Home Remedies For Fever During Pregnancy

Being pregnant is hands down the most responsible full time job. From hormonal rollercoasters to multiple doctor appointments, there is already a lot happening in your body. So when you feel feverish, it is completely okay for you to feel a little uncomfortable. You may come up with a lot of questions like “Is this normal? Is my baby safe? Can I take medicine? What home remedies should I follow?”

It is completely normal and you need not to worry. A lot of expectant mothers have the same questions all across the internet.  The good news? Pregnant women can generally treat their mild fevers at home. The entire difference lies in knowing when to take a rest, when to try home remedies and when to look up for medical advice.

Through this article we will explain to you about the causes of fever during pregnancy followed by safe treatment options for both expectant mothers and their babies. 

What Causes Fever During Pregnancy?

It is a smart move to think about the cause first before looking up to the treatment. You might be wondering about the cause of how you acquired fever or what did you do? Identifying the cause helps you determine if home remedies alone are sufficient or if you require any medical intervention.

Let us now break down some causes that may be responsible for you acquiring a fever during pregnancy:

1. Viral infections:  Viral infections are one of the most common causes of fever during pregnancy. A study involving 100 pregnant women found that viral infections were responsible for fever in approximately 37% of the cases. [1] 
2. Influenza or flu virus: The influenza virus presents special risks for pregnant women since it creates complications which may cause pneumonia or preterm labor. According to the same study, influenza was diagnosed in 21% of pregnant women who had fever symptoms. [1]  
3. Urinary tract infections: In pregnancy, the state of hormonal change and pressure from the growing uterus may sometimes increase the chances of urinary tract infections. UTIs if untreated may progress to a serious form called pyelonephritis.  This may result in kidney infections causing high fever. [2] 
4. Gastrointestinal infections: These infections like viral gastroenteritis can cause fever, nausea or diarrhoea in pregnant women. [3]
5. Chlorioamnionitis: This means infection of membranes surrounding the baby. It is most common in the first and third trimester.  This may come along with a high fever, uterine tenderness and a fast heartbeat. [3]
6. Dengue: Dengue infection results in high pregnancy fever which could trigger shock situations and problems with the kidneys in pregnant women. [4]
7. Hepatitis E: The hepatitis E infection results in high fever and liver failure and may represent a danger to pregnant women. It requires immediate medical intervention. [1]
8. Autoimmune conditions: Sometimes pregnant women may get fever due to immune system disorders or as a result of allergic reactions from medications.[1]

In some conditions, the cause of fever may remain unknown. Therefore, you must consult with a healthcare professional to receive the correct medical care and learn about the cause.

Home Remedies For Fever During Pregnancy

Pregnant women require comfort, care and relief above all else. Now that you know about what may be the reason behind your fever, let us now discuss some natural methods to handle fever symptoms throughout pregnancy.

Stay hydrated and take rest: When your body temperature is high, there is excessive sweating combined with increased breathing rate and metabolism. This way you lose a lot of your body fluids. This dehydrated condition leads to reduced blood flow to placenta, hindering uterine contractions and posing a risk of preterm labor. [5] It is advised that expecting mothers need to maintain proper hydration and take rest especially during fever or heat distress episodes.

Nutritional support: Lukewarm soups and tea have been shown to provide comfort and help individuals stay hydrated during pregnancy. Certain herbs like ginger, tulsi, turmeric and chamomile have anti inflammatory and fever reducing properties. [6]  However, before trying herbal teas pregnant women must receive medical consultation because certain herbs could be harmful. The Pharmaceuticals journal conducted a 2022 literature review about herbal remedies including chamomile and ginger which demonstrated that moderate doses of ginger under 1000 mg/day are considered safe for nausea. [7]

Lukewarm bath: Soaking in lukewarm water is an effective way to reduce body temperature. You should avoid hot water because it will elevate your body temperature. Dab yourself dry after bathing then choose lightweight breathable garments for clothing. [8]

Wear loose clothes: You should avoid wearing clothes that are too tight and heavy for your body. Prefer wearing breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Also avoid taking heavy blankets and multilayers as they will prevent heat from escaping your body making you feel more hotter. [9] 

Can You Take Self Medications During Pregnancy?

The straight answer to this question is NO. Pregnant women who experience fever should avoid immediately looking up for a pill or medication. The use of certain over-the-counter medications during pregnancy can result in potential risks to your developing baby. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen should be avoided, especially during the third trimester. These drugs have been linked to complications such as reduced amniotic fluid, delayed labor, and fetal circulation issues (FDA, 2022). [10]

The safest and most widely recommended fever reducer during pregnancy is acetaminophen (commonly known as paracetamol). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) supports its use when taken at the correct dosage. Research shows acetaminophen does not pose significant harm when used under medical supervision. [11] 

Before using any medication consult your doctor to confirm its safety based on your current trimester situation.

When Should You See A Doctor?

Though mild fever can be easily cured at home, you need to be extra careful during pregnancy. You should immediately look up for a doctor if:

• Your fever exceeds 100.4°F (38°C) and lasts beyond one day [6]
• You feel a burning sensation during urination, as it may indicate UTI.
• You experience chills, rashes and body aches.
• You have vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration.
• You are in the first trimester,  because high temperatures at this stage could potentially lead to birth defects. [1]