In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Fever is the body’s natural defense mechanism. Normally, the body temperature is 36,6 degrees, at 37 degrees it is a low-grade fever, while if the body temperature exceeds 38 degrees, it is a disturbing signal that alerts us that something disturbing is happening in the body. Can a fever in pregnancy be a threat?
Normal human body temperature is 36,6 degrees if measured in the armpit, while measured in the mouth, ear or anus is high, and the correct reading, which should not be alarming, is 37 degrees. You can talk about a fever when the result is 1 degrees or above. A high fever should always be a cause for concern. Can a fever in pregnancy be dangerous for both the pregnant woman and the fetus?
Fever in pregnancy – temperature norms
Pregnancy is a time when a woman’s body undergoes various changes, the body prepares itself for the 9th month of hard work. The course of pregnancy, its symptoms and their intensity is an individual matter and each woman experiences pregnancy differently. It happens that two pregnancies of the same woman differ radically from each other. Symptoms of pregnancy may vary, of course, the most characteristic are the arrest of menstruation, lower abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fluctuations and emotional lability. However, there are symptoms unusual for this moment, for example, recurrent low-grade fever, which is not related to the development of the disease. Occasional elevated temperatures should not be cause for concern, but should still be consulted with the gynecologist in charge of the pregnancy. Low-grade fever may appear especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, and it is associated with the increased level of progesterone.
During pregnancy, the body temperature norms, regardless of the method of measurement, are the same as in any other situation, i.e. high fever can be considered at 38 degrees and above. This is a signal that the body has been attacked by a virus or bacteria and that the immune system is starting to fight. Unfortunately, immunity during pregnancy is lowered, which is why a woman is more exposed to various types of infections. Of course, any disease can have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy, especially when the symptoms of the disease provoke uterine contractions.
Fever in pregnancy is dangerous, especially between the fourth and fourteenth week of pregnancy, because during this period the embryo is implanted, the ribs and bones are ossified, and the sucking reflexes develop. Particularly dangerous is the situation when the high temperature lasts for several or even several days. In such a situation, unfortunately, developmental disorders may occur in the fetus, for example, limb defects, microcephaly, growth retardation or facial deformities. High fever in pregnancy that lasts too long may even lead to miscarriage.
To regularly monitor your body temperature, it is worth using non-contact thermometers, eg Neno Medic T02 or Neno Medic T05 with the function of measuring the temperature of the liquid, which you can buy at discounted prices at Medonet Market. Electronic thermometers are also very trusted. Try the Vitammy Zoom Electronic Wireless Thermometer, the price of which is currently discounted. See the full range of thermometers available in our store.
Fever in pregnancy – treatment
If the body temperature measured under the armpit is 37,6 degrees and lasts for several days, it is necessary to see the attending physician. Do not take any medications without first consulting your gynecologist or family doctor. Paracetamol is a drug that should not cause side effects to the pregnant woman and the fetus, which must be taken in appropriate doses, i.e. not more than 4 g per day. The drug should not be used for more than three days. From home remedies, cool forehead compresses, summer baths, drinking plenty of fluids, for example linden or rosehip infusions, are recommended. You can also use cooling or warming hot water bottles. We recommend the Sanity rubber hot water bottle or the Loffme hot water bottle with cherry stones and rosemary.
Do you want to strengthen your body during pregnancy? At Medonet Market, you can order prenatal vitamins and minerals in tablets that provide 27 different nutrients, including vitamin C and folic acid.
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.