The pregnant woman has a temperature of 36.2. Can there be a low temperature during pregnancy? Temperature measurement rules
Thermometric data are the most reliable indicators of the changes taking place in the body of a pregnant woman. During the day, body temperature can change. The difference in indicators is possible in the morning and evening hours. Expectant mothers should not worry about minor temperature changes, but it is simply necessary to know the norms of thermometric data and ways to lower overestimated indicators.
What are the normal body temperatures for pregnant women?
In general, to normal indicators temperature changes include values in the range of 36-37.4 ° C. It is important to bear in mind that in the evening the body temperature is often much higher than in the morning. The time of year can also influence fluctuations in numerical indicators. In the summer, a woman often suffers from a lack of oxygen and stuffiness, which cannot but affect her condition in general. Taking a hot shower or drinking hot coffee or tea can also trigger pressure surges.
For early pregnancy, temperatures in the range of 37.1-37.4 ° C are considered a common occurrence. Increased subfebrile values in the first trimester are associated with a serious restructuring of the body of the expectant mother. As for the second trimester, everything is not so simple here either. For most women, the temperature returns to normal values as the gestational age increases, and some young mothers may observe temperature fluctuations, which, however, should not frighten them.
Reference! The body temperature of a woman depends to a greater extent on the physiological characteristics of pregnancy. Insignificant temperature changes can be caused by various reasons and are not considered pathological conditions.
The most common factor influencing fluctuations in thermometric data is the active production of testosterone, which is responsible for thermoregulation. The temperature may also rise due to a weakened immune system in a woman. In this case, she has immunosuppression, during which the fetus protects itself from possible rejection.
The true cause of temperature fluctuations and the significance of deviations can only be determined by an obstetrician-gynecologist. Nonetheless, future mom should be aware that a multiple increase in temperature to 37.5 ° C and above may indicate a serious deviation. The doctor in this case allocates 4 degrees of hyperthermia, where the first degree at 38 ° C is the least dangerous, and the fourth at 40 ° C indicates the need for urgent hospitalization of the patient.
Temperature measurement rules
In order for basal measurements to give the most accurate readings, you must follow some rules:
- refuse to take hormonal drugs, sedative drugs and even small doses of alcohol;
- the measurement is carried out rectally, since it is in the anus that the temperature indicators are clear and reliable;
- it is important to take measurements after a good sleep of at least 5-6 hours;
- do not move during the manipulation, so as not to violate the value of the indicators;
- it is desirable to fix changes daily with the same thermometer, which should be shaken off in the evening and placed next to the bed;
- rectal measurements are best done at the same time;
- the duration of the procedure should be about 6 - 10 minutes if a mercury thermometer is chosen as the measuring device, and approximately 1 minute if an electronic device is used.
Note! In order to visually see the changes in daily measurements, a woman should have a special notebook in which she must enter all the results of her measurements.
Measurements should always be taken in an upright and relaxed body position. If the measurement could not be made in the morning, then during the day the procedure should still be carried out. In this case, you need to take a break from physical overstrain and bring the nervous system into balance. You should rest for a minute to normalize your heart rate.
Do not drink hot drinks before the temperature measurement procedure itself. After tea or coffee, at least 2 hours should pass.
If the expectant mother plans to measure the temperature in the usual way - in the armpit, then before each procedure, this place should be wiped with dry wipes. The thermometer should be tightly clamped under the armpit, after releasing the hand and forearm from clothing.
To correctly measure the temperature indicators in the mouth, it is necessary to place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue and close the mouth tightly. In this case, breathing should pass strictly through the nose. The time exposure of the thermometer is the same as under the arm (approximately 6 - 10 minutes).
Why can there be a low temperature during pregnancy?
When carrying a child, the temperature may drop several times a day. If an increased indicator may not cause concern, then a decrease in thermometric data should not be left without the attention of specialists. Often this phenomenon indicates the development of hypothyroidism. This is a kind of endocrine pathology associated with a small amount of reproduction of thyroid hormones. This state is indicated constant weakness women, apathy, lethargy and swelling.
