can fever cause miscarriage early pregnancy

eer It's never normal to run a fever or experience chills when you're pregnant. If you do experience these symptoms, you may have an illness that's completely unrelated to your pregnancy, says Alyssa Dweck, M. D., an ob-gyn in Mount Kisco, NY, and co-author of the forthcoming book V is for Vagina.

Fever and Chills During Pregnancy

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""It's easier to become sick when you're pregnant because your immune system is naturally suppressed,"" Dr. Dweck says. But there are some more serious conditions directly related to pregnancy that can cause these symptoms, too. Consult our guide to learn about the illnesses and conditions that may be to blame, as well as when to call your doctor.

Common Culprits of Fever and/or Chills If you're feeling feverish or you have a case of the chills, you may be suffering from one of these common bugs.

Rest assured -- they're all temporary and treatable!Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Up to 10 percent of expectant moms will get a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point during their pregnancies, according to the March of Dimes. Your urinary tract system encompasses your urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. An infection occurs when bacteria gets into this system and multiplies.

Most UTIs are bladder infections and aren't serious if they're treated right away with antibiotics and lots of liquids. If left untreated, a bladder infection may travel to the kidneys and cause a variety of complications, including preterm labor, a low birthweight baby, and sepsis.

Some UTIs are asymptomatic, but others come with symptoms such as a strong urge to urinate, a burning sensation with urination, cloudy urine, and/or blood in the urine, along with fever, chills, and pelvic pain. Learn more about UTIs during pregnancy Influenza You've probably experienced the fever, chills, achiness, coughing, nausea, and vomiting that signals influenza (or the flu) at some point in your life, so you know it's no fun.

Pregnant women have a higher risk of getting the flu and becoming severely ill from it, as their immune systems are suppressed. How to tell if it's the flu or just a cold? The flu comes on quickly and your symptoms are more severe then with a cold, according to National Institutes of Health (NIH).

If you suspect that you may have the flu, see your doctor right away. She'll recommend rest and plenty of fluids, along with an antiviral medication to shorten the span of your symptoms and prevent serious complications.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all pregnant women get the flu shot. Upper Respiratory Infection (aka the Common Cold) We've all suffered from this viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, which includes the sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx.

You may have symptoms that mirror the flu, as well as a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and breathing difficulty. Dr. Dweck notes that an upper respiratory infection is not as serious as the flu and usually resolves spontaneously. The symptoms usually last from 3 to 14 days, and you can treat them at home. If you're still sick after several days, however, you may have a more serious infection (sinusitis, bronchitis, strep throat or pneumonia), so it's important to call your doctor. Gastrointestinal Virus The diarrhea and vomiting brought on by a GI bug can have serious consequences for pregnant women if left untreated, because dehydration can cause contractions and even preterm labor. Other potential side effects include hypotension, dizziness, weakness, fainting, and, in severe cases, electrolyte imbalance, Dr. Dweck says.

Most cases of these viruses will resolve on their own, but fluids such as water and Gatorade, as well as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) are helpful.

The CDC advises that you call your doctor immediately if you've not been able to keep liquids down for 24 hours, you've been vomiting blood, you have signs of dehydration (little or no urine, dry mouth, excessive thirst, dizziness), you notice blood in your bowel movements, or you have a fever above 101? F. NETWORK ERRORCannot Contact Server RELOAD YOUR SCREEN OR TRY SELECTING A DIFFERENT VIDEOPregnancy: When to Worry: Fever Serious Causes of Fever and/or Chills In rare cases, fever, chills, and pain are linked to medical conditions that affect only pregnant women -- not just common illnesses.

Here are the symptoms to watch out for, as well as when to call your ob-gyn. Chorioamnionitis In addition to high fever and chills, this bacterial infection of the membranes surrounding the fetus (the chorion and amnion) and the amniotic fluid can cause sweating, rapid heartbeat, tender uterus, and unusual vaginal discharge. If an expectant mom has this infection she'll be put on antibiotics and her doctor will deliver the baby.

The baby will be checked for the infection and treated with antibiotics as well. If chorioamnionitis is severe or left untreated, the mom may suffer from infections of the pelvic region and abdomen, endometritis, and blood clots, and her baby could have complications including sepsis, meningitis, and respiratory problems.

Risk factors for chorioamnionitis include prior amniocentesis (usually in the previous two weeks), and premature or prolonged rupture of the membranes. Septic Abortion Septic abortion is when ""the uterus and its contents become infected as a result of a surgically or medically treated miscarriage or abortion,"" Dr. Dweck explains. It occurs in the first trimester, and symptoms include a high fever, chills, severe abdominal pain or cramping, vaginal bleeding and discharge, and backache.

If an expectant mom has this condition, she will be treated with antibiotics and her ob-gyn will ensure that her uterus has been completely evacuated. If the condition is left untreated, potentially fatal septic shock may occur; signs include low blood pressure, low body temperature, little urine output, and respiratory distress. Risk factors for septic abortion include poor surgical technique at the time of D&C, preexisting cervical/uterine infection. Listeria Listeriosis is an infection that results from consuming contaminated food or water. Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and adults with impaired immune systems are most at risk.

""Early symptoms of listeria may include fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea,"" Dr. Dweck says. ""Symptoms may occur a few days or even two months after eating contaminated food."" If infection spreads to the nervous system, it can lead to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions.

Not all babies whose mothers are infected will have a problem, according to the American Pregnancy Association, but in some cases untreated listeriosis can result in miscarriage, premature delivery, serious infection in your newborn, or even stillbirth.

An expectant mom can take antibiotics to help keep her baby safe. To help prevent listeria, avoid: Hot dogs, lunch meats, or deli meats unless they are reheated until steaming hot Soft cheeses such as Brie or feta unless the label states that they are made from pasteurized milk Refrigerated p?t?

or meat spreads (canned are okay)Smoked seafood unless it is an ingredient in a cooked dish such as a casserole Learn more about what's safe to eat (and what's not) during pregnancy Fifth Disease (Parvovirus B19) Fifth Disease is a common childhood illness, so many adults are already immune to it. ""The most common symptom in adults is joint pain and soreness that can last for days or weeks,"" Dr. Dweck says.

""Symptoms of facial rash, slight fever, and sore throat are most common in children."" Although it's rare -- less than 5 percent of all pregnant women become infected with parvovirus B19, according to the CDC -- the virus can cause a woman to miscarry or her baby to be born with severe anemia.

Call your health-care provider if you think you may have been in contact with a person infected with the virus. Copyright © 2012 Meredith Corporation. More in Other Health & Safety Issues Safe Tips to Treat Headaches During Pregnancy Fibroids During Pregnancy 6 Hidden Home Hazards During Pregnancy What Vaccines Do You Need Before and During Pregnancy? All About Placenta Previa Managing Heart Disease During Pregnancy "

A. The cause of a miscarriage cannot always be determined. The most common known causes of miscarriage in the first third of pregnancy (1st trimester) are chromosomal abnormalities, collagen vascular disease (such as lupus), diabetes, other hormonal problems, infection, and congenital (present at birth) abnormalities of the uterus. Chromosomal abnormalities

What causes a miscarriage?

