A fever is a rise in body temperature, usually indicating that the body is fighting an infection. In pregnant women, fevers can be dangerous, especially during the first trimester when the baby’s organs are developing.

But a recent study has shown that fevers in pregnancy can have other effects, too.

What the study found

Researchers at the University of Adelaide, Australia, looked at data from over one million pregnancies between 1999 and 2015. They found that women who had a fever during pregnancy were more likely to have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Specifically, the risk increased by 34% in the first trimester, and by 40% in the second trimester.

The researchers also found that the risk of ASD increased with the severity of the fever. Women who had a fever for more than seven days had a 71% higher risk of having a child with ASD than women who had a fever for less than three days.

Why fevers in pregnancy are dangerous

Fevers in pregnancy are generally dangerous because they can harm the developing baby. High fever in the first trimester can increase the risk of birth defects, miscarriage, and stillbirth.

In the later stages of pregnancy, high fever can cause preterm labour and delivery, which can also be dangerous. In addition, fevers can make a pregnant woman dehydrated and can lead to other complications like seizures and blood clotting disorders.

How to prevent and manage fevers in pregnancy

Preventing and managing fevers in pregnancy is important to protect both the mother and the baby. Here are some tips:.

Avoid people who are sick
Wash your hands frequently
Get a flu shot
Avoid food-borne illnesses
Stay hydrated
Get plenty of rest
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce fever
Avoid ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can be harmful in pregnancy

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of preventing and treating fevers in pregnancy. Pregnant women should take steps to avoid illness and, if they do get sick, should seek medical attention right away.

By doing so, they can protect their own health and that of their developing baby.