A low temperature can be triggered by the following factors:
- prolonged toxicosis;
- constant stress, overwork or excessive stress;
- anemia
- lack of glucose due to malnutrition;
- disruptions at work nervous system;
- weakening of the immune system;
- damage to the body by infections;
- adherence to uncontrolled diets, in which the body is depleted due to constant feeling hunger.
How to normalize indicators?
If the patient does not have pathological conditions that could affect the fluctuation of temperature indicators, treatment is not required. In this case, the physiological characteristics of the organism are the primary factor in such changes. But in order to avoid various kinds of complications, such mothers need to adhere to balanced nutrition and good sleep.
To normalize body temperature, a woman should remove excitement from her life, move more and be filled with positive. It is positive emotions that even out the hormonal background and have a beneficial effect on the entire body. It is important to be in the fresh air more often, for example, to walk in a park, square or just along the alleys of squares. The most important thing is that there is no roadway or a factory nearby.
Many pregnant women are very worried about their low body temperature. In order not to worry in vain, you need to know what indicators are the norm and at what values you should contact a specialist. You also need to have an idea about how to normalize thermometric data on your own, but if the values are too low, it is better not to act without a doctor's recommendation.
Specially for- Elena Kichak
The changes that occur during pregnancy affect many processes and functions of a woman's body. Some of them have a clinical manifestation, others are determined only with a targeted study.
But everyone is subject to the strict necessity of adapting the organism to the new conditions of existence. This also applies to thermoregulatory mechanisms.
Temperature and pregnancy
It is known that during pregnancy there is a change in body temperature. This is due to the increased production of progesterone, a hormone that is responsible for the successful bearing of a child. In turn, it also affects the thermoregulatory center of the medulla oblongata.
Therefore, if during the measurement a woman sees not the expected figure of 36.6, but a slightly larger one - for example, 37.2 degrees, then this is considered quite normal. This condition is mainly observed in early dates, but may persist into the next trimesters of pregnancy. And what then to think, if the temperature is lowered? To do this, you must first establish the cause of this phenomenon.
Temperature is an important indicator of health. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully consider its changes.
The reasons
You can find out if there is a reason for concern with a decrease in body temperature during pregnancy after analyzing the main factors in the development of this condition.
Should you take this situation seriously or should you immediately consult a doctor - it all depends on the reasons. So, low temperature during pregnancy can be the result of:
- Normal changes.
- early toxicosis.
- arterial hypotension.
- endocrine pathology.
- infectious diseases.
- General depletion of the body.
- Poisoning by certain substances.
When the body temperature differs from the generally accepted norm - 36.6 degrees - this can cause legitimate concerns about the state of health. However, it should be said that they are not always justified. The regulation of the thermal regime plays an important role in maintaining a constant balance of metabolic processes.
The temperature response largely depends on the individual characteristics of the organism and, of course, changes under the influence of various external or internal factors, not all of which have a harmful effect.
In order not to worry in vain, the influence of pathological moments on body temperature should be excluded.
Symptoms
Since a decrease in body temperature is one of the manifestations of the internal state of the body, the assessment of changes can to some extent be carried out according to this indicator. But it all depends on the temperature level characteristic of a person and his individual reaction.
Indeed, many people do not even notice that their temperature is below 36 degrees, while not feeling any extraneous symptoms at all. Therefore, one should carefully consider the manifestations of such a state in various situations.
Normal changes
normal temperature bodies can cover a fairly wide range - from 35.5 to 37.4 degrees. These are completely normal fluctuations for a healthy person, which are typical even within one day: in the morning the values are the lowest, and in the evening they are slightly higher.
As already mentioned, during pregnancy, body temperature increases, but, again, it does not go beyond the general norm for a person. In addition, the indicators may differ depending on the place of measurement and are:
- In the armpit: 36.6 degrees.
- Mouth: 37 degrees.
- In the rectum: 37.5 degrees.
When a woman, according to the measurement results, sees that the temperature is somewhat lower than she imagined, then this may be a manifestation of her individual characteristics. If nothing else worries, and she feels good, then you should not immediately panic and run to the doctor.
