Pregnancy Fevers: Potential Dangers and When to Request Medical Attention
Fever during pregnancy can be a cause for concern, as some studies suggest that it may increase the likelihood of congenital irregularities and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. The current scientific consensus indicates that fever carries some risks for adverse outcomes, but these outcomes depend on various factors including fever severity, timing during pregnancy, and management.
Recent evidence shows that fever in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, particularly when caused by infections such as COVID-19. Fever often accompanies more severe maternal illness, which in itself can contribute to complications. Maternal fever, especially in the first trimester, has been linked in some studies to an increased risk of congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Fever management during pregnancy typically includes acetaminophen, which is considered the safest option by health authorities like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Proper fever control is important as untreated high fever could pose greater risk to fetal development than the medications used to mitigate it. While direct contemporary studies on fever alone and autism risk remain limited, prenatal infections and associated fever have been noted as potential contributors to increased susceptibility to developmental issues.
Some studies also emphasize that prenatal exposure to environmental factors (e.g., chemicals) that increase infection rates or fever episodes could indirectly increase developmental risks. A study found a link between maternal fevers and autism, particularly when the fever occurred during the second trimester.
It is important to note that pregnancy loss, or miscarriage, occurs in roughly 20% of pregnancies, and fever does not necessarily cause pregnancy loss, but it can be a sign of an infection. Preventive measures against fever include getting the flu shot, frequent hand washing, and staying away from sick people.
If a pregnant woman experiences a fever, she should seek medical help if any of the following symptoms occur: severe thirst, low urine output, dark urine, lightheadedness, severe cramps, difficulty breathing, decreased movement of the fetus, or if the fever does not go down. Pregnant women who report experiencing a fever during pregnancy are at least twice as likely to give birth to a baby with neural tube defects, but consuming the recommended dosage of folic acid may reduce this likelihood.
In conclusion, the consensus is that fever during pregnancy should be monitored and appropriately treated to minimize potential risks. Fever itself is a marker of underlying infection or inflammation, which are the likely drivers of adverse effects on fetal development, including congenital anomalies and autism spectrum disorder. Adequate prenatal care and management of fever are critical to reduce these risks.
- Untreated high fever during pregnancy could pose greater risks to fetal development than the medications used to mitigate it.
- Maternal fever, especially in the first trimester, has been linked in some studies to an increased risk of congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- While direct contemporary studies on fever alone and autism risk remain limited, prenatal infections and associated fever have been noted as potential contributors to increased susceptibility to developmental issues.
- A study found a link between maternal fevers and autism, particularly when the fever occurred during the second trimester.
- Pregnant women who report experiencing a fever during pregnancy are at least twice as likely to give birth to a baby with neural tube defects, but consuming the recommended dosage of folic acid may reduce this likelihood.
- Predictive science suggests that understanding the connection between fever, infections, and medical-conditions such as autism, colitis, bipolar, and ulcerative colitis could lead to breakthroughs in health-and-wellness research by companies like Pfizer.
