Fever in pregnant women is a fairly dangerous symptom and therefore requires special attention. Hyperthermic reactions have a teratogenic effect, which consists in the ability to negatively affect the fetal organism. Therefore, every mother needs to know how to lower the temperature during pregnancy so as not to harm the baby. It is equally important to establish the exact cause of hyperthermia, which only a doctor can determine.
All medical recommendations must be strictly followed
What can cause fever?
The temperature can rise in any trimester of pregnancy. Unfortunately, there is no absolute protection against this. Temperature surges can be caused by:
- The pregnancy itself, which is associated with hormonal changes occurring in the expectant mother. Thus, during the 1st trimester, increased secretion of progesterone is observed. This is important to ensure the safety of the fertilized egg. At the same time, it suppresses the immune system, which causes a slight (up to 37.5°C) increase in temperature.
- Viruses and infections provoke ARVI, influenza and other types of colds. Due to the weakened function of the body's defenses (as discussed above), pregnant women are more susceptible to such diseases. Their occurrence is inextricably linked with an increase in temperature. In addition, other symptoms may appear. These include headaches, runny nose, body aches, drowsiness, and cough.
- Pyelonephritis in pregnant women (inflammation of the kidneys) is a common occurrence associated with infection. Fetal pressure impedes the normal circulation of waste products. As a result, infection occurs. The disease is accompanied by an increase in temperature, pain below the lower back, pain when visiting the toilet, weakness and headaches.
- Intestinal infection is manifested primarily by nausea, which is similar to toxicosis. It is accompanied by sharp abdominal pain, frustration and fever.
How to choose an antipyretic in the first trimester?
Only a doctor can make such a choice. This is due to the fact that an increase in temperature can be caused by various factors:
- viral;
- bacterial;
- hormonal;
- allergic.
And therefore, the doctor must first determine the cause of the temperature rise above 37.5 degrees, and only then select the appropriate drug.
Possible consequences of high temperature
If in the first stage of pregnancy there is an increase in temperature to 37.5 ° C, there is no need to worry too much. But when it starts to approach 38°C, risks for the fetus appear. Its proper development and formation becomes threatened. The first trimester is characterized by the intensive structure of a new organism. A strong increase in temperature can lead to defects, and as a result, to mental retardation. A day with a high temperature is enough for the brain, skeleton, and limbs to suffer.
Exceeding 38°C is fraught with disruption of protein production. This leads to poor blood circulation. Oxygen starvation can cause miscarriage (in the early stages) or premature birth (in the later stages). There are also increased risks in the last weeks of pregnancy. For a woman, a high temperature can result in problems with the nervous system and heart, and for a child - in infection during childbirth.
Important
Huge risks require a clear understanding of how to lower your temperature during pregnancy. It is important to quickly identify the causes and eliminate them. Do not forget about the possible harm of self-medication. It is better to contact specialists immediately.
What thermodynamic indicators are considered normal?
For the full functioning of any organism, a constant temperature is required, which will remain at optimal levels. The generally accepted norm is 36.6°C, but in a pregnant woman it may differ due to the special situation. Therefore, thermodynamic indicators in the range of 35.8-37.2°C can be taken as the norm for pregnant women. Constant thermal values are ensured by a balance between the processes of heat transfer and heat production. The thermoregulation center, which is located in the hypothalamus, is responsible for temperature.
If an unfavorable situation is created, then special bioactive substances - pyrogens - begin to be produced in the body or penetrate from the outside. They affect thermoregulatory structures and provoke the development of hyperthermic reactions, which involve an increase in temperature. Moreover, hyperthermia develops in response not only to external pyrogenic effects, when substances enter the body from the outside with bacteria and viral microorganisms, but also to the production of these substances inside the body. In the latter case, hyperthermia occurs against the background of:
- Autoimmune pathologies, in which immune cellular structures are activated against their own cells, destroying them;
- Hormonal disorders and endocrine pathologies;
- Infectious and inflammatory processes or allergic reactions;
- Blood pathologies such as anemia, which is characterized by a deficiency of hemoglobin protein;
- Psycho-emotional stress or neurological pathologies that activate the thermoregulatory center.
Most often, fever during pregnancy is a protective organic reaction to an invading infection, because in such patients the immune defense is weakened, so they get sick easily. In the process of increasing temperature indicators, material exchange and biochemical reactions accelerate, blood vessels dilate, which leads to accelerated elimination of pathogenic agents due to increased blood circulation, urination and sweating. Moreover, under hyperthermic conditions, an environment is created in the body that is destructive for harmful microorganisms.
When and how can you lower your temperature during pregnancy?
It is necessary to reduce body temperature in the following cases:
- if its level exceeds 38°C;
- with angina (intoxication of the body caused by the disease carries extremely high risks for the mother and child);
- when traditional methods do not produce results;
- if medications do not stop the increase;
- at a temperature of 37.5°C, in case of late pregnancy.
The appearance of a temperature and its rapid increase should cause concern for a pregnant woman. It is important to consult a doctor promptly for advice. If the mark of 37.8°C is reached, it is best to start knocking it down and immediately be examined by a gynecologist and specialists (if necessary). This is the only way to identify the true reasons that caused the temperature jump. Self-medication is not recommended. During pregnancy, the risks are very high. Moreover, not only the mother suffers, but also the child.
The progesterone mentioned above cannot affect body temperature in the second half of pregnancy. Therefore, its increase during this period indicates the presence of an inflammatory process or infection. If the temperature is accompanied by sharp pain, vomiting, or feeling unwell, you should call an ambulance. This is the only way to protect yourself and your child from serious consequences.
Finally
If a woman develops a high fever, sweating, cough, or sore throat, she should definitely consult a doctor. Because you cannot take an antipyretic drug on your own. These are not the drugs that are used on the advice of friends. The choice of one or another antipyretic medication, especially in the first trimester, depends on the degree of pregnancy and the woman’s health.
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