Does fever affect pregnant women?
Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature, and fever can have significant effects on pregnant women. The specific analysis is as follows:
Fever has important implications for pregnant women because the immune system undergoes certain changes during pregnancy, making expectant mothers more susceptible to infections. These infections may negatively affect both fetal development and the mother's own health. Fever in pregnant women may lead to developmental problems in the fetus, particularly when high fever occurs during the first trimester. High body temperature can result in abnormal brain development or other organ defects in the fetus. Fever may also increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor. The inflammatory response triggered by high fever may cause uterine contractions, potentially leading to miscarriage or premature delivery. Moreover, fever in pregnancy could be a symptom of an underlying infection, such as respiratory or urinary tract infections. If left untreated, these infections may spread to other organs, posing more serious health risks to both the mother and the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women who develop fever should seek medical attention promptly to avoid adverse effects on fetal health.
During episodes of fever, pregnant women should increase their fluid intake appropriately and ensure adequate rest to reduce physical stress.