Moreover, according to temperature indicators alone, one cannot speak of hormonal background, nor about the function of internal organs.
A slightly lower temperature may be an individual norm for a woman.
Early toxicosis
The body of a pregnant woman in the early stages adapts to bearing a child. This can also manifest itself in the form of toxicosis: vomiting or salivation. This situation causes a lot of trouble for a woman, especially with severe manifestations.
Often worried about constant nausea, aversion to certain types of food, excessive sweating. All this is exacerbated by dehydration. Of course, such a condition exhausts a woman and can be the cause of a low body temperature.
Arterial hypotension
Low body temperature during pregnancy may be accompanied by arterial hypotension. This condition is not uncommon for women in position. Sometimes this is the result of vegetovascular dystonia, which existed before pregnancy. In most of these cases, the following symptoms are noted:
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- General weakness.
- Paleness of the skin.
- Increased sweating.
- Increased heart rate.
- Fainting.
A decrease in blood pressure can sometimes result in some problems for the child: malnutrition, delayed intrauterine development. But this mainly applies to those cases when these changes occurred in a woman for the first time against the background of general diseases.
When blood pressure drops sharply, this often indicates a serious pathology: shock, collapse, or impaired cardiac activity.
Endocrine pathology
A decrease in body temperature accompanies some diseases of the endocrine system. This mainly concerns the pathology of the thyroid gland with a decrease in its function (hypothyroidism).
In this case, there is an insufficient calorific or thermal effect due to a deficiency of hormones. There is a slowdown in the basic metabolism in the body and less energy is produced. The disease is accompanied by such symptoms:
- Weight gain.
- Mucous edema of the extremities - myxedema.
- Dry skin.
- Decreased heart rate.
- General lethargy, weakness.
Hypothyroidism often leads to damage to the cardiovascular, nervous system, and joints. During pregnancy, such a disease is especially dangerous, because it can cause a violation of the development of the fetus.
It is necessary to carry out replacement therapy in time for endocrine diseases in order to avoid adverse events in the future.
Infectious diseases
In the recovery period after various infectious diseases, a decrease in body temperature may be observed. This is due to the gradual restoration of the protective properties of the body after a period of fever and intoxication.
In addition, low temperatures can accompany infections such as malaria or cholera. Also, a similar manifestation is often observed after taking antipyretic drugs.
Treatment
If the decrease in temperature is associated with the physiological characteristics of the woman's body, then treatment is not required: it is completely useless and even harmful.
But when a similar situation is noted due to pathological disorders that have been clearly diagnosed, then the possibilities of modern medicine should not be neglected.
Diet
Everyone knows that during pregnancy it is necessary to eat right. But at a low temperature, this is especially important, because it will allow you to restore the body's strength after infectious diseases, during toxicosis or arterial hypotension. For this you should:
- Eat regularly and nutritiously.
- Drink enough liquid.
- Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs.
- Be sure to include fish, lean meats, dairy products, cereals in the diet.
- Give up alcohol and smoking.
Proper nutrition will improve the state of metabolism and ensure that the body receives enough calories.
Medical therapy
The main emphasis is on the use of drugs. Each of the prescribed drugs must meet the safety requirements for the woman and her unborn child.
Therefore, all medicines are taken only in accordance with medical recommendations. Depending on the identified pathology, the following drugs can be used:
- Immunostimulants.
- General tonic.
- Increasing blood pressure.
- Thyroid hormones.
- Vitamins.
It is necessary to be attentive to the treatment of diseases in order to prevent the risk of developing undesirable consequences for the woman and the fetus.
If a low temperature is noted during pregnancy, then before worrying, it is necessary to find out the nature of this phenomenon. Identification of any diseases requires adequate treatment. Only a doctor will help to normalize a low temperature and improve the general well-being of a woman.
One of the important indicators of the state of the body is body temperature. After pregnancy, temperature values \u200b\u200bmay rise to 37.2 ºС. This is the norm. If the body temperature reaches 38 ºС and other symptoms are observed (cough, rhinitis, pain in the lower abdomen), a specialist consultation is necessary. Perhaps an increase in temperature indicates the development inflammatory process in the body and timely seeking medical help will avoid serious consequences.
During the period of bearing a child, the temperature values \u200b\u200bmay decrease slightly. What does, for example, a temperature of 36 in pregnant women mean? Is medical intervention required in this case? Let's figure it out.
You should know that low body temperature can be an individual feature of the body, which a woman reveals only during pregnancy.
Therefore, a temperature of 36.5 during pregnancy may be the norm for a particular woman. There is no reason for concern in this case. However, it is still necessary to consult with your doctor, since a temperature of 36-36.9 during pregnancy can be a manifestation of the disease. Next, consider the most common causes of a decrease in temperature indicators during the period of bearing a child.
Pathologies of the endocrine system
If the temperature is 36.2 during pregnancy, this may indicate a dysfunction of the thyroid gland. One of the diseases of the endocrine system is hypothyroidism. This pathology develops due to iodine deficiency in the body and is accompanied by symptoms such as:
Hypothyroidism requires appropriate treatment, since in the absence of adequate therapy, involuntary termination of pregnancy is possible. Therefore, with a decrease in temperature values, it is necessary to visit your attending physician, who will conduct a thorough examination and, if necessary, give a referral to an endocrinologist.
Decreased immune system function
In order to maintain pregnancy under the influence of progesterone, activity is inhibited immune system. In this regard, the body of a woman is more susceptible to the occurrence of colds and SARS.
As a result of the transferred infectious diseases, accompanied by an increase in temperature indicators, the body of a pregnant woman is depleted, the thermoregulation of the body is disturbed. As a result, a temperature of 36.4 can be observed during pregnancy. In such a situation, it is required to immediately contact a specialist to clarify the diagnosis and carry out the necessary therapeutic measures.
Lack of sex hormones
Low temperature during pregnancy (36.6 and below) may be due to a lack of sex hormones in a woman's body. In such a situation, there is a threat of miscarriage. It is the hormone progesterone that is responsible for the normal course of pregnancy - it prevents uterine contractions that lead to detachment gestational sac. If, in addition to a decrease in temperature values, there are pains in the lower abdomen of a pulling nature, bloody issues from the vagina, the pregnant woman needs emergency medical attention. Treatment in this case is carried out with the use of drugs containing progesterone (Utrozhestan, Duphaston).
hypoglycemia
In the first trimester of pregnancy, many women suffer from toxicosis. With this violation, appetite decreases, nausea and vomiting often occur. As a result, the body of a pregnant woman may be deficient in essential nutrients. As a result, the general condition of the body worsens, temperature values \u200b\u200bmay decrease. Other symptomatic manifestations of this pathology are:
- tachycardia;
- intense sweating;
- slow blood circulation;
- headache;
- respiratory dysfunction.
After regular nutrition is established, body temperature returns to normal. If you can’t cope with the problem on your own, you should contact a specialist who will select the appropriate diet.
Improper nutrition can lead to the development of anemia. This pathology is also characterized by a decrease in temperature values.
In addition, this disease is manifested by increased weakness, tachycardia, dry mouth, deterioration of the condition of nails, hair, and skin. A decrease in hemoglobin interferes with the normal development of the fetus. A child can be born with iron deficiency and other pathologies.
Overwork of the body
A temperature of 36.7 during pregnancy may be the result of frequent emotional stress or lack of sleep. Excessive psychological or physical stress negative impact for the work of the whole organism. Overwork, in the absence of compensatory recovery, leads to exhaustion of the body, which can threaten the further course of pregnancy.
A low temperature during pregnancy (36.8 and below) does not always indicate a violation in the body of the expectant mother. If such a phenomenon is detected, you should consult with your doctor. The specialist will conduct a thorough medical examination, the results of which will confirm or deny the presence of pathology.
Timely implementation of adequate therapeutic measures will prevent the development of dangerous complications.
During the period of bearing a child, many changes occur in the female body. The main changes are observed in the endocrine system - the level of progesterone and estrogen increases significantly. The immunity of the expectant mother also suffers, the body produces fewer protection factors against pathogenic microorganisms.
The normal temperature during pregnancy differs from the physiological values \u200b\u200bcharacteristic of a woman who does not bear a child. This phenomenon is observed due to an increased amount of progesterone and an immunosuppressive state.
Favorable body temperature
For a healthy person, normal body temperature is between 36.0 and 36.9 degrees Celsius. Thermometer values between 37.0 and 37.9 degrees are called subfebrile, from 38.0 to 38.9 degrees - febrile, from 39.0 to 40.9 degrees - pyretic, more than 41.0 - hyperpyretic.The listed classification is valid only for measurements taken in the axillary region. The temperature in the mouth is higher by about 0.3 degrees, in the rectum - by 0.5 degrees. You should also take into account the measurement error of the thermometer.
Favorable body temperature during pregnancy
The temperature during pregnancy may be slightly elevated compared to the values of the average person. This phenomenon is associated with the action of the hormone progesterone. After ovulation, from the second half of the menstrual cycle, a corpus luteum forms in the ovary of a woman. This organ produces progesterone, a hormone that supports gestation.One of the functions of progesterone is to maintain a high basal temperature (measured in the rectum) at a level of up to 37.4-37.5 degrees. Such values are necessary for the processes of implantation and cell division of the fetal egg. If a woman does not become pregnant, a few days after ovulation, the corpus luteum dies off, and the temperature returns to normal values.
If the conception took place, the corpus luteum does not die, but continues to synthesize progesterone. That is why the basal temperature in the first days of pregnancy is often several tenths of a degree higher than normal values. However, in some women it may remain below 37.0-37.1. Such values are typical for expectant mothers whose normal body temperature in the armpit is less than 36.6 degrees.
Attention! The permissible temperature in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, when measured in the armpit, ranges from 36.0 to 37.2 degrees, at later dates the maximum values normally do not exceed 36.9 degrees.
Summarizing the above, the temperature in early pregnancy, measured in the armpit, can lie in a wide range from 36.0 to 37.2 degrees. When the thermometer is in the oral cavity, the upper values \u200b\u200breach 37.4 degrees. Basal temperature at the beginning of pregnancy can reach 37.5 degrees.
However, the corpus luteum functions only until the beginning of the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Normal body temperature in pregnant women after 14 weeks of gestational age should not exceed 36.9 degrees when measured in the axillary region.
Low temperature during pregnancy
Low body temperature during pregnancy - a temperature that is less than 36.0 degrees when measured in the armpit. Sometimes such indicators are the result of improper use of a thermometer. In other cases, low temperature in early pregnancy is the result of the following diseases:#one. Hypothyroidism.
Its hormones affect all processes occurring in the human body, including heat transfer. With a reduced amount of thyroxine, there is a decrease in metabolism, weakness, fatigue, and swelling. People with an underactive thyroid may experience chills without an increase in body temperature.
#2. Nutrient deficiencies.
A person receives energy and warmth when eating food. In the first weeks of pregnancy, women often suffer from toxicosis, which is why most of food is not digested and the body experiences starvation.
#3. Fall of immunity.
During pregnancy, the body of the expectant mother synthesizes fewer antibodies, which can be manifested by a decrease in body temperature.
#four. Increased loads.
Stress and physical fatigue can provoke disturbances in the thermoregulation center located in the brain.
Low body temperature in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy is often the result. The decrease in hemoglobin occurs due to the growing need for iron and vitamins B3 and B12, which do not come in sufficient quantities with food. Due to the decrease in the number of red blood cells, the intensity of metabolism and heat production decreases.
Another cause of a drop in body temperature in the middle or end of the childbearing period is gestational diabetes. The disease leads to impaired glucose metabolism, which leads to pathologies of thermoregulation.
Low body temperature does not directly affect the fetus. However, the listed diseases and conditions can provoke malnutrition of the unborn child, his growth and developmental delay.
When diagnosing a body temperature below 36.0 degrees for more than two days in a row, a woman should immediately seek medical help. The doctor will prescribe additional tests and instrumental methods of research that will help to make a diagnosis and choose a treatment.
High body temperature during pregnancy
Fever during pregnancy is almost always one of the symptoms of infectious and inflammatory diseases. This reaction is protective, since many pathogenic microorganisms cannot live and multiply with high heat exchange. An increase in body temperature occurs due to the activation of the center located in the medulla oblongata.Quite often, infections are accompanied by other complaints. The most common of them are symptoms of general intoxication: dizziness, weakness, nausea, etc. Depending on the focus of the lesion, other complaints that are characteristic of certain diseases join the general complaints: abdominal pain, cough, blood in the urine, etc.
Any microorganism is conditionally dangerous for the fetus. Bacteria and viruses can cause the following negative reactions:
#one. congenital anomalies.
Even cold pathogens can cause fetal malformations. The earlier the infection occurs, the more serious the consequences for the unborn child. In the 1st trimester of pregnancy, there is a risk of such severe anomalies as the absence of a heart or kidney, underdevelopment of the brain, and an increase in the number of limbs. Quite often they lead to intrauterine death of the fetus. In later pregnancy, microorganisms cause less severe malformations that are compatible with life. The most dangerous agents are the causative agents of TORCH infections - toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes.
#2. Decreased blood supply to the placenta.
Due to the development of oxygen starvation of the fetus, a delay in its growth and development, pathology of the central nervous system is formed.
#3. Placental abruption.
This pathology is manifested by bleeding from the vagina and pulling pains in the lower abdomen. Without medical assistance, placental abruption ends in the death of the fetus.
#four. Increased uterine tone.
Some bacteria and viruses synthesize antibodies that affect the smooth muscles of human internal organs. Due to this, the uterus begins to spontaneously contract, which leads to miscarriage or premature birth.
#5. General intoxication.
The severe course of the disease affects the entire body of the expectant mother. With infections, the cardiovascular, urinary, digestive, and respiratory systems can suffer, which will lead to a decrease in fetal nutrition.
High fever treatment
In no case should you self-treat for infectious diseases during pregnancy. The doctor must make an accurate diagnosis, assess the need for treatment and select. Many medications are contraindicated during the period of bearing a child, so their independent selection can lead to unpredictable consequences.In most cases, subfebrile temperature should not be brought down, as it helps the mother's body fight infection. Temperature readings above 38.0 degrees almost always require intervention.
Among the non-drug treatments for elevated body temperature, one of the most famous is tea with a variety of additives. , lemon, lemon balm, raspberries and other products have antiseptic properties, strengthen the immune system, supply the mother's body with vitamins.
Also, the expectant mother should drink as much clean cool water as possible. It causes sweating, which lowers body temperature. Wiping with cool water is useful, cooling the skin of a woman.
Treatment of SARS in pregnant women:
Medical treatment is extremely limited during pregnancy. The safest are Paracetamol preparations, which in the course of studies did not cause congenital anomalies of the fetus. However, these drugs should not be taken for more than 3-5 days in a row, as they contribute to impaired kidney and liver function.
In the absence of the effect of Paracetamol, the doctor may prescribe more serious drugs. Nurofen is a modern remedy that not only reduces body temperature, but also relieves pain and inflammation. However, this medication is prohibited from taking from 30 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. Nurofen affects the smooth muscles of the uterus and, when taken in the 3rd trimester, can provoke pathologies of labor.
Celecoxib preparations are one of the strongest remedies for fever. However, medications should not be used in the third trimester of pregnancy. At earlier dates, their admission is possible only if there are serious indications.
Acetylsalicylic acid preparations are strictly prohibited in early pregnancy, as they increase the likelihood of developmental abnormalities in the unborn child. Also, drugs of this group cannot be used in the third trimester of the gestation period due to their effect on labor and the cardiovascular system of the fetus. The drugs can be used from 14 to 28 weeks, but even at this time they are not advisable to take, since there are more effective and safer analogues.
Disease prevention
To prevent infection of the expectant mother, immunity should be increased. To do this, she is recommended to engage in light sports - feasible gymnastics, swimming, badminton, etc. Also, a pregnant woman should walk a lot in the fresh air, avoid strong physical exertion and stress.To strengthen the immunity of the expectant mother, you should take a responsible approach to planning your diet. It should include a sufficient amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Several times a week, a pregnant woman should eat lean meat, fish, fresh vegetables, fruits and berries. If necessary, the expectant mother can take vitamin complexes.
Also, a pregnant woman should reduce the likelihood of infection. To do this, she is recommended to ventilate the room in which she is, not to contact with sick people, dress warmly, and not sit under a draft, fan and air conditioner. If possible, she should avoid public places, especially in the autumn-winter period.
A woman who is expecting a baby is advised to carefully follow the rules of hygiene. Upon arrival home, the expectant mother should thoroughly wash her hands and wash her face with soap. It is advisable to rinse the mouth with an antibacterial rinse. During pregnancy, you should not touch animals that can be carriers of infections.
During pregnancy, it is important for a woman to be extremely careful not to get sick, because this will negatively affect the health and development of the fetus, and any medications during this period are contraindicated for a woman. High temperature during pregnancy is a dangerous phenomenon, most often indicates the presence of a disease. Regardless of the reason for the increase in temperature, it, an indicator close to 38 degrees or exceeding it is the reason for an immediate visit to the doctor.
Causes of fever during pregnancy.
Changes in body temperature can be observed in any trimester of pregnancy. There may be several reasons for this - pregnancy itself and various diseases of an infectious and inflammatory nature. During the period of hormonal changes in a woman's body during pregnancy, body temperature may slightly increase (normally up to 37.4 degrees Celsius) due to the influence of a large amount of progesterone produced, which is responsible for the preservation of the fetal egg, and suppression of the immune system.
Due to the weakening of the immune defense, a woman's body is susceptible to attacks by various viruses and infections, which is why during the period of bearing a baby, it is important to observe the rules of personal hygiene and, if possible, avoid mass gatherings of people. Very often, the measures taken do not work, a woman develops SARS, influenza or any other colds (most often during epidemics), which may be accompanied by fever. Urinary and intestinal infections are considered more serious, in which fever is one of the first symptoms.
Temperature during pregnancy against the background of diseases.
Except high temperature in a pregnant woman due to ARVI, other symptoms of the disease are added, in particular, severe headache, drowsiness, sore throat, runny nose, aches all over the body, cough. SARS are insidious by the development of complications in the form of pneumonia, tracheitis, laryngitis, otitis media. Viruses can easily cross the placental barrier and adversely affect the fetus. Against the background of the emerging infection, spontaneous miscarriage occurs, or various malformations occur.
Pyelonephritis or inflammation of the renal pelvis is a fairly common disease among women during pregnancy. The development of the disease is accompanied by an increase in temperature, the disease develops due to fetal pressure on the ureters. Against this background, the outflow of urine is difficult, infection occurs. In addition to high temperature, there is general weakness, headache, pain in the lower back area, which can radiate to the thigh or groin, and painful urination. It is quite difficult to identify the disease during pregnancy against the background of low severity of signs of kidney damage. It is impossible not to treat the disease, in the later stages gestosis (late toxicosis) develops, as a result of this, the fetus develops oxygen starvation and developmental delay. In more serious cases, the disease provokes a miscarriage.
Intestinal infection is also a common disease among pregnant women. It manifests itself in the form of nausea and vomiting, the symptoms, in principle, are similar to those of pregnancy. The addition of other manifestations to the already existing symptoms should be alert - loose stools, pain and cramps in the abdomen, and, of course, fever.
High body temperature always indicates an infection, both of these factors are dangerous.
It is difficult to treat infections in the first trimester of pregnancy in conditions where almost all medicines are contraindicated for expectant mothers. Therefore, do not delay, do not self-medicate, it is better to visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Risk of fever during pregnancy.
In the first trimester of embryonic development, temperatures up to 37 degrees Celsius are perceived by experts as the norm, you should not worry. Another thing is if its indicator approaches 38 degrees. In this case, the fetus and its development, as well as the nervous system, begin to suffer. The laying of many organs and systems of the baby occurs precisely in the first few months of gestation, an increase in temperature over 38 degrees during this period leads to various malformations and mental retardation of the child. If the temperature over 38 degrees does not subside during the day, the brain, limbs, facial skeleton suffer (most often there are malformations in the development of the jaw, palate and upper lip).
High temperature leads to disruption of protein synthesis, impairs the blood supply to the placenta, which provokes miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy, and premature birth in the later stages.
An increase in body temperature, even a slight one, is dangerous before childbirth, as it can cause the future mother to develop various complications from the heart and nervous system. For the baby, there is a threat of infection during childbirth.
What to do with fever during pregnancy.
So, if the temperature has risen to 37-37.6 degrees, you should not be afraid, this is normal, unless, of course, there are no other signs that bother you. If the temperature value is close to 38 degrees (37.7-38), or exceeds this figure, you should consult a doctor. The gynecologist (if necessary, together with narrow specialists) will conduct a full examination in order to identify the cause that provoked the temperature rise. You should lower the temperature on your own only after consulting a doctor!
Remember, in the second half of childbearing, progesterone no longer affects the woman's body, so the temperature during this period is the main symptom of infection or inflammation. If, in addition to a high temperature, there is a gradual or sharp deterioration in general well-being, accompanied by vomiting and pain in any area, call an ambulance without delay.
How to lower the temperature during pregnancy?
Let me remind you that the use of any medication antipyretic should be done only on the advice of a doctor. Aspirin and preparations based on it are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy, in the first months there is a high risk of miscarriage when taking it, and in later months it provokes bleeding and delays the birth process. Also, the drug can cause fetal malformations, reduce blood clotting, against which bleeding may occur.
If the temperature is rapidly approaching 38 degrees, you should take half a tablet or another drug based on it (Panadol, Efferalgan, Paracet, etc.), and call a doctor. I repeat, taking pills should be in exceptional cases, it is advisable to do with a single dose of medication. Prolonged and uncontrolled use of Paracetamol during pregnancy leads to anemia and causes bleeding.
Folk remedies to reduce body temperature.
Hanging body temperature (up to 37.6 degrees) does not require any treatment, you can simply use folk remedies. To begin with, you should drink more warm (not hot!) Liquids. Suitable for this purpose green tea, lime blossom with raspberry or lemon, cranberry juice, chamomile decoction, milk with honey and butter. If there is a problem with edema, you will have to be extremely careful, excess fluid is not desirable, especially in the second half of pregnancy.
At low temperatures, herbal infusions will help: two tablespoons of raspberries, four tablespoons of coltsfoot, three tablespoons of plantain placed in a glass jar (0.5 l) and brewed with boiling water, let it brew. Drink a tablespoon four times a day.
Or this recipe: put a teaspoon of chopped white willow bark in a small jar, pour 250 ml of boiling water, insist until completely cooled. Take four times a day for a tablespoon.
You can bring down the temperature by the usual rubdown with vinegar solution, lemon juice, cold water, cold compresses on the forehead.
If these measures do not help you, moreover, the condition worsens, call a doctor. It also happens that these application of these methods is a waste of precious time in situations where you need to act immediately. Therefore, be attentive to yourself, during pregnancy, any delay can cost the fetus life.
Prevention of fever during pregnancy.
- If possible, avoid crowded places, especially during epidemics.
- Thoroughly ventilate the apartment several times a day.
- After the street, rinse the nasal passages, wash your hands with soap.
- Take vitamin complexes and compounds to increase immunity, but with the permission of a doctor.
A decrease in body temperature can also be observed during pregnancy and be a feature of the woman's body. However, this symptom may be a sign of toxicosis (against the background of dehydration and electrolyte disturbances) or the presence of endocrine pathologies, which requires inpatient treatment. This kind of reaction of the body may also indicate an immunodeficiency state. In any case, it is necessary to inform the doctor leading the pregnancy.