As you know, an increase in temperature above 37°C indicates problems in the body. When this situation occurs in a woman during pregnancy, it causes anxiety and concern.

Most often, especially when a woman is preparing to become a mother for the first time, she still does not know whether there can be a temperature during pregnancy and why this happens. Let's find out the answer to this question and figure out whether it's worth panicking in such a situation.

Can body temperature increase during pregnancy?

Everyone knows that if the thermometer shows numbers of more than 37°C, then this is an alarming sign - an inflammatory process has begun somewhere in the body. Unfortunately, this can happen even to a pregnant woman, but she shouldn’t get sick.

Therefore, as soon as a woman notices the presence of an unusual temperature, it is best to contact a local gynecologist or a therapist at an antenatal clinic. They will prescribe a set of examinations (tests) to exclude possible problems with the kidneys, lungs (tuberculosis) or

Am I pregnant?

Sometimes, after listening to more experienced friends, a woman wonders whether an elevated temperature could be a sign of pregnancy, or whether this is idle fiction. Yes, in fact, in this way a woman can find out that she will soon become a mother.

There is a slight increase in temperature in the early stages due to significant changes occurring in the body, but not visible to the eye. The sudden onset of hormonal changes, which are gaining new momentum every day, causes thermoregulation to become more active, which is what the mercury column shows.

The beginning of pregnancy, which is from 4 to 10-12 weeks, is characterized by an increase in temperature ranging from 37°C to 37.4°C. If the numbers are higher, then most likely, in addition to pregnancy, there is a hidden, sluggish inflammatory process that must be immediately localized.

Basically, a woman learns about an increase in temperature by measuring it once for fun. Most often, the expectant mother does not feel any signs that make her doubt her health. That is, muscle pain, joint aches, and chills do not occur. A woman can only feel drowsiness and fatigue - frequent companions of the first trimester.

All of the above applies to the very first weeks from conception. But the answer to the question whether the temperature can rise during pregnancy, without any reason, in the second or third trimester, will be negative. That is, after 12 weeks, any increase in body temperature indicates the presence of a hidden source of inflammation in the body, as well as the onset of influenza or ARVI, and therefore requires treatment.

Hello!

My husband and I really want a baby. We track ovulation and try to maintain intimacy these days. Every time I look forward to the delay. But I don’t have enough patience; I want to see the very first signs.

I have it 37.2

Thanks in advance.

Good question. Thank you for it.

Let's figure out whether temperature can be a sign of pregnancy? When does the temperature rise?

Why does the temperature rise

In the first months of pregnancy, you may notice that some problems with thermoregulation have begun: you are either hot or cold.

Can body temperature be a sign of pregnancy?

Is an increase in temperature normal or not?

If you have a temperature of 37 degrees, then no doctor will tell you yet whether it is a sign of pregnancy or an illness.

Fever, as a sign of pregnancy, occurs against the background of almost normal health. The following may be observed:

1. slight fatigue;
2. malaise;
3. headache;
4. slight runny nose.

If the reaction to the fertilized egg, in the form of a violation of thermoregulation in the body, remains at the same level, and the general condition does not worsen for several days, then you can assume that you have an interesting situation.

If the mark on the thermometer shows above 37.5 degrees, we can talk about the presence of the disease. In this case, the following symptoms are added to the fever:

• cough;
• severe rhinitis;
• pain and sore throat;
• deterioration of health.

When fever is accompanied by pain and discomfort, and intoxication and malaise also appear, then one can judge the presence of a cold or other illness.

Methods and rules for measuring temperature

There are several methods that can help determine whether fever is the first sign of pregnancy.

Temperature can be measured in the armpit, rectum and mouth.

1. One of the indicators of pregnancy is increased basal (rectal) temperature;
2. It is measured in the rectum in the morning without getting out of bed;
3. If the readings before the start of menstruation and on the days of expected menstruation remain at a high level of 37.1 - 37.4 degrees, then you are pregnant.

In order for this procedure to give an accurate result, it must be carried out correctly:

• Use an electronic thermometer to measure the temperature for at least 5 minutes, and a mercury thermometer for 10 minutes;
• You need to measure your temperature immediately upon waking up, without getting out of bed,
• You need to measure your basal temperature in a calm state.

