Dengue in Pregnancy: What Should an Expectant Mother Do?
Dengue in pregnancy raises risks for both mother and baby, so see a doctor as soon as fever starts. Plenty of fluids, rest and watching for warning signs matter most.
In this article 5 sections
If a pregnant woman gets dengue, the first step is to see a doctor without delay and stay under medical supervision. Dengue can become serious in pregnancy, so hospital admission for monitoring is often advised. If you are at home, drinking plenty of fluids, resting fully and going to hospital as soon as any warning sign appears matter most. With timely, appropriate care, most mothers and babies do well. In the video, Dr. Sharmin Afroz briefly explains this topic.
01Why dengue is riskier in pregnancy
Dengue is a viral fever spread by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. In pregnancy the body’s blood volume, blood pressure and blood components change naturally, which can make it harder to recognise the fluid leakage from blood vessels or fall in platelets caused by dengue. Severe dengue increases the mother’s risk of bleeding and shock, as well as the risk of preterm birth or miscarriage. If dengue occurs close to delivery, the newborn may also be affected.
02Symptoms of dengue
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
- Body, muscle and joint pain
- Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
- A red skin rash
Take any fever in pregnancy seriously. If you develop fever during the dengue season, have blood tests as your doctor advises so the illness is diagnosed early and platelets and other values can be checked regularly.
03What to do at home and during treatment
- Plenty of fluids: take water, oral rehydration solution (ORS), coconut water, soup and fruit juice in small amounts frequently. Ask your doctor how much fluid you need.
- Rest: rest fully and avoid heavy work.
- Care with medicines: paracetamol is usually used for fever and pain, but your doctor should set the dose. Do not take ibuprofen, aspirin or similar painkillers, or injections, on your own, as they increase the risk of bleeding.
- Watch your urine: note how often you pass urine; passing less is a sign of dehydration.
- Baby movements: in later pregnancy, keep track of your baby’s movements.
- Do not delay treatment by relying on unproven home remedies.
Remember that complications usually appear between the third and seventh day after the fever starts, around the time the fever comes down. So stay alert even when the fever settles, and have the tests your doctor requests on time.
04Preventing dengue
- Use a mosquito net when sleeping, both day and night.
- Wear loose, long-sleeved clothing.
- Use mosquito repellents that your doctor confirms are safe in pregnancy.
- Regularly empty standing water in flower pots, tyres, containers and on rooftops.
- Fit nets on windows and doors.
Make sure family members also know the warning signs so they can take you to hospital quickly if needed. Decide in advance which nearby hospital you will go to, and keep your antenatal card and reports close at hand.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor whenever you have a fever in pregnancy. Go to hospital urgently if you notice any of the following:
- Severe abdominal pain or repeated vomiting, being unable to keep food down
- Bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in urine or stool, or black stools
- Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
- Extreme weakness, restlessness, drowsiness or feeling faint
- Breathlessness, or cold hands and feet
- Passing much less urine
- Reduced baby movements or the start of labour pains
Q & A
Frequently asked questions
In most cases, with timely treatment, the baby does well. Severe dengue increases the risk of preterm birth or miscarriage, so prompt care is essential.
Hospital admission for close monitoring is often advised. Your doctor will decide based on your condition.
There is no reliable evidence that any food or home remedy raises platelets quickly. Adequate fluids, a balanced diet and medical monitoring are the mainstay of care.
Dengue alone does not usually require a caesarean. Your doctor decides how the baby should be born based on the condition of mother and baby.
Article & video by
Dr. Sharmin Afroz
Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Infertility Specialist and Laparoscopic Surgeon
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Anwer Khan Modern Medical College & Hospital.
