One of the many physical changes that can happen as the body gets ready for childbirth is a potential increase in body temperature. Many expectant mothers may be concerned about this because they aren’t sure if it’s a typical part of the process or something to be concerned about.
A small rise in body temperature may be related to changes in hormones, anxiety, or even the start of labor. But it’s critical to recognize when a temperature shift is normal and when it could be a sign of an infection, for example.
The mother’s and the baby’s wellbeing can be protected by knowing how to react in this circumstance. This post will discuss the causes of a fever spike prior to labor and what to do if it occurs.
- The influence of stress and worries
- Increase before childbirth
- For causes of the disease
- How and when to treat?
- Video on the topic
- How the body prepares for childbirth? Harbingers of childbirth.
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The influence of stress and worries
Pregnant women are usually unable to maintain complete calm, no matter how much information they are given about the need to be calm and prepared for childbirth during consultations and expectant mother courses. The real conditions for a rise in body temperature are anxiety, worry, and fear of giving birth. Furthermore, the anxiety can increase with proximity to the birthdate. According to this theory, a high body temperature prior to giving birth could very well be a physiological response to a psychological issue.
This type of psychogenic fever typically reaches 37.0–37.5 degrees, lasts only a short while, and frequently causes chills. The human body may experience these emotions as a result of stress hormones.
There is not much to explain; it is obvious what to do. You should make an effort to decompress, take a shower, settle down, change your focus, watch your favorite movie, or go for a stroll. Generally speaking, find a way to temporarily put your fears and anxieties aside and focus on being creative. The baby will be born soon, which is an amazing and right thing to do.
Increase before childbirth
A few days prior to delivery, the temperature may rise; at that point, it and other "harbingers" may be interpreted as indicators that labor is about to begin. The pituitary gland and placenta start to produce oxytocin prior to childbirth, which is a hormone required for complete contractions. Progesterone levels are falling. The body may react thermally to changes in hormone levels; a 37.5 degree reading on the thermometer indicates this.
You don’t need to be concerned. It is not necessary to lower or treat such a temperature if there are no other complaints or illness-related symptoms. At the doctor’s discretion, a pregnant woman may enter the hospital and go to the regular tribal area instead of the observation department, which many fear.
For causes of the disease
The fever in pregnant women cannot be ignored, if only because it can be an indicator of the presence of an infectious or inflammatory process in the body, which is extremely undesirable during childbirth. The immunity of the child is weakening, it is artificially suppressed by progesterone to ensure the bearing of the fetus in order to avoid its rejection. Therefore, before giving birth, a woman becomes a convenient target for viruses and bacteria of all categories and stripes. It is possible that the temperature rises due to a viral infection. ARI can be caught anywhere, with a viral disease, not only does the temperature rise, but also the nose gets stuffy, there is a headache, there is a sore throat, a cough may appear. The temperature rises above 38.0 degrees.
In addition to a fever and pain during urination, genitourinary infections can also cause changes in the amount and color of urine as well as an odd odor. Internal uterine infection is the most dangerous. Not as rare as we would like to see are intrauterine infections. An intrauterine infection, which is exceedingly dangerous for both the mother and her unborn child, may be the cause of a temperature increase above 37.5 degrees and its sustained maintenance at this level and above without any indications of a cold.
Treatment may be recommended if an intrauterine infection is found and there is still time before delivery.
If the infection affects the vagina or cervix, or if the fetus’s condition has significantly deteriorated after infection, a woman may be advised to have a cesarean section if the birth is scheduled for any time soon.
How and when to treat?
If a woman complains of a fever, the doctor is obliged to examine her – take a blood test, do an ultrasound, take a smear of vaginal flora for analysis, do a general urine test. In the absence of signs of disease, treatment is not prescribed, since the increase in temperature is considered physiological. According to statistics, such a reaction of the body before childbirth is typical for about 15% of pregnant women. If the causes of the temperature are still painful, you need to try to eliminate them before childbirth. Childbirth itself is a big burden on the female body. If there is an opportunity not to aggravate this burden, why not take advantage of it?
A woman with ARVI is advised to drink a lot of fluids, stay in bed, eat fresh fruit and juice, and get enough sleep. In this instance, drugs for symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or headache are advised instead of prescriptions. The patient’s "interesting" position should be considered by the doctor when selecting the medications. Antibacterial medications are needed to treat genitourinary and STD infections. Prior to childbirth, antibiotics do not have the same strong teratogenic effect on the fetus as they do during the third trimester. They may very well be used, as directed by a physician, to stabilize the expectant mother’s condition.
| Possible Causes of Temperature Rise | What to Do |
| Hormonal Changes | Monitor your temperature, and stay hydrated. If it goes above 100.4°F (38°C), contact your healthcare provider. |
| Dehydration | Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in the final stages of pregnancy. |
| Infection | If you feel unwell or notice other symptoms like chills, consult your doctor immediately. |
| Physical Stress | Rest when needed and avoid overexertion. Listen to your body and take breaks. |
Hormonal changes and the body’s preparation for labor can cause a slight increase in body temperature prior to childbirth. But it’s crucial to keep a careful eye on the temperature and be alert for any additional symptoms that might point to an infection or other problems.
Rest and maintaining hydration may be beneficial if the fever is low and there are no infection-related symptoms. However, it’s crucial to contact a medical professional right away if the temperature increases noticeably or if additional symptoms like pain, chills, or an unusual discharge appear.
As labor approaches, always follow your instincts and consult a doctor if you have any questions about any symptoms. To protect your health and the health of the unborn child, it is best to exercise caution.
It is possible for a minor increase in body temperature to occur prior to childbirth as a result of hormonal fluctuations and heightened physical strain. It’s crucial to get in touch with a medical professional right away, though, if the fever is severe or accompanied by other worrisome symptoms like chills or pain. You can help make sure that mom and baby are safe during this time by remaining composed, keeping an eye on symptoms, and seeking medical advice when needed.