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Certain genetic abnormalities are known to be more prevalent in couples that experience repeated pregnancy losses. These genetic traits can be screened for by blood tests prior to trying to conceive. Half of the fetal tissue from 1st trimester miscarriages contain abnormal chromosomes. This number drops to 20% with 2nd trimester miscarriages. In other words, abnormal chromosomes are more common with 1st trimester than with 2nd trimester miscarriages.

First trimester miscarriages are so very common that unless they occur more than once, they are not considered ""abnormal"" per se.

They do not prompt further evaluation unless they occur more than once. In contrast, 2nd trimester miscarriages are more unusual, and therefore may trigger evaluation even after a first occurrence. Chromosomal abnormalities also become more common with aging, and women over age 35 have a higher rate of miscarriage than younger women.

Advancing maternal age is the most significant risk factor for early miscarriage in otherwise healthy women. Collagen vascular diseases Collagen vascular diseases are illnesses in which a person's own immune system attacks their own organs.

These diseases can be potentially very serious, either during or between pregnancies. In these diseases, a woman makes antibodies to her own body's tissues. Examples of collagen vascular diseases associated with an increased risk of miscarriage are systemic lupus erythematosus, and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

Blood tests can confirm the presence of abnormal antibodies and are used in the diagnose of these conditions. Diabetes Diabetes generally can be well managed during pregnancy, if a woman and her health care practitioner work closely together. However, if the diabetes is insufficiently controlled, not only is the risk of miscarriages higher, but the baby can have major birth defects.

Other problems can also occur in relation to diabetes during pregnancy. Good control of blood sugars during pregnancy is very important. Hormonal factors Hormonal factors may be associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, including Cushing's Syndrome, thyroid disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Infections Maternal infection with a large number of different organisms has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.

Fetal or placental infection by the offending organism then leads to pregnancy loss. Examples of infections that have been associated with miscarriage include infections by Listeria monocytogenes, Toxoplasma gondii, parvovirus B19, rubella, herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.

Abnormal structural anatomy Abnormal anatomy of the uterus can also cause miscarriages. In some women there can be a tissue bridge (uterine septum), that acts like a partial wall dividing the uterine cavity into sections.

The septum usually has a very poor blood supply, and is not well suited for placental attachment and growth. Other structural abnormalities can result from benign growths in the uterus called fibroids. Fibroid tumors (leiomyomata) are benign growths of muscle cells in the uterus.

While most fibroid tumors do not cause miscarriages, (in fact, they are a rare cause of infertility), some can interfere with the embryo implantation and the embryo's blood supply, thereby causing miscarriage. Other causes Invasive surgical procedures in the uterus, such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling, also slightly increase the risk of miscarriage. This answer should not be considered medical advice... Posted: July 13, 2010 | Report This Archived: March 20, 2014Was this helpful? Yes No65 of 76 found this helpful Read the Original Article: Miscarriage1 Answer "

Experts recommend limiting your use of a hot tub or sauna during pregnancy to less than 10 minutes at a time, or forgoing them altogether, especially in the early weeks. Sitting in a hot tub or sauna can raise your body temperature to a level that can be dangerous for your developing baby. Studies have shown an increased risk for neural tube defects in babies of women who had an elevated temperature before 7 weeks of pregnancy.

Is it safe to sit in a hot tub while I'm pregnant?

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These are serious birth defects affecting the skull or spine. Some studies have also looked at whether having an elevated temperature increases your risk for miscarriage. The results were mixed, but it's best to err on the side of caution.

To reduce these risks, you'll want to avoid letting your temperature get higher than 101 degrees F, which can happen after only 10 minutes in a hot tub or sauna. You may not even feel uncomfortable at this temperature. Finally, you may be more likely to get dizzy or pass out while sitting in a hot tub or sauna when you're pregnant.

us? Some women develop serious complications during pregnancy that cause different types of pain. If you have pelvic pain that's coupled with certain symptoms, such as fever and bleeding, be sure to call your doctor right away. Here are the more serious causes of pelvic pain during pregnancy. Miscarriage

Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy

"Learn the causes and symptoms of pelvic pain during pregnancy, and find out whether what you're feeling is normal or requires immediate attention from your doctor. By Rebecca Felsenthal Stewart Facebook Pinterest Twitter Emaili Stockphoto Pelvic pain or discomfort is common during pregnancy. After all, ligaments are stretching, hormone levels are changing, and organs are shifting around to make room for your growing uterus.

But sometimes pain is a red flag that something more serious is wrong. Consult our guide to learn how to decode your aches and pains, determine when it's time to call the doctor, and get simple symptom soothers. What are common causes of pelvic pain during pregnancy? Can pelvic pain during pregnancy be serious?

What can I do to help ease painful symptoms myself? When do I need to call my ob-gyn? What are common causes of pelvic pain during pregnancy? From relaxed pelvic joints to pressure from your growing baby's weight, here are the common culprits of benign pelvic pain during pregnancy. If the pain you're experiencing doesn't go away, or if you have symptoms such as bleeding, an unusual discharge, or strong cramping, call your ob-gyn.

Accommodation pain From 8 to 12 weeks of pregnancy, you may experience cramp-like pain that feels like your period is coming on. As long as there's no bleeding, it's probably just your uterus expanding. You're less likely to feel this in your first pregnancy than in subsequent pregnancies, Dr. Greenspan says.

Ovarian cysts Functional ovarian cysts, which form due to changes in the way your ovaries make or release eggs, are very common, noncancerous, and generally harmless. They can grow larger during pregnancy, and the pressure that your growing uterus puts on your ovaries can cause persistent pain.

If the cyst ruptures, the pain may suddenly get worse. Be sure to tell your ob-gyn if you have a history of ovarian cysts, or if you think you've developed them during your pregnancy.

She can do an ultrasound to help ensure that the cysts haven't grown too large. In rare cases, a cyst can twist (called torsion)--a serious condition that usually happens after sudden or rigorous activity such as running to catch a bus or having intercourse. ""A patient with torsion is usually inconsolable,"" Dr. Greenspan says. ""The pain is very sharp, severe, and constant, and there may be nausea, vomiting, and sweating.""

If you suspect that you are experiencing torsion, call your ob-gyn right away. Round ligament pain As you start your second trimester, you may begin to feel pain in your side as the ligament that goes from the top of the uterus down to the groin stretches.

""Women tend to feel this when they're walking or getting up from a chair,"" says Suzanne Merrill-Nach, M. D., an obstetrician in San Diego. ""The uterus tilts and pulls on the ligament."" Lying down on the side that's bothering you can make the pain disappear--and it should disappear for good by about 24 weeks.

Pressure from your baby's weight Once you're in your third trimester, you may start to experience pressure in your pelvic region as the weight of your rapidly growing fetus presses down on the nerves that run from your vagina into your legs.

""This pain typically occurs with movement, such as when you walk or ride in a car, because the baby bounces,"" Dr. Merrill-Nach says.

To help relieve the discomfort, lie down on one side and rest. Braxton Hicks contractions Pressure or tightening in the pelvis that comes and goes could be contractions, but if they're sporadic and generally not painful, they're most likely practice contractions, called Braxton Hicks, instead of true labor contractions. These ""practice"" contractions tend to occur at around 20 weeks and can be triggered by dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water.

