Throughout a woman’s pregnancy, her body undergoes numerous changes to provide the optimum environment for her unborn child to develop, grow and thrive.

One of the most significant changes that a mother’s body does experience is an increase in body temperature during pregnancy. This increase in body temperature during pregnancy is known as pregnancy-induced hyperthermia.

What is Pregnancy-Induced Hyperthermia?

Pregnancy-induced hyperthermia is simply the increase in a mother’s body temperature during pregnancy.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, a woman’s body temperature rises around 0.3 – 0.5 degrees Celsius above her normal body temperature during pregnancy.

While this increase in body temperature may seem quite small, it is enough to trigger numerous changes within the mother’s body, and can even have an impact on her unborn child’s development.

Reasons for Pregnancy-Induced Hyperthermia

There are several reasons why a woman’s body temperature increases during pregnancy, including:.

An increase in hormone levels, such as progesterone, can affect the body’s temperature regulation.
The fetal development process also requires energy that is supplied by the mother, this increase in energy demand increases the metabolic rate, resulting in an increase of body temperature.
The pregnant woman’s body also generates extra body heat needed to support the baby as it develops in the uterus.

How Fetal Development Affects Body Temperature in Mothers

The development phase of a fetus and how the mother’s body responds to it can impact the mother’s body temperature during pregnancy. Here are some examples:.

First Trimester

During the first trimester, fetal development is rapid, and the placenta begins to develop. The placenta plays a key role in the mother’s temperature regulation due to increased blood flow in the uterine walls.

The mother is also likely to experience an increase in progesterone levels, which can affect temperature regulation within the body.

Second Trimester

In the second trimester, the placenta continues to develop, which can increase the mother’s body temperature. As the baby grows and develops, it will put pressure on the mother’s bladder and increase blood volume in the body.

This increased blood volume, along with pressure from the baby, can cause the mother’s body temperature to increase. Furthermore, metabolic activity also increases significantly during this phase, which can cause a rise in the mother’s body temperature.

Third Trimester

Third trimester is characterized by continued growth and development of the baby, leading to increased metabolism and pressure on the mother’s internal organs.

As the baby grows, the mother’s body generates more body heat, and the placenta’s function to regulate metabolism and blood flow increases, leading to a further increase in temperature.

Impacts of Pregnancy-Induced Hyperthermia

While a slight increase in body temperature isn’t a concern for most women, it is important to monitor it as it can have long-term impacts on both the mother and the developing fetus. Some of the consequences include:.

Complications during Birth

If a mother’s body temperature is too high during labor, there is a risk of complications such as dehydration, muscle cramps, and exhaustion, which may lead to an emergency cesarean section.

Increased Risk of Birth Defects

If a mother’s core body temperature elevates above 39.2°C for an extended period, it can affect fetal development, leading to fetal distress, and can also increase the likelihood of birth defects in the baby such as neural tube defects, craniofacial malformations, and heart defects.

Maternal Hyperthermia

Maternal hyperthermia can also lead to conditions such as pre-pregnancy hypertension, anemia, and difficulties with milk production after birth.

How to Manage Pregnancy-Induced Hyperthermia

To manage pregnancy-induced hyperthermia, it is important to maintain a healthy body temperature throughout pregnancy. Here are some tips:.

Avoid excessive exposure to high temperatures like sun, saunas and hot tubs.
Stay hydrated.
Avoid exercising in high temperatures, especially during the third trimester when the baby is well developed but the room for manoeuvre is limited.
Avoid excessive clothing and blankets while sleeping.

Conclusion

Pregnancy-induced hyperthermia is a natural phenomenon that occurs during pregnancy, triggered by metabolic demands associated with fetal growth and development, an increase in progesterone levels, and the placenta’s development.

Even though Just a slight increase in temperature can have long term impact like birth complications or increase in risk of birth defects in the baby, a woman can control this phenomenon by following simple safety measures. It is important to monitor and maintain a healthy body temperature throughout pregnancy with a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and proper hydration, to ensure a healthy pregnancy and successful delivery.