it's time to call the doctor.
Even though hot flashes are common during pregnancy, tell your obstetrician about them. You want to ensure that no underlying medical conditions are causing your hot flashes, such as high blood pressure, endocrine disorders, or fever.
What Causes Fever During Pregnancy?
Although our body temperature can rise and fall for many different reasons, including pregnancy
and hot flashes, a fever is usually a sign that your body is fighting something. The most common causes of fever during pregnancy include:
Colds and flu:
Your immune system is weakened during pregnancy, making you more susceptible to common illnesses.
COVID-19: Fever is one of the most common symptoms of COVID. If you have a fever and other
symptoms, such as a persistent cough, loss of taste or smell, or fatigue, tell your doctor and ask for a COVID test.
Viral or bacterial infections: In addition to colds and flu, other viruses and bacteria, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or strep throat, can also cause fever.
Food poisoning: Unfortunately, pregnancy does not exempt you from food poisoning, especially listeriosis, caused by undercooked meats or unpasteurized cheeses. This is why pregnant women are told to avoid certain foods.
Can Fever During Pregnancy Harm Your Baby?
It is relatively common for pregnant women to get a fever from a cold or other mild infection. Pregnant women who were sick at some point in their pregnancy give birth to healthy babies. So learning that you have a fever isn't a reason to freak out. However, it's also a good idea to figure out what's causing the fever so you can stop it from getting worse.
Research has found a slight link between severe fevers in the first trimester of pregnancy and complications such as neural tube defects, congenital heart defects, and facial malformations such as cleft palates. Some studies have suggested a higher risk of autism in pregnancies with untreated fevers in the second trimester, although we don't know for sure. Although these all sound scary, none of the studies have found a strong link, and later studies have suggested that there is no conclusive evidence at all.
Keep a thermometer handy, but as long as you stay in touch with your doctor, you and your baby
should be fine.
How to Treat a Fever During Pregnancy
Here are a few natural home remedies to cool the body during a fever in pregnancy:
Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of fluids, coconut water, and even chicken broth to help the body manage the fever better. You may also drink warm water with honey if you have a fever with congestion.
Dress comfortably: Wear loose clothing made from lightweight and breathable fabrics. This will allow your body to breathe well.
Rest well: Exhaustion often accompanies fever, so rest well. Good rest helps in regaining the body's
strength.
Stay in a cool area: Make sure your room is well-ventilated and cool. Avoid using an air conditioner since it may make you feel cold. Keep the room airy by using a table or ceiling fan.
Gargle:
Gargling with warm salty water can soothe an irritated throat if you have the flu. It may also help you feel better and make it easier to tolerate the fever.
Eat healthily: Consume foods that boost your immune system. Eat a well-prepared, balanced diet. Eat small frequent meals rather than a large meal at once.
Sponge the body: Soak a washcloth in room temperature water and place it on your forehead. You can also rub the wet washcloth on your hands and legs. This can help reduce your body's temperature by evaporating water.
How To Prevent Fever During Pregnancy?
You can prevent fever during pregnancy by taking some precautions and preventive measures. The
majority of these measures involve avoiding pathogens and infections that cause fever in the first place.
● Wash your hands frequently with a hand wash.
● Get your vaccinations against seasonal flu and H1N1 influenza on time.
● Maintain distance from ill people.
● Avoid eating foods outside.
● Eat hygienically prepared homemade food.
● Do not consume unpasteurized milk. Buy food products approved by food regulatory
agencies.
● Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds that raise your body temperature and may cause a temporary fever.
Remember, pregnancy hot flashes are a normal part of pregnancy, but if your temperature continues to rise, it may be time to contact your doctor.