(You'll know it's a contraction if you lie down and feel your belly; your uterus will become hard, and then relax.) They should disappear on their own but if you have more than four contractions an hour for two hours, call your doctor.

""When we are talking about preterm labor generally before 37 weeks, we are looking for contractions every 15 minutes or closer that persist over two hours even if the patient has an empty bladder and is lying down,"" Dr. Merrill-Nach says. Relaxed pelvic joints Toward the end of your pregnancy you'll experience a surge in the hormone relaxin, which helps your ligaments become stretchy for childbirth.

Relaxin can also loosen your pelvic joint, and even cause it to separate a bit. It's common to feel pain near your pubic bone, and you may also feel like your legs are unstable.

Some women like to use pelvic support belts, which can help stabilize the area. Constipation Constipation, a common complaint during pregnancy, can cause some pelvic pain or discomfort. (Hormones slow down the digestive tract, as do the iron supplements your ob-gyn may recommend.) Drink plenty of water, and eat fiber-rich foods such as raw fruits and vegetables.

If that doesn't help, ask your ob-gyn if you can try a stool softener or a glycerin suppository, Dr. Greenspan suggests. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Up to 10 percent of expectant moms will get a UTI at some point during their pregnancy, according to the March of Dimes.

Typical symptoms include a sudden urge to urinate, pain or burning with urination, and bloody urination--but some patients with a UTI also experience abdominal pain, Dr. Chambliss says. ""The concern with UTIs during pregnancy is that they can progress to an infection in your kidneys that will increase your risk of preterm labor,"" she adds. That's one reason why your ob-gyn tests your urine every visit, to check for the signs of bacteria that can lead to a UTI.

The good news is that if a UTI is caught early it should be easy to treat with antibiotics. Learn more about UTIs during pregnancy Can pelvic pain during pregnancy be serio

us? Some women develop serious complications during pregnancy that cause different types of pain. If you have pelvic pain that's coupled with certain symptoms, such as fever and bleeding, be sure to call your doctor right away. Here are the more serious causes of pelvic pain during pregnancy. Miscarriage

When women experience abdominal pain in the first trimester, ""you always have to be concerned about miscarriage,"" Dr. Duff says, because the unfortunate fact is that 15 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Symptoms of miscarriage include bleeding and cramping that can be rhythmic or resemble menstrual cramps. Learn more about miscarriage Ectopic pregnancy Ectopic or tubal pregnancies, in which the egg implants someplace other than the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube, occur in 1 in 50 pregnancies, according to the March of Dimes.

In the unlikely event that you have an ectopic pregnancy, you may experience intense pain and bleeding between your 6th and 10th weeks of pregnancy, as the tube becomes distended.

Women at increased risk for an ectopic pregnancy include those who have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past, or have had pelvic, abdominal, fallopian tube surgery, and those who have had endometriosis, a tubal ligation, an intrauterine device (IUD) in place at the time of conception, or a pelvic infection.

An abnormally shaped uterus and the use of artificial reproductive techniques also seem to increase the risk.

Ectopic pregnancies cannot continue and require immediate treatment. If you had a positive pregnancy test but have not yet had your pregnancy confirmed by a medical exam, and you experience abdominal pain, you should be evaluated immediately by your ob-gyn, says Linda Chambliss, M. D., chief of obstetrics at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix.

Your ob-gyn or midwife can perform an ultrasound to confirm whether the egg has implanted in the uterus. Preterm labor If you're experiencing a persistent backache and pelvic pressure that comes and goes, you may be in labor. ""My rule is that if you have four or more contractions an hour and they continue for two hours, even after you have urinated and lain down, you should come in to be checked,"" Dr. Merrill-Nach says.

If these symptoms occur before 37 weeks, it's considered preterm labor. Preeclamspia According to the Preeclampsia Foundation of America, preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders are experienced by 5 to 8 percent of all pregnant women.

Preeclampsia can develop anytime after 20 weeks of pregnancy, which is one reason why your doctor checks your blood pressure at every appointment, and it is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Because high blood pressure constricts the vessels in the uterus that supply the fetus with oxygen and nutrients, the baby's growth may be slowed.

Preeclampsia also increases the risk of placental abruption, in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. When preeclampsia is severe, it can be accompanied by pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen as well as nausea, headaches, swelling, and visual disturbances, such as flashing lights.

It you suspect that you have preeclampsia, call your ob-gyn immediately. Learn more about preeclampsia Placental abruption Your placenta is the source of oxygen and nutrients for your baby. It usually implants high on the uterine wall and doesn't detach until after your baby is born. In rare cases (1 out of every 200 births), the placenta can separate from the uterine wall, a dangerous complication, which is most common in the third trimester.

Dr. Duff describes the pain from a placental abruption as ""severe, constant, progressively worsening lower abdomen pain."" Your uterus may become rock hard (if you press on the abdomen, it won't indent) and you may also bleed dark, red blood that does not have clots.

In some cases, a woman may go into labor when her placenta separates, in which case her ob-gyn will usually deliver the baby by emergency cesarean section. If the abruption is mild, a doctor may allow the pregnancy to continue or may induce labor and do a vaginal delivery.

Women at risk for this condition include those who have a history of placental abruption, or who have high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and abdominal trauma Learn more about placental abruption Uterine fibroid Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus. They're most common during your childbearing years, and pregnancy can stimulate fibroids to get larger; they may or may not hurt.

""When a fibroid grows rapidly it can outgrow its blood supply and degenerate, causing pain,"" Dr. Greenspan says. ""Most of the time, we just observe them in pregnancy, but once in a while, they have to be surgically excised to allow the pregnancy to continue.

""Uterine rupture It's rare, but it's possible for the uterus to tear open, especially if you have a scar from a previous cesarean section or other abdominal surgery.

If it does happen, it feels like ""sudden severe tearing pain in the midline, where a prior scar exists,"" and it can be disastrous and potentially fatal for the mother and child, Dr. Greenspan says. Ruptures that show up outside of labor usually follow some sort of trauma to the abdomen. ""There is no way to prevent uterine rupture,"" Dr. Greenspan says.

""However, if the patient has a risk factor for rupture, then she should be closely followed by her provider and her symptoms should be taken seriously, especially if pain develops in the later in the pregnancy and is getting worse. ""Ovarian torsion Another unlikely but serious cause of pain: Your ovaries can become twisted. This can happen at any point, but is more likely to occur during the early stages of pregnancy.

""The ovary is like a hammock or spindle, so it can flip over on itself and cut off its own blood supply,"" Dr. Greenspan says.

A risk factor for ovarian torsion is induction of ovulation because it can cause enlarged ovaries. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. Appendicitis You can experience inflammation of the appendix even if you're pregnant. Generally you would feel pain in the lower right part of your abdomen. ""Appendicitis can be sneaky during pregnancy because as you get further along, the appendix is pushed up higher in the abdomen,"" Dr. Merrill-Nach says.

Appendicitis requires emergency surgery to remove the appendix to avoid the risk of rupturing. Kidney stones If you feel severe waxing and waning pain progressing down your side, you may have a kidney stone. ""Usually we make women more comfortable and just wait for the stone to pass,"" Dr. Merrill-Nach says. Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you have kidney stones. What can I do to help ease painful symptoms myself?