If the temperature is low

You already know that fever, as a sign of pregnancy, is not dangerous. When her indicators are within the normal range, then she does not need to be knocked down. But can there be low indicators at the beginning of pregnancy?

In the first weeks of gestation, the temperature can be not only increased, but also decreased. This is due to the individual characteristics of your body and will not harm the embryo.

However, there are situations when a decrease in body thermoregulation at the beginning of pregnancy indicates a problem in the body. A reduced indicator in the first days of an interesting situation may occur in the following cases:

1. early toxicosis (read

During the period of bearing a child, many changes occur in the female body. The main changes are observed in the endocrine system - the level of progesterone and estrogen increases significantly. The expectant mother’s immunity also suffers; the body produces fewer defense factors against pathogenic microorganisms.

Normal temperature during pregnancy differs from the physiological values ​​characteristic of a woman who is not carrying a child. This phenomenon is observed due to an increased amount of progesterone and an immunosuppressive state.

Favorable human body temperature

For a healthy person, normal body temperature is between 36.0 and 36.9 degrees Celsius. Thermometer values ​​between 37.0 and 37.9 degrees are called subfebrile, from 38.0 to 38.9 degrees - febrile, from 39.0 to 40.9 degrees - pyretic, more than 41.0 - hyperpyretic.

The above classification is valid only for measurements taken in the axillary region. The temperature in the mouth is approximately 0.3 degrees higher, in the rectum - by 0.5 degrees. You should also take into account the measurement error of the thermometer.

Favorable body temperature during pregnancy

Temperatures during pregnancy may be slightly higher than those of a normal person. This phenomenon is associated with the action of the hormone progesterone. After ovulation, in the second half of the menstrual cycle, a woman’s ovary forms a corpus luteum. This organ produces progesterone, a hormone that supports pregnancy.

One of the functions of progesterone is to maintain a high basal temperature (measured in the rectum) at a level of up to 37.4-37.5 degrees. Such values ​​are necessary for the processes of implantation and cell division of the fertilized egg. If a woman does not become pregnant, a few days after ovulation the corpus luteum dies and the temperature returns to normal values.

If conception has taken place, the corpus luteum does not die, but continues to synthesize progesterone. That is why basal temperature in the first days of pregnancy is often several tenths of a degree higher than normal values. However, in some women it may remain below 37.0-37.1. Such values ​​are typical for expectant mothers whose normal body temperature in the armpit is less than 36.6 degrees.

Attention! The permissible temperature in the 1st trimester of pregnancy when measured in the armpit ranges from 36.0 to 37.2 degrees; in later stages, the maximum values ​​normally do not exceed 36.9 degrees.

Summarizing the above, the temperature in early pregnancy, measured in the armpit, can range widely from 36.0 to 37.2 degrees. When the thermometer is in the oral cavity, the upper values ​​reach 37.4 degrees. Basal temperature at the beginning of pregnancy can reach 37.5 degrees.

However, the corpus luteum functions only until the beginning of the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Normal body temperature in pregnant women after the 14th week of gestation should not exceed 36.9 degrees when measured in the axillary region.

Low temperature during pregnancy

Low body temperature during pregnancy is a temperature less than 36.0 degrees when measured in the armpit. Sometimes such indicators are the result of incorrect use of a thermometer. In other cases, low temperature in early pregnancy is the result of the following diseases:

#1. Hypofunction of the thyroid gland.

Its hormones influence all processes occurring in the human body, including heat exchange. With a reduced amount of thyroxine, a decrease in metabolism, weakness, fatigue, and swelling is observed. People suffering from an underactive thyroid gland may experience chills without a rise in body temperature.

#2. Lack of nutrients.

A person receives energy and warmth from eating food. In the first weeks of pregnancy, women often suffer from toxicosis, which is why most of the food is not absorbed and the body experiences starvation.

#3. Fall of immunity.

During pregnancy, the expectant mother's body synthesizes fewer antibodies, which can be manifested by a decrease in body temperature.

#4. Increased loads.

Stress and physical fatigue can cause disturbances in the thermoregulation center located in the brain.

