Fever During Pregnancy and How to Overcome It Naturally

Fever during pregnancy can be caused by various things. This condition can relieve itself or be alleviated by taking medication from a doctor. In addition to taking medication from a doctor, you can also relieve fever during pregnancy naturally. Check out how in the following article. Fever during pregnancy is a sign or symptom of an infection in your body. If the fever during pregnancy occurs in the first trimester and the temperature reaches 38 degrees Celsius or more, then immediately check with your obstetrician.

Dangers of Fever When Pregnant

Fever during pregnancy should not be left alone. When your body temperature rises, the body temperature of the fetus also rises. This can cause your baby's heart rate to increase. If not treated immediately, fever during pregnancy can increase the risk of a fetus experiencing a miscarriage and birth defects, such as neural tube abnormalities, heart abnormalities, and cleft lip and mouth. The higher the fever temperature and the longer the fever lasts, the higher the risk of these things.

Causes of Fever During Pregnancy

There are several conditions that can cause pregnant women to have a fever, including:

• Infections, such as urinary tract infections, toxoplasmosis, influenza, and pneumonia.
• Amniotic infection (chorioamnionitis).
• Indigestion, such as diarrhea.
• Food poisoning.
• Tonsillitis.
• Encephalitis.

Each cause of this fever has its own specific symptoms. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to pay attention to other symptoms that accompany fever, such as shortness of breath, back pain, abdominal pain, chills, weakness, to stiff neck. Make sure you tell your symptoms to the doctor.

Natural Treatment for Fever During Pregnancy

Although some of the causes of fever can heal by itself, fever during pregnancy still needs to be seen by a doctor. Fever caused by a virus is sufficiently treated by drinking plenty of water, resting, or taking medicine from a doctor. But if the cause is bacteria, then you need antibiotics. During pregnancy, you are not advised to take any medication, including medications to relieve fever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. So, ask your doctor what fever medicines are safe for you. In addition to treatment from a doctor, the following ways can help relieve fever in pregnant women:

• Compress your forehead and body with a towel or cloth that has been covered with plain water.
• Take a shower with warm water. Avoid using cold water, because it will make you shiver.
• Try to be in a cool or shady room.
• Drink plenty of water so you don't get dehydrated. In addition, lots of drinking will also cool your body from the inside.
• Wear clothes with materials that absorb sweat and are not too thick. If you feel cold, use a thin blanket, and remove the blanket when you feel hot.

To avoid fever during pregnancy, you are advised to diligently wash your hands to avoid viral or bacterial infections. Also try not to be near people who are sick. Because fever during pregnancy can be caused by many things and can harm the fetus, this condition needs to be seen by a doctor. When consulting, ask questions about pregnancy information including the type of drug that is safe for consumption. Do not take any medicine without doctor's advice, because not all drugs are safe for pregnant women.