For run of the mill pelvic discomfort, try these tips. Take a warm--never hot--bath or stand in the shower and let the water hit your back. Try a pelvic support garment, which can keep the uterus from pushing down on your pelvis. Wear low-heeled shoes with good arch support. Try to avoid quick movements and sharp turns at the waist. Get a prenatal massage. Exercise regularly--it could help prevent pain in the first place.

When do I need to call my ob-gyn? Don't hesitate to call your doctor if you feel like something's not quite right. ""I would rather a patient call with any concerns because I wouldn't want her not to call and later find that it was something significant,"" Dr. Greenspan says.

Call immediately if you have any of these signs: Pelvic pain that you can't walk or talk through Any bleeding Fever and/or chills Severe headache Dizziness Sudden swelling of the face, hands, and/or feet Persistent nausea and/or vomiting Less than 10 fetal kicks in one hour, from 28 weeks until delivery More than four contractions in an hour for two hours Watery, greenish, or bloody dischargeh Pain and Cramping During Pregnancy: When to Worry Copyright © 2011 Meredith Corporation. "

If your body goes from 98.6 degrees to the temperature of a fever, it could keep the proteins from working properly and contribute to a miscarriage. In rare cases, it can cause birth defects. In some studies, fever during the first trimester has been linked to an increase in the risk of cleft palate, heart defects, and neural tube defects. These studies did not consider the underlying cause of the fevers, however, so there are questions about whether the cause for concern is the fever itself or whatever is causing the fever, such as an infection.

Can running a fever while I'm pregnant harm my baby?

Home / Pregnancy / Health Problems in Pregnancy / Illnesses & Infections in Pregnancy Can running a fever while I'm pregnant harm my baby? Siobhan Dolanob-gyn

Yes, running a fever can be dangerous during pregnancy. But you can reduce the risks by getting your fever down as soon as you can. Figuring out what temperature constitutes a fever is the first consideration.

For adults, a temperature taken orally (by mouth) that's higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Centigrade) or a rectal or ear temperature higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Centigrade) is considered a fever.

If you have a fever, talk to your healthcare provider and see if you can identify the cause – and if treatment is needed, get started on it right away. Your baby's normal development hinges on a particular sequence of steps that allow the organs and blood vessels to grow at the right time. That series of steps depends on proteins – molecules in the body that make important changes happen.

Most pregnant women are advised by their doctor not to take very hot baths, as soaking in very hot water could reduce blood flow to the baby, and put the baby under stress. Spending too much time soaking in very hot water, over an hour or so, could also increase your risk of a vaginal infection.

How to Take a Bath When Pregnant

Expert Reviewed How to Take a Bath When Pregnant Two Parts: Preparing to Take a Bath Getting Comfortable in the Bath Community Q&A

[1] But taking a bath in warm water is usually safe for you and baby, and can help with swollen arms and legs, increase the amniotic fluid in your body, and give you a chance to soak and relax. [2]

While colds and flu will not harm your baby a fever can be dangerous. Speak to your doctor if your temperature becomes high, for safe methods of reducing fever. There is some evidence to show that certain virulent flu viruses can cause miscarriage.

Risks to Baby

Risks to Baby Avoid Risks to Your Unborn Baby Avoid Risks to Your Unborn Baby When you are pregnant some of the normal, every day tasks that you are so used to performing may now pose a risk to your unborn baby. What may have been once harmless is now considered a hazard. Some things are common sense, while others you may not have even realised should be avoided.

Throughout the website we talk about the common sense lifestyle changes that you should make for the safety of your baby such as stopping smoking, drugs and alcohol. There are also changes to diet and exercise that are detailed in their own articles eating for two, safe foods and exercise information that are very important factors to understand when you are expecting.

As far as risks in pregnancy are concerned, there are many myths and unproven risks that you may hear about. I always like to play on the safe side of things regardless, and if you are concerned about anything that is unproven it is usually best to wait until you are out of the first trimester.

Having said that, some things such as travel can be quite dangerous in the final stages of your pregnancy. If you are ever unsure about any potential risks to your baby, please seek advice from your medical carers. Immunizations and Drugs While Pregnant Immunization During Pregnancy Can Harm Your Unborn Baby During pregnancy your immune system changes and can actually be weakened, putting you at risk of sickness that if you weren’t pregnant generally wouldn’t be a concern.

Usually doctors will advise against immunization during pregnancy and will not administer vaccinations that are prepared with live viruses. Even the flu vaccine should be avoided during pregnancy unless otherwise advised. While travelling when you are pregnant is mostly safe (we will discuss travel in further detail in a separate article) you should always think twice about travel to destinations requiring immunizations against infectious diseases.

Drug use during pregnancy is of course something that is harmful to an unborn baby. It can lead to birth defects such as malformations, chromosomal damage and life-long damage to your baby. The chance of miscarriage is also increased with drug use. However what you many not understand is that this not only applies to illegal and “recreational” drug use but also over the counter and prescription medications.

Some examples of this include the use of diuretics; used to rid the body of excess fluid: can potentially cause fetal blood disorders, morphine and other pain killers; can be addictive for your unborn baby: they can suffer from withdrawal symptoms, streptomycin; treats tuberculosis: can cause deafness in infants.

Even paracetamol should be only taken in small doses. Remember that for most discomforts and some illness there are generally safe alternatives to drug use and these should be discussed with your doctor while pregnant. Before taking anything, consult medical advice and always inform them of your pregnancy. Using Chemicals During Pregnancy Use Natural Cleaning Products as an Alternative to Harsh Chemicals Simple things such as cleaning your home can now be dangerous for your baby.

This doesn’t mean you should let yourself live in a pig sty! Simply be smart about the types of products you use to clean. There are many natural alternatives that are safe to use when carrying a baby. Read the label of anything that you use in your home.

You will find that even after your pregnancy it is a good habit to get into. Natural cleaning products are much better to have around your home rather than lots of chemicals for the general health and safety of your family!Substances that give off an odor or vapours such as glues and petrol should be avoided, as they can be toxic.

Inhaling these can be very dangerous for you and your baby. Hair colour is one of the unproven risks mentioned earlier.

Colouring your hair is said to be safe. Some people suggest that it can be harmful while others say that there is no evidence to show that colouring your hair while pregnant is dangerous to the baby. It’s thought that no where near the amount of chemicals from hair colour are actually absorbed to have any dangerous affects on the fetus.

However, it is advisable if you want to continue to colour your hair, that you do so in a well ventilated area, have someone else do it for you and wait until after the first three months of pregnancy when most of your baby’s crucial organs have been formed. Once again there are natural alternatives if you are concerned about harming your baby. Hot Baths and Their Affects When Pregnant Trade Hot Baths for Warm Baths When Pregnan

t What may seem to be 100% innocent and risk free, having a hot bath or using saunas and spas can be harmful to your unborn baby. Similar to fever, when subjected to extreme heat a baby’s nervous system can be affected and cause abnormalities.

Remember that a baby cannot regulate their own body temperature until the last few weeks of the pregnancy. This is one of the main risks in pre-mature births. Avoid the use of spas and saunas, particularly in the first trimester and trade hot baths for warm baths to prevent risk to your baby.