Low body temperature in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy is often the result. The decrease in hemoglobin occurs due to the growing need for iron and vitamins B3 and B12, which are not supplied in sufficient quantities with food. Due to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, the intensity of metabolism and heat production decreases.

Another reason for a drop in body temperature in the middle or end of pregnancy is gestational diabetes. The disease leads to impaired glucose metabolism, which leads to thermoregulation pathologies.

Low body temperature does not have a direct effect on the fetus. However, the listed diseases and conditions can provoke malnutrition of the unborn child, his delay in growth and development.

If a body temperature is diagnosed below 36.0 degrees for more than two days in a row, a woman should immediately seek medical help. The doctor will prescribe additional tests and instrumental research methods that will help make a diagnosis and select treatment.

High body temperature during pregnancy

Fever during pregnancy is almost always one of the symptoms of infectious and inflammatory diseases. This reaction is protective, since many pathogenic microorganisms cannot live and reproduce under high heat exchange. An increase in body temperature occurs due to the activation of a center located in the medulla oblongata.

Quite often, infections are accompanied by other complaints. The most common of them are symptoms of general intoxication: dizziness, weakness, nausea, etc. Depending on the location of the lesion, other complaints characteristic of certain diseases are added to the general complaints: abdominal pain, cough, blood in the urine, etc.

Any microorganism is conditionally dangerous for the fetus. Bacteria and viruses can cause the following negative reactions:

#1. Congenital anomalies.

Even cold pathogens can cause fetal malformations. The earlier the infection occurred, the more serious the consequences for the unborn child. In the 1st trimester of pregnancy, there is a risk of such severe anomalies as the absence of a heart or kidney, underdevelopment of the brain, and an increase in the number of limbs. Quite often they lead to intrauterine fetal death. In later stages of pregnancy, microorganisms cause less severe defects that are compatible with life. The most dangerous agents are considered to be the causative agents of TORCH infections - toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes.

#2. Decreased blood supply to the placenta.

Due to the development of oxygen starvation of the fetus, a delay in its growth and development and pathology of the central nervous system are formed.

#3. Placental abruption.

This pathology is manifested by bleeding from the vagina and nagging pain in the lower abdomen. Without medical assistance, placental abruption ends in fetal death.

#4. Increased uterine tone.

Some bacteria and viruses synthesize antibodies that affect the smooth muscles of human internal organs. Due to this, the uterus begins to spontaneously contract, which leads to miscarriage or premature birth.

#5. General intoxication.

Severe disease affects the entire body of the expectant mother. During infections, the cardiovascular, urinary, digestive, and respiratory systems may suffer, which will lead to a decrease in fetal nutrition.

Treatment of high fever

Under no circumstances should you self-treat for infectious diseases during pregnancy. The doctor must make an accurate diagnosis, assess the need for treatment and select. Many medications are contraindicated during pregnancy, so choosing them independently can lead to unpredictable consequences.

In most cases, low-grade fever should not be lowered, as it helps the mother's body fight infection. Thermometer readings above 38.0 degrees almost always require intervention.

Among non-drug methods of treating elevated body temperature, one of the most famous is tea with a variety of additives. , lemon, lemon balm, raspberries and other products have antiseptic properties, strengthen the immune system, and supply the mother’s body with vitamins.

Also, the expectant mother should drink as much clean, cool water as possible. It causes sweating, which lowers body temperature. Rubbing with cool water, which cools the woman’s skin, is useful.

Treatment of ARVI in pregnant women:

Drug treatment is extremely limited during pregnancy. The safest drugs are Paracetamol, which in studies did not cause congenital anomalies of the fetus. However, these medications should not be taken for more than 3-5 days in a row, as they contribute to impaired kidney and liver function.

If there is no effect from Paracetamol, the doctor may prescribe more serious drugs. Nurofen is a modern remedy that not only reduces body temperature, but also relieves pain and inflammation. However, this medication is prohibited for use from 30 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. Nurofen affects the smooth muscles of the uterus and, when taken in the 3rd trimester, can provoke pathologies of labor.

Celecoxib preparations are one of the most powerful remedies for elevated body temperature. However, medications should not be used in the third trimester of pregnancy. At earlier stages, their use is possible only if there are serious indications.

Acetylsalicylic acid preparations are strictly prohibited in the early stages of pregnancy, as they increase the likelihood of developmental abnormalities in the unborn child. Also, medications in this group cannot be used in the third trimester of gestation due to their effect on labor and the cardiovascular system of the fetus. The drugs can be used from 14 to 28 weeks, but even during this period their use is not advisable, since there are more effective and safe analogues.

Disease Prevention

To prevent infection, the expectant mother should increase her immunity. To do this, she is recommended to engage in light sports - feasible gymnastics, swimming, badminton, etc. Also, a pregnant woman should walk a lot in the fresh air and avoid strenuous physical activity and stress.

To strengthen the immunity of the expectant mother, she should take a responsible approach to planning her diet. It should include sufficient amounts of proteins, vitamins and minerals. A pregnant woman should eat lean meat, fish, fresh vegetables, fruits and berries several times a week. If necessary, the expectant mother can take vitamin complexes.

A pregnant woman should also reduce the likelihood of infection. To do this, she is advised to ventilate the room in which she is located, not to contact sick people, dress warmly, and not sit under a draft, fan or air conditioner. If possible, she should avoid public places, especially in autumn and winter.

A woman expecting the birth of a child is advised to carefully monitor hygiene rules. Upon arrival home, the expectant mother should thoroughly wash her hands and wash her face with soap. It is advisable to rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. During pregnancy, you should not touch animals that can be carriers of infections.

It may be slightly elevated and this is not a pathology, in most cases. The fact is that various changes in a woman’s body, and especially hormonal ones (production of the hormone progesterone), cause a slowdown in heat transfer and, as a result, an increase in temperature values. If the temperature during pregnancy is 37 exactly in the first weeks after conception, then this should not be embarrassing, unless there are other symptoms of disease. Let's take a closer look at the algorithm of actions for increasing body temperature, the causes and methods of treatment/alleviation of the condition.

Low-grade fever. What to do?

This is a temperature of up to 38 degrees. The values ​​may seem small, but this condition is quite difficult to tolerate. I am haunted by a feeling of fatigue and weakness. But that's not the worst thing. Such a temperature, especially if it persists, may be the first symptom of some sluggish, but perhaps very dangerous inflammatory process. Thus, a temperature during pregnancy of 37.5 can be observed with ectopic localization of the fertilized egg - a very dangerous phenomenon for a woman. You will read about possible reasons further in this article.

What to do? We would recommend, first of all, going to a gynecologist if you are already registered with him. If no gynecological pathologies are identified, then you will most likely be sent to a therapist who will refer you for blood and urine tests. If there really is an inflammatory process, and the temperature persists during pregnancy, treatment will be prescribed after diagnosis.

Causes and consequences

Let's look at the pathological reasons. What diseases can be practically asymptomatic? These are pyelonephritis, tuberculosis, herpes, cytomegalovirus and other diseases that are very dangerous for the fetus.

Much less often, fever during early pregnancy, caused by viral and infectious diseases, is observed in women planning a child - that is, those who, in advance, even before conception, underwent a full examination and, if necessary, a course of treatment.

Any infection can be very dangerous for the fetus. The consequences depend, to a greater extent, on the gestational age. If the disease is severe in the first 1-3 weeks after conception, then, most likely, a spontaneous miscarriage will occur or the fertilized egg will stop developing. In this case, the principle will apply: “All or nothing.” If the infection affects the fetus during the formation of the main organs and systems (that is, in the first trimester), then this is almost guaranteed to lead to some kind of congenital pathology. In difficult situations, doctors recommend terminating the pregnancy. If not, then such an expectant mother is monitored especially carefully; she must undergo all the necessary screening tests, the results of which will most likely show whether the child is healthy or not.

Infection is less dangerous after 12-14 weeks, when the placenta is fully formed. If fever during pregnancy in the early stages and the reasons that caused it in the first trimester often lead to the death of the fetus, then from the second trimester the baby is protected by the already formed placenta. But don’t think that the placenta will save you from any misfortunes. No. But it will slightly smooth out the negative external influence.

From about the 30th week, a temperature during pregnancy of 38 and even lower again becomes quite dangerous. As a rule, mother’s illnesses no longer lead to developmental pathologies at such stages, but a high temperature can provoke premature placental abruption (a very dangerous condition for a woman) or lead to premature birth. And the baby seat itself no longer protects the baby as much, since it (the baby seat) tends to wear out, “grow old,” and with each passing week it performs its protective functions worse and worse at longer gestation periods.

How to lower your temperature

Whatever the cause of the fever, it needs to be eliminated, as we wrote above - this can provoke placental abruption. All methods can be divided into medicinal and non-medicinal. Remember that if the temperature during pregnancy is 37-37.5, then there is no need to bring it down. In this way, the body fights the pathogen and there is no need to interfere with it (the body).

If the thermometer already shows more than 38-38.5 degrees, then it’s time to start treatment. Of course, the room where you are should not be stuffy. Wear light clothing and remove woolen items. Drink more of any warm liquid, be it tea or compote. You cannot wipe yourself with vinegar and vodka - it is very dangerous. As a last resort, if such measures do not cause discomfort, you can undress and wipe yourself with water at room temperature. You should not put a cool cloth on your forehead when you have a chill, this will provoke even more trembling, which means the temperature will also rise.

Temperatures during pregnancy of 38 and above can be brought down with the help of medications, but not all. The safest and most effective is paracetamol. The main thing is to maintain the correct dosage.

Prevention

As you already understood from the article, it is very harmful for expectant mothers to get sick, and therefore it is worth taking preventive measures. The first thing we must do is strengthen our immune system. Proper nutrition with an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits goes without saying; additional intake of complex vitamins in tablets is not required. It’s very good if you were hardening before pregnancy and can tolerate temperature changes well.

In “dangerous” times, when the likelihood of contracting the flu or acute respiratory infections is very high, it is advisable to eat a small head of garlic every evening - an excellent method of preventing colds. You can also place cut heads of garlic around the room - there will be no unpleasant odor, but this healthy vegetable will release phytoncides into the air - substances that fight pathogenic bacteria. Drinking a decoction of lemon balm is very good for the immune system. This plant is rich in vitamin C - ascorbic acid. In principle, the same ascorbic acid is found in citrus fruits. But they are too allergenic, be careful. Drinking ascorbic acid tablets, especially in combination with glucose, should only be done on the recommendation of a doctor. Another clear indication of a lack of ascorbic acid in the body is the desire to eat something sour. If there is not enough vitamin C, fever during pregnancy requires long-term treatment, the disease may not subside for a long time due to reduced immunity.

The second rule is no less important - spend less time in crowded places. If it is possible to ask your relatives to take you a doctor’s voucher in the morning at the reception desk, do so. You understand perfectly well that there are a lot of patients crowding around the reception desk, which, by the way, is unlikely to let you get a ticket without queuing. If possible, visit the antenatal clinic only on pregnancy days. These days are set aside specifically for expectant mothers in order to protect them from respiratory diseases. If you feel that your temperature is rising during pregnancy in the early stages, it is better to rest at home and not go outside, take a day off from work. Regarding clothes - a separate conversation. Overheating is just as harmful and dangerous as freezing. Dress appropriately for the weather.

Afterword

Avoiding fever during early and late pregnancy and common colds is not easy. And most expectant mothers tolerate them calmly and then give birth to healthy children. However, there are statistics on unfavorable cases when, after a mother’s illness, she gave birth to sick children. Therefore, still try not to get sick while pregnant.

An increase in thermometer readings, as a rule, indicates the onset of the disease, but during pregnancy this is possible without any apparent reason. To figure out whether there is an unreasonable increase in temperature during pregnancy and whether it is normal, let’s look at this issue in more detail.

Increased temperature during pregnancy: what to do in the early stages?

If a woman’s basal temperature has increased, then this phenomenon is quite natural and is regarded as a variant of the norm. But its decrease should be a cause for concern, as it may indicate a threat of miscarriage.

In the vast majority of cases, an increase in this indicator in the first trimester is not pathological. This phenomenon is due to natural hormonal changes in the body.

If the temperature is elevated to 37°C and there are no other signs of the disease, then do not be afraid or worry prematurely. When anxiety does not go away, you can consult a doctor and get the tests he prescribes.

An increase in temperature is sometimes observed for a rather banal reason - as a result of overheating of the body. It is worth monitoring the microclimate in the house more closely, ventilating more often or going outside.

