In case of fever in pregnancy, above 37.8ºC, what is recommended is to try to cool the body with natural methods such as putting a wet cloth in cold water on the head, neck, neck and underarms.
Wearing cool clothes and avoiding hot drinks like teas and soups are also ways to control the fever because hot foods and beverages stimulate perspiration, naturally lowering body temperature.
If even following the guidelines above the fever does not subside, it is recommended to call the doctor or go to the hospital to investigate what may be causing a fever.
Teas to lower fever in pregnancy
Teas should not be used in a disorderly way during pregnancy because it is not always safe. Teas, although made with medicinal plants, can promote uterine contraction and vaginal bleeding, increasing risks for the baby. So the ideal is to take only 1 cup of warm chamomile tea so that only by temperature, it promotes perspiration by lowering fever naturally.
Remedies for Fever in Pregnancy
Medications for fever such as Paracetamol or Dipirone should only be taken under medical indication, because it is important to know the cause of the fever. Paracetamol is the only medicine to reduce the fever that the pregnant woman can take, even with medical advice.
What can be fever in pregnancy?
Some common causes of fever in pregnancy are urinary tract infection, pneumonia and intestinal infection caused by some food. Usually the doctor asks for a blood and urine test to know how to try to identify what is causing a fever, but when there are signs of flu and a cold, he may still ask for an x-ray to check for severe lung changes.
When there is fever in early pregnancy, up to 14 weeks of gestation there may also be suspicion of ectopic pregnancy, especially if there are symptoms such as severe pain in the foot of the belly, and if woman has not yet performed the ultrasound to confirm that the baby is inside of the uterus. Learn all about ectopic pregnancy.
Does fever in pregnancy hurt the baby?
A fever over 39 ° C during pregnancy can harm the baby and even lead to preterm delivery, not by raising the temperature, but by what is causing the fever, which usually indicates some infection. Thus, in case of fever, always call the doctor or go to the hospital to perform tests that can indicate the reason for the fever and the necessary treatment.
When to go to the doctor
It is important that the pregnant woman seek medical help immediately if the fever appears for no apparent reason, if the temperature reaches 39 ° C suddenly, if there are other symptoms such as headache, malaise, vomiting, diarrhea or feeling faint.
When in addition to the fever the woman presents vomiting or diarrhea it can be suspected that it is something related to the feeding. In addition to getting medical help as soon as possible it is also important to take water, homemade whey, soup and broths to replenish the liquids and salts lost through diarrhea and vomiting.