Harmful Drinks To Avoid Decaf or Herbal Tea is a Great Alternative For Your Morning Tea or Coffee It goes without saying that drinking alcohol when pregnant can be harmful to your baby, however it’s not the only drink that should be avoided.

You should do your best to cut down your caffeine intake by avoiding coffee, tea and soft drinks that contain caffeine. Decaf tea and coffee is a great alternative for those of you that can’t go without your morning cuppa. Herbal teas are generally a safe alternative, however you should avoid drinking raspberry leaf as it is said to trigger contractions.

Reducing your sugar intake is also very important and will help you to avoid gestational diabetes (read more about this in week 26 of pregnancy ).

Social Affects On Your Baby Avoid Children and Adults With A Fever You may think this is quite amusing to list as a risk, but socializing and the people you come into contact with during our every day lives can be dangerous for your baby.

By no means should you become anti-social and hide out in your home away from the rest of the world, but you should be vigilant especially around children and people running a temperature. Infections, colds and flu are all things that you should be wary of especially since, as mentioned earlier, having a flu shot isn’t recommended for pregnant women.

While colds and flu will not harm your baby a fever can be dangerous. Speak to your doctor if your temperature becomes high, for safe methods of reducing fever. There is some evidence to show that certain virulent flu viruses can cause miscarriage.

Risks to Baby

Risks to Baby Avoid Risks to Your Unborn Baby Avoid Risks to Your Unborn Baby When you are pregnant some of the normal, every day tasks that you are so used to performing may now pose a risk to your unborn baby. What may have been once harmless is now considered a hazard. Some things are common sense, while others you may not have even realised should be avoided.

Throughout the website we talk about the common sense lifestyle changes that you should make for the safety of your baby such as stopping smoking, drugs and alcohol. There are also changes to diet and exercise that are detailed in their own articles eating for two, safe foods and exercise information that are very important factors to understand when you are expecting.

As far as risks in pregnancy are concerned, there are many myths and unproven risks that you may hear about. I always like to play on the safe side of things regardless, and if you are concerned about anything that is unproven it is usually best to wait until you are out of the first trimester.

Having said that, some things such as travel can be quite dangerous in the final stages of your pregnancy. If you are ever unsure about any potential risks to your baby, please seek advice from your medical carers. Immunizations and Drugs While Pregnant Immunization During Pregnancy Can Harm Your Unborn Baby During pregnancy your immune system changes and can actually be weakened, putting you at risk of sickness that if you weren’t pregnant generally wouldn’t be a concern.

Usually doctors will advise against immunization during pregnancy and will not administer vaccinations that are prepared with live viruses. Even the flu vaccine should be avoided during pregnancy unless otherwise advised. While travelling when you are pregnant is mostly safe (we will discuss travel in further detail in a separate article) you should always think twice about travel to destinations requiring immunizations against infectious diseases.

Drug use during pregnancy is of course something that is harmful to an unborn baby. It can lead to birth defects such as malformations, chromosomal damage and life-long damage to your baby. The chance of miscarriage is also increased with drug use. However what you many not understand is that this not only applies to illegal and “recreational” drug use but also over the counter and prescription medications.

Some examples of this include the use of diuretics; used to rid the body of excess fluid: can potentially cause fetal blood disorders, morphine and other pain killers; can be addictive for your unborn baby: they can suffer from withdrawal symptoms, streptomycin; treats tuberculosis: can cause deafness in infants.

This doesn’t mean you should let yourself live in a pig sty! Simply be smart about the types of products you use to clean. There are many natural alternatives that are safe to use when carrying a baby. Read the label of anything that you use in your home.

You will find that even after your pregnancy it is a good habit to get into. Natural cleaning products are much better to have around your home rather than lots of chemicals for the general health and safety of your family!Substances that give off an odor or vapours such as glues and petrol should be avoided, as they can be toxic.

Inhaling these can be very dangerous for you and your baby. Hair colour is one of the unproven risks mentioned earlier.

Colouring your hair is said to be safe. Some people suggest that it can be harmful while others say that there is no evidence to show that colouring your hair while pregnant is dangerous to the baby. It’s thought that no where near the amount of chemicals from hair colour are actually absorbed to have any dangerous affects on the fetus.

However, it is advisable if you want to continue to colour your hair, that you do so in a well ventilated area, have someone else do it for you and wait until after the first three months of pregnancy when most of your baby’s crucial organs have been formed. Once again there are natural alternatives if you are concerned about harming your baby. Hot Baths and Their Affects When Pregnant Trade Hot Baths for Warm Baths When Pregnan

t What may seem to be 100% innocent and risk free, having a hot bath or using saunas and spas can be harmful to your unborn baby. Similar to fever, when subjected to extreme heat a baby’s nervous system can be affected and cause abnormalities.

Remember that a baby cannot regulate their own body temperature until the last few weeks of the pregnancy. This is one of the main risks in pre-mature births. Avoid the use of spas and saunas, particularly in the first trimester and trade hot baths for warm baths to prevent risk to your baby.

Harmful Drinks To Avoid Decaf or Herbal Tea is a Great Alternative For Your Morning Tea or Coffee It goes without saying that drinking alcohol when pregnant can be harmful to your baby, however it’s not the only drink that should be avoided.

You should do your best to cut down your caffeine intake by avoiding coffee, tea and soft drinks that contain caffeine. Decaf tea and coffee is a great alternative for those of you that can’t go without your morning cuppa. Herbal teas are generally a safe alternative, however you should avoid drinking raspberry leaf as it is said to trigger contractions.

Reducing your sugar intake is also very important and will help you to avoid gestational diabetes (read more about this in week 26 of pregnancy ).

Social Affects On Your Baby Avoid Children and Adults With A Fever You may think this is quite amusing to list as a risk, but socializing and the people you come into contact with during our every day lives can be dangerous for your baby.

By no means should you become anti-social and hide out in your home away from the rest of the world, but you should be vigilant especially around children and people running a temperature. Infections, colds and flu are all things that you should be wary of especially since, as mentioned earlier, having a flu shot isn’t recommended for pregnant women.

While colds and flu will not harm your baby a fever can be dangerous. Speak to your doctor if your temperature becomes high, for safe methods of reducing fever. There is some evidence to show that certain virulent flu viruses can cause miscarriage.

..»Causes of Fever in pregnancy that are uncommon The following causes of Fever in pregnancy are diseases or conditions that affect more than 200,000 people, but less than 1 million people in the USA: Appendicitism

Common causes of Fever in pregnancy

"Common causes of Fever in pregnancy Intro Causes Tests Treatment Symptom Checker Misdiagnosis Deaths Videos Glossary Must Reads in Health Protecting Your Skin During Winter Watch: My Personal Psoriasis Journey Are You Getting The Best Cancer Care? Keeping An Active Lifestyle With COPDLiver Disease? Find a Doc Who Treats PBCAre You Allergic To Your Clothes?

Why Psoriasis Treatments Can Fail Introduction: This information shows the various causes of Fever in pregnancy, and how common these diseases or conditions are in the general population.

This is not a direct indication as to how commonly these diseases are the actual cause of Fever in pregnancy, but gives a relative idea as to how frequent these diseases are seen overall.1 disease that is ""common"".1 disease that is ""uncommon"".1 disease that is ""very rare"".11 diseases without any prevalence information.

Causes of Fever in pregnancy that are common The following causes of Fever in pregnancy are diseases or conditions that affect more than 1 million people in the USA: Pneumoniamore causes.

ore causes...»Causes of Fever in pregnancy that are very rare The following causes of Fever in pregnancy appear in the population at a rate of substantially less than 200,000 people per year in the USA: Meningitismore causes...»Causes of Fever in pregnancy without any prevalence information The following causes of Fever in pregnancy are ones for which we do not have any prevalence information.

Bacterial sepsis Cholangitis Chorioamnionitis Mastitis Meningitis Pneumonia Pyelonephritis Rickettsial illness Septic abortion Urinary tract infetion Viral illnessmore causes...»All Causes of Fever in pregnancy The full list of all possible causes for Fever in pregnancy described in various sources is as follows: Appendicitis Bacterial sepsis Cholangitis Chorioamnionitis Mastitismore causes...»See full list of possible disease causes of Fever in pregnancy Fever in pregnancy: Tools Symptom Checker »Conditions listing medical symptoms: Fever in pregnancy: The following list of conditions have ' Fever in pregnancy ' or similar listed as a symptom in our database.

This computer-generated list may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always seek prompt professional medical advice about the cause of any symptom. Select from the following alphabetical view of conditions which include a symptom of Fever in pregnancy or choose View All.

View All A B C M P R S U V» Next page: Travel-related causes of Fever in pregnancy Medical Tools & Articles: Tools & Services: Bookmark this page Symptom Search Symptom Checker Medical Dictionary Medical Articles: Disease & Treatments Search Misdiagnosis Center Full list of interesting articles Forums & Message Boards Ask or answer a question at the Boards: I cannot get a diagnosis. Please help. Tell us your medical story. Share your misdiagnosis story. What is the best treatment for my condition? See all the Boards. "

During the puerperium, parturient women are particularly susceptible to serious infections of the genital tract and childbed fever remains one of the most important causes of maternal death. This chapter will deal with fevers and infections during pregnancy, rather than the puerperium. While attempts have been made to list the more important causes of fever in pregnancy ( Tables 1 , 2 , 3 ), the lists are by no means complete. Infections in pregnancy may be viral, bacterial or protozoan, affecting both mother and fetus.

Fever in Pregnancy

"IN TRODUCTIONAny acute or chronic infectious diseases may be contracted during the course of pregnancy, and conception may occur in women already subject to infection. The coexistence of pregnancy may aggravate the risk to maternal life of the more serious of these diseases.

In pregnancy most infections are no more common, nor more serious than in non-pregnant women of similar age. Besides affecting the mother, some infections may be transmitted to the fetus in utero, during the intrapartum period or, postnatal, with potentially serious consequences.

Infectious illnesses and fevers in the mother must be treated as any other serious illness. The effects on pregnancy depend on the extent of temperature elevation, its duration, and the stage of fetal development when it occurs. Mild exposures during the preimplantation period and more severe exposures during embryonic and fetal development often result in miscarriage, premature labor, growth restriction, and stillbirth. Hyperthermia also causes a wide range of fetal structural and functional defects, with the central nervous system (CNS) being most at risk.

While there is a greater incidence of neonatal morbidity and mortality with transmitted infections, not all maternal infections lead to transmission to the fetus, nor does transmission to the fetus lead to disease or sequelae.

The purpose of this document is to describe these infections, their modes of transmission, and their maternal and fetal effects, and to offer guidelines for counseling and management of these infections during pregnancy. Some of the infections cause fevers, while others may not; this chapter will concentrate on infections resulting in maternal pyrexia, and some other infections which may not result in maternal pyrexia, but have important implications for the pregnancy and the fetus ( Table 1 ).

A differential diagnosis of fever in pregnancy, including both infectious and non-infectious etiologies, may be found in Table 2. Pa thogenesis Persistent elevation of body temperature above normal levels in an individual is defined as fever. The normal body temperature usually lies between 37.0 and 37.5◦C with diurnal variations. Disturbances of temperature regulation in disease can be explained by shifts in body water, inadequate hydration, and changes in metabolism.

The pattern of febrile response may be intermittent (falling to normal each day), remittent (falling each day, but still remaining above the normal), sustained (without significant diurnal variation), or relapsing (alternating with periods of one to several days of normal temperatures).

The underlying sequence of events seems to be the removal of endotoxins from the circulation by fixed phagocytes of the reticuloendothelial system, followed by margination of polymorphonuclear leukocytes along the margins of the vessels. These two types of cells undergo activation to release endogenous pyrogen in to the circulation. The pyrogen produced in response to toxic, immunological or infectious stimuli, is induced through the release of lymphocytic lymphokines arising in response to antigenic recognition, and acts on the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center, transmitting information to the vasomotor center, possibly through production of prostaglandin.

The release of endogenous pyrogen by phagocytic cells appears to be the common factor in the pathogenesis of fever, irrespective of its cause ( Table 2 ).

The immune status of an individual may be innate or acquired. Innate immunity is genetically or constitutionally determined, and is not a function of cells of the immune system or antibodies, but of physiological, biochemical or anatomical differences between species. The response of adults to antigen stimulation consists of production of Ig M, followed by production of Ig G. The pattern of response in the neonate is different; Ig M is produced as a first response, and persists for several weeks before Ig G is released.

The fetus elaborates Ig M in response to antigen exposure in utero, and it is the detection of the specific antibody in the Ig M fraction of cord blood that is used for detection of congenital infections. The poor response of newborns to certain infections are not clearly understood, however, there is evidence that in addition to physiological dysglobinemia, the cellular response to infection varies, and the phagocytes are less active.

Further, there is a lack of antigen-presenting macrophages. Immunity acquired either passively or actively, follows the transfer of immune antibody of the Ig G class from mother to fetus by the transplacental route, and the ingestion of Ig A antibody in colostrum.

Artificially acquired passive immunity follows injection of immune products such as antitoxins, antisera, or immune globulin. Somatic cell proliferation is adapted to, and proceeds optimally at the normal body temperature range of the species, and the deleterious effects of higher levels on meiotic and mitotic cell proliferation and survival are widely recognized.

A hyperthermic episode during pregnancy can result in embryonic death, abortion, growth retardation, and defects of development. It has been proposed that defects following a maternal fever might be caused by metabolic changes in the mother due to the infection and fever, and not due to the associated elevation of temperature.

The Collaborative Perinatal Study of the National Institute of the Neurological Diseases and Stroke found that children of mothers who experienced kidney-urinary tract infections ( UTIs) with fever were nearly twice as likely to have neurological problems requiring institutional care as children whose mothers had the infection without fever.

The association between maternal influenza, and fever, in the second trimester of pregnancy, and the later onset of schizophrenia in the offspring raises the possibility of hyperthermia being one of the initiating factors in this condition, and perhaps, a number of other neurological conditions of uncertain etiology such as cerebral palsy and autism.

Inflammation (leukocytic invasion) of the chorioamnion (chorioamnionitis) and/or umbilical cord (funisitis) marks the maternal and fetal immune responses, respectively. While these histologic markers may result from numerous insults (hypoxic injury, trauma, meconium or allergens), by far the most common is the immune response to subclinical or clinical infection.