When should a fever during pregnancy cause concern?

Low-grade fevers (up to 38°C) can be difficult to tolerate. Then the woman experiences fatigue, weakness, weakness, and loss of strength. If low-grade fever persists for quite a long period, then there is a possibility that an inflammatory process is occurring latently in the body.

An increase in thermometer readings in the early stages may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, which is a rather dangerous condition for a woman, so you need to contact a gynecologist when this indicator does not decrease. Only a doctor, based on the tests, will be able to make a diagnosis and prescribe adequate therapy.

In addition, many diseases are characterized by a latent course in the early stages of development, for example, pyelonephritis, herpes, tuberculosis, etc. it must also be taken into account that during pregnancy a woman can catch an infectious or viral disease, which, however, is quite dangerous for the future baby.

The severe course of various diseases in the first trimester quite often leads to miscarriage. When the infection affects various organs and systems of the developing child, developmental defects occur.

In such a situation, a thorough examination of the woman and fetus is carried out. When defects are identified, the question of terminating the pregnancy is raised.

If the thermometer exceeds 38°C during the day in the first month of pregnancy, negative consequences for the fetus may occur: pathologies of the brain and facial skeleton. Also, this phenomenon can provoke a miscarriage, so in no case should this indicator be allowed to increase.

How to quickly reduce a pregnant woman's temperature

You should not take any medications if the thermometer does not exceed 38°C. Otherwise, action must be taken. It is recommended to take paracetamol, but you should follow the dosage. It is strictly forbidden to drink aspirin, as it negatively affects the vital functions of the fetus and can cause a miscarriage. In addition, many medications are prohibited from being taken in the first trimester, so in such a situation, the best solution is to see a doctor or call an ambulance.

You can try to cope with this phenomenon yourself, for example, ventilate the room, dress more lightly. It is recommended to drink more, but if there is swelling, then drinking heavily is contraindicated. You cannot wipe with vinegar or alcohol.

How to avoid fever during pregnancy

To protect yourself and your baby, you need to prevent colds and other diseases. Your doctor may recommend taking additional multivitamin supplements. In addition, it is recommended at the planning stage for a child to undergo a full examination and treat any detected diseases.

An increase in temperature is the first sign of pregnancy

As you know, the first obvious symptom of successful conception is a delay in menstruation. Second
a sign of pregnancy is an increase in basal temperature.

This is quite easy to detect if a woman kept a basal temperature chart.

As a rule, the thermometer rises to 37°C several days before the expected date of menstruation.

If there is a runny nose, mood swings, fatigue, aches in the lower back, arms and back, breasts swell, pigmentation appears on the skin and culinary preferences change, then pregnancy has occurred.

Increased temperature before menstruation or pregnancy

As you know, the menstrual cycle depends on the production of certain hormones. After ovulation, the synthesis of progesterone increases, which affects the thermoregulation center located in the brain. For this reason, particularly sensitive women experience an increase in temperature. This happens about a week before the expected date of menstruation. When menstruation arrives, the thermometer mark drops to the usual numbers, as progesterone levels drop.

However, not all women experience this phenomenon.

If there are no temperature fluctuations, this should not be perceived as a pathological phenomenon.

1. If a woman becomes pregnant, the temperature still rises and also for a reason
   hormonal changes. It is imperative that basal temperature is measured in order to link this indicator with possible conception. You can use pregnancy tests;
2. To confirm this fact, it is necessary to measure BT throughout the entire cycle. The latter is measured only rectally and only in the morning, while the woman has not yet gotten out of bed. If BT rose after ovulation and fell 3-4 days before the expected date of menstruation, then conception did not occur. Otherwise, when a delay occurs and BT does not decrease, but remains within 37°, it is recommended to purchase special tests at the pharmacy or immediately visit a gynecologist and take a blood test for hCG.

If the thermometer reading before menstruation exceeds 37.4°C, you may suspect something is wrong. Too high numbers indicate the presence of pathology in the body, for example, it could be inflammation of the appendages, uterus or its inner layer. It may also be associated with PMS. As a rule, all of the listed pathologies and pathological conditions are accompanied by other symptoms.