Why do I have a fever when I’m pregnant?

Why do I get a fever when I’m pregnant? Revealing the causes and countermeasures of increased body temperature during pregnancy

During pregnancy, many expectant mothers will find that their body temperature is slightly higher than usual, and they may even have a low-grade fever. This phenomenon has caused many people's concerns and questions. This article will use structured data and analysis to answer your questions about the causes, common symptoms, and scientific responses to increased body temperature during pregnancy.

1. Hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days and discussions related to fever during pregnancy

2. Physiological reasons for increased body temperature during pregnancy

1.Effects of hormonal changes: After pregnancy, the level of progesterone (especially progesterone) increases significantly, which will directly affect the temperature regulation center, causing the basal body temperature to rise by 0.3-0.5°C.

2.Increased metabolic rate: In order to meet the needs of fetal development, the metabolic rate of pregnant women increases by 20%-30%, and the heat production naturally increases.

3.Immune system adjustments: To prevent the mother from rejecting the fetus, the immune system is actively suppressed after pregnancy, and this adjustment may manifest as a mild inflammatory response or low-grade fever.

3. Pathological fevers that require vigilance

Although it is normal for body temperature to rise slightly during pregnancy, special attention should be paid to the following situations:

1.infectious fever: Urinary tract infection (incidence rate is about 10%), respiratory tract infection, etc. may cause high fever (>38℃).

2.chorioamnionitis: If accompanied by abdominal pain or abnormal vaginal discharge, you need to seek medical attention immediately.

3.drug reaction: Some pregnant women are sensitive to supplements such as iron, which may cause drug fever.

4. 7 scientific ways to deal with increased body temperature during pregnancy

1.Physical cooling takes priority: When the body temperature is <38.5°C, use warm water baths, antipyretic patches, etc.

2.Properly replenish water: Increase daily water intake to 2000-2500ml to prevent dehydration fever.

3.Choose safe medications: Acetaminophen is a relatively safe antipyretic drug during pregnancy (medical advice is required).

4.Monitor fetal movement changes: Record fetal movements every 2 hours during fever and seek medical attention immediately if abnormal.

5.Adjust indoor environment: Keep the room temperature at 22-24℃ and the humidity at 50%-60%.

6.nutritional support: Increase vitamin C (kiwi, orange) and zinc (oysters, nuts) intake.

7.Get enough rest: Ensure 8-10 hours of sleep every day to avoid immunity decline.

5. Expert advice and latest research

According to the latest research in the "Chinese Journal of Perinatology Medicine" in 2023: long-term low-grade fever during pregnancy (>37.3°C for more than 2 weeks) may increase the risk of fetal neural tube defects by 1.8 times. It is recommended that when persistent low-grade fever occurs in early pregnancy, folic acid supplementation (0.8 mg per day) should be strengthened and NT ultrasound examination should be performed promptly.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines emphasize that pregnant women whose body temperature exceeds 39°C for one hour may affect fetal heart development, and cooling treatment needs to be initiated within 30 minutes.

Remember: Any fever during pregnancy should be communicated to the obstetrician in time, and do not judge or delay treatment on your own. Through scientific understanding and correct response, most abnormal body temperatures during pregnancy can be properly handled to ensure the health of mothers and babies.