There are several ways in which maternal infection might lead to inflammation within the fetal tissue and the loss of vulnerable cell populations. Bacterial products could cross to the fetal circulation, bind specific cell-membrane receptors, such as CD-14 and toll-like receptors, on inflammatory cells within the systemic circulation initiating a cascade of intracellular events.

They activate transcription factors such as nuclear factor κ-B and production of proinflammatory cytokines. These proinflammatory cytokines, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, C-reactive protein and interferon γ, have a variety of effects.

These include a direct toxic effect on neurones and vulnerable oligodendrocyte precursor populations, gliosis with release of nitric oxide and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as microglial activation in the brain. Animal studies describe the direct correlation between increasing temperature and susceptibility to a variety of neurotoxic factors. Hypothermia can be neuroprotective after hypoxia–ischemia in neonatal animals, while hyperthermia increases brain injury after ischemia in adult rats.

Maternal pyrexia, resulting from both microbial infection as well as non-infective causes such as epidural anaesthesia, could therefore augment the deleterious effects of hypoxia on the fetal brain, possibly by increasing the cerebral metabolic rate and demand for oxygen. Systemic fetal hypotension, endothelial injury and leukocyte aggregation may all contribute to local tissue ischemia, especially in vulnerable areas. Many of these mechanisms could lead directly to cell death. They may also have an indirect neurotoxic effect by sensitizing the brain and lowering the threshold at which hypoxia triggers apoptosis.

Modes of transmission of infective agents include transplacental transfer via the umbilical blood flow or by direct spread to the amniotic fluid, ascending transmission from the cervix and uterus to the amniotic fluid, intrapartum exposure to maternal vaginal secretions and blood, or by postpartum exposure to maternal respiratory secretions or breast milk.

CLI NICAL CONDITIONS AND MANIFESTATIONSIn general, perinatal infections have more severe fetal consequences when they occur early in gestation, because first-trimester infections may disrupt organogenesis.

Second- and third-trimester infections can cause neurologic impairment or growth disturbances. In utero infection may be associated with certain ultrasound findings, such as intrauterine growth restriction, echogenic bowel, intracranial or intrahepatic calcifications, hydrocephalus, microcephaly, isolated ascites, pericardial or pleural effusions, or nonimmune hydrops, although congenital infections may be asymptomatic, and difficult to detect on ultrasound. Intr a-Amniotic Infection Intraamniotic infection is a term used to describe a clinically diagnosed infection of the contents of the uterus.

It is found most often after rupture of the membranes. Fever is less specific and uterine tenderness less sensitive in patients with epidural anesthesia. Possibly because of a vascular or thermoregulatory effect, pyrexia is more likely to develop in patients with epidural anesthesia.

Intrauterine infection is often chronic, and it is usually asymptomatic until labor begins or the membranes rupture. Even during labor, most women who are later demonstrated (by histologic findings or culture) to have chorioamnionitis have no symptoms other than preterm labor — no fever, abdominal pain, or peripheral-blood leukocytosis, and there is usually no fetal tachycardia.

Therefore, identifying women with intrauterine infections is a major challenge. Most women with a clinically apparent intraamniotic infection typically have histological evidence of chorioamnionitis, but not all placentas with this finding come from women with intraamniotic infection. Although histological inflammation of the chorion and amnion is found in 20% of term, and 60% of preterm pregnancies, the clinical diagnosis of intraamniotic infection is made in only 0.5% to 10.5% of pregnancies.

Another term, microbial invasion of the amniotic fluid, describes a preclinical phase of amniotic fluid infection. The distinction between histological chorioamnionitis and intraamniotic infection is important because the histological diagnosis cannot be made while the patient is pregnant, and to diagnose microbial invasion of the amniotic fluid requires amniocentesis.

The greatest risk for intraamniotic infection occurs after rupture of the membranes. Although hematogenous spread is possible, pathogenic organisms more easily reach the amniotic cavity once this barrier is breached. Bacterial access to the amniotic cavity by itself is not sufficient to produce an infectious process.

The size of the inoculum, the pathogenicity of the organisms, and the susceptibility of the hosts, both mother and fetus, affect the risk of intraamniotic infection. Factors that increase the exposure of the amniotic cavity to pathogenic bacteria from the vagina such as duration of ruptured membranes, transcervical instrumentation, vaginal examinations, and cerclage placement seem to increase the risk of intraamniotic infection.

Intraamniotic infection has been described in some patients with intact membranes who undergo procedures such as amniocentesis and percutaneous umbilical blood sampling, however, these are rare. Certain microorganisms, such as group B streptococcus , Listeria monocytogenes , fusobacterium, and group A streptococcus, are implicated more frequently in intraamniotic infection. Other organisms that have been reported in association with intraamniotic infection include Ureaplasma urealyticum , Candida sp, and Haemophilus influenzae; the most common high virulence isolates are Bacteroides species, group B streptococcus, and Escherichia coli.

Antibiotics, when given to patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes, may decrease the frequency of intraamniotic infection and prolong the interval between rupture of membranes and delivery.

The accurate and timely diagnosis of intraamniotic infection is important so that those affected women may be treated without delay. Unfortunately, early diagnosis is difficult because clinical signs and symptoms of intraamniotic infection occur late and are neither sensitive nor specific.

To avoid a delay in diagnosis, a high index of suspicion should be maintained. Patients with fever, and maternal or fetal tachycardia, especially in the presence of ruptured membranes, are likely to have intraamniotic infection.

Se xually Transmitted Infections The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends screening for some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at the first prenatal visit, then again in the third trimester for mothers at high risk. Though sexually transmitted infections usually do not cause fevers in pregnancy, they may predispose to co-infections, and have implications for the fetus and neonate.

Many sexually transmitted infections have been linked with increased risks of premature delivery and low birth weight, and associated morbidity and mortality. Because of these risks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended screening for some sexually transmitted infections at the first prenatal visit, then again in the third trimester for mothers at high risk.

Other screening tests that are recommended for all pregnant women include those for Chlamydia trachomatis, and women at risk should be tested for Neisseria gonorrhea. Women younger than 25 years and those who are at risk of Chlamydia (e.g., those who have multiple sex partners) should be rescreened in the third trimester.

Women who continue to be at risk of gonorrhea should also be rescreened in the third trimester. When infection is detected, the physician must inform the mother, ensure adequate and safe treatment, and advise partner notification and treatment. Physicians should counsel the patient to use condoms and avoid sexual contact until her partner has been treated.

HIVHIV and Pregnancy chapter in HIV Clinical Manual Ch lamydia C. trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen in the United States, and as many as 5% to 15 % of pregnant women are infected.

Increasing numbers of Chlamydia infections have made it the most widespread sexually transmitted infections in the United Staes. In 1996 there were 492,631 reported diagnoses, corresponding to a rate of 190.6 per 100,000 population.

However, by 2005 the annual total had increased by 98% to 976,445 and the rate per 100,000 had risen to 332.5. Mother-to-child transmission of C. trachomatis can occur at the time of birth and may result in ophthalmia neonatorum or pneumonitis in the newborn, or postpartum endometritis in the mother.

Some reports have linked chlamydia to low birth weight and preterm birth. Gon orrhea Although the 2005 rate of 115.6 diagnoses per 100 000 population is one of the lowest ever recorded, gonorrhea remains the second most commonly reported sexually transmitted infections in the United States.

The rate is still much higher than the ""Healthy People 2010"" target of 19 cases per 100 000 population. N. gonorrhea can be transmitted to the newborn from the mother's genital tract at the time of birth and can cause ophthalmia neonatorum, systemic neonatal infection, maternal endometritis, or pelvic infection.

The risk of transmission from an infected mother to her infant is between 30% and 47%. Hu man Papillomavirus Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is extremely common and often resolves spontaneously. Because genital warts can proliferate and become friable during pregnancy, many specialists recommend their removal.

Podofilox, imiquimod, and podophyllin are not recommended during pregnancy. Trichloroacetic acid 80% - 90% applied by a health care professional weekly has been used safely in pregnancy. The advent of a prophylactic quadrivalent vaccine may reduce the incidence of genital warts in future. Syp hilis Treponema pallidum, the cause of syphilis, is highly transmissible, even in the absence of any specific symptoms or clinical findings. Maternal syphilis has been associated with complications such as hydramnios, spontaneous abortion, and preterm delivery. Fetal complications such as congenital syphilis, fetal hydrops, prematurity, fetal distress, and stillbirth also occur.

Va ginal Infections Trichomonas vaginalis, a sexually transmitted vaginal infection, has been associated with preterm delivery and low birth weight. Trichomonas infection can have unpleasant symptoms such as itching, profuse discharge, vaginal irritation, and odor. It also causes a chronic inflammatory condition and may facilitate HIV transmission. Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it is more common in sexually active women.

Although many studies have shown an association between bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, and low birth weight, it is not known whether the bacterial overgrowth causes these complications, or if it is a marker for intrauterine colonization. Screening for bacterial vaginosis is not recommended for asymptomatic women because current evidence indicates that treatment does not improve pregnancy outcomes.

A summary of treatments for the infections discussed is provided in Table 5. Systemic Infections An extensive list of systemic infections in pregnant females can be found in Table 2. Ap pendicitis Appendicitis is the most common non-obstetric emergency requiring surgery during pregnancy.

Diagnosis of appendicitis is complicated by the physiologic and anatomic changes that occur during pregnancy. This can result in delayed diagnosis, increased risk of morbidity for mother and fetus, and fetal loss. Women who have undergone appendectomy during pregnancy are at higher risk of fetal loss, especially in early pregnancy, of appendiceal perforation, and of premature contractions and labor. Despite the difficulty of diagnosing appendicitis during pregnancy, appendectomy should not be delayed.

The incidence of appendicitis during pregnancy ranges from 0.05% to 0.13%; and usually occurs in the second or third trimesters. The rate of appendicitis is the same in pregnant and non-pregnant women; however, pregnant women have a higher rate of perforation. Difficulty in diagnosing appendicitis during pregnancy arises from the fact that its symptoms are similar to those of pregnancy: anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.

Leukocytosis and a diminished tendency to develop hypotension and tachycardia, which are physiologic in pregnancy, add complexity to the diagnosis. Displacement of the appendix by the uterus and increased separation of the visceral and parietal peritoneum, which decreases the ability to localize tenderness on examination, further complicates diagnosis. Abdominal pain, diffuse periumbilical pain migrating to the right lower quadrant, and nausea and vomiting are common symptoms.

The most common signs of appendicitis are abdominal tenderness, most often in the right lower quadrant, and rebound tenderness and guarding. Fever has not proved to be a reliable sign of appendicitis, and laboratory findings, including leukocytosis and C-reactive protein, have been found unreliable for diagnosis.

Ur inary Tract Infections Urinary tract infections ( UTIs) are common during pregnancy. Increased bladder volume, and decreased bladder tone, along with decreased ureteral tone, contributes to increased urinary stasis and ureterovesical reflux.

Increases in urinary progestins and estrogens may lead to a decreased ability of the lower urinary tract to resist invading bacteria. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in studies varies between 4% and 7%. Incidence relates to sexual activity, and increases with increasing age and gravidity.

It is also higher among patients from lower socio-economic groups. Symptomatic infection occurs in about 1% -2% of pregnant women. Most women acquire bacteriuria before pregnancy. At the first examination, the rates of bacteriuria in pregnant women are similar to those in non-pregnant women with similar risk factors. About 37% - 57% of bactiuria women develop UTIs during pregnancy. An additional 1% of infections occur during pregnancy. Bacteriuria during pregnancy is associated with a significant increase in the number of low-birth-weight infants, preterm births, and neonatal mortality. There are three entities of urinary tract infections in pregnancy, asymptomatic bacteriuria, acute cystitis and acute pyelonephrit

is. Urinary tract infection with classic symptoms and signs of urinary frequency, dysuria, and fever is a common cause of fever in pregnancy. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings and a urine specimen containing greater than 105 colony forming U/m L. The majority of UTIs are caused by gastrointestinal organisms.

Fever in Pregnancy

"IN TRODUCTIONAny acute or chronic infectious diseases may be contracted during the course of pregnancy, and conception may occur in women already subject to infection. The coexistence of pregnancy may aggravate the risk to maternal life of the more serious of these diseases.

In pregnancy most infections are no more common, nor more serious than in non-pregnant women of similar age. Besides affecting the mother, some infections may be transmitted to the fetus in utero, during the intrapartum period or, postnatal, with potentially serious consequences.

While there is a greater incidence of neonatal morbidity and mortality with transmitted infections, not all maternal infections lead to transmission to the fetus, nor does transmission to the fetus lead to disease or sequelae.

A differential diagnosis of fever in pregnancy, including both infectious and non-infectious etiologies, may be found in Table 2. Pa thogenesis Persistent elevation of body temperature above normal levels in an individual is defined as fever. The normal body temperature usually lies between 37.0 and 37.5◦C with diurnal variations. Disturbances of temperature regulation in disease can be explained by shifts in body water, inadequate hydration, and changes in metabolism.

The pattern of febrile response may be intermittent (falling to normal each day), remittent (falling each day, but still remaining above the normal), sustained (without significant diurnal variation), or relapsing (alternating with periods of one to several days of normal temperatures).

The release of endogenous pyrogen by phagocytic cells appears to be the common factor in the pathogenesis of fever, irrespective of its cause ( Table 2 ).

The fetus elaborates Ig M in response to antigen exposure in utero, and it is the detection of the specific antibody in the Ig M fraction of cord blood that is used for detection of congenital infections. The poor response of newborns to certain infections are not clearly understood, however, there is evidence that in addition to physiological dysglobinemia, the cellular response to infection varies, and the phagocytes are less active.

Further, there is a lack of antigen-presenting macrophages. Immunity acquired either passively or actively, follows the transfer of immune antibody of the Ig G class from mother to fetus by the transplacental route, and the ingestion of Ig A antibody in colostrum.

Artificially acquired passive immunity follows injection of immune products such as antitoxins, antisera, or immune globulin. Somatic cell proliferation is adapted to, and proceeds optimally at the normal body temperature range of the species, and the deleterious effects of higher levels on meiotic and mitotic cell proliferation and survival are widely recognized.

A hyperthermic episode during pregnancy can result in embryonic death, abortion, growth retardation, and defects of development. It has been proposed that defects following a maternal fever might be caused by metabolic changes in the mