High temperatures during pregnancy pose risks to both the expectant mother and the developing fetus. While a slight elevation in core body temperature is a normal physiological change, a significant increase above typical ranges signals concern. Awareness and monitoring are important for understanding when to seek medical advice.
Understanding Elevated Body Temperature
A “high” body temperature, or fever, in pregnant individuals is generally defined as an oral temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Some healthcare providers might consider a temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) or above as warranting immediate attention. Normal body temperature during pregnancy can slightly increase, sometimes by about 0.2°F, due to changes in metabolism and increased blood volume.
For accurate measurement, an oral thermometer is generally recommended. While temporal (forehead) or ear thermometers are convenient, oral readings are often more reliable in this context. It is important to ensure the thermometer is correctly placed and held for the recommended duration to get a precise reading.
Common Causes of High Body Temperature
High body temperature during pregnancy can stem from various sources, broadly categorized into internal illnesses and external heat exposure. Illness-related fevers are frequently caused by infections. Common culprits include viral infections like colds and influenza, bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney infections, strep throat, and food poisoning. More serious infections like pneumonia, listeriosis, or cytomegalovirus can also lead to fever.
Beyond infections, external factors can elevate core body temperature. Prolonged exposure to hot environments, such as very hot baths, saunas, hot tubs, or strenuous exercise in hot weather, can lead to overheating. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are possibilities. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating, while heatstroke presents with a higher body temperature, confusion, and a lack of sweating.
Potential Concerns During Pregnancy
Elevated body temperatures during pregnancy can lead to various concerns for both the mother and the developing fetus. For the pregnant individual, a high temperature can cause dehydration, significant discomfort, and may exacerbate any underlying health conditions. It also increases the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion.
For the fetus, prolonged or significantly high temperatures, particularly in early pregnancy, have been linked to potential developmental issues. Studies indicate an increased risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida and anencephaly, especially if fever occurs before the sixth week of pregnancy when the neural tube is forming. Some research also suggests an increased chance of other birth defects, including certain heart defects and oral clefts, with fever in early pregnancy.
Steps for Management and Prevention
When a pregnant individual experiences a high temperature, immediate action and communication with a healthcare provider are important. If the temperature reaches 100°F (37.8°C) or higher, begin steps to bring it down. Also contact a doctor if experiencing additional symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, severe thirst, or decreased fetal movement.
Home care strategies include getting plenty of rest, staying well-hydrated, and applying cool compresses or taking a lukewarm bath to help lower body temperature. Acetaminophen is generally considered a safe medication for reducing fever during pregnancy when taken under medical guidance, but aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a doctor.
Preventative measures include avoiding situations that could lead to overheating or infection. Limit exposure to hot tubs and saunas. When exercising, stay hydrated and consider activities like swimming or indoor yoga. Frequent hand washing and avoiding contact with sick individuals also reduce the risk of infection-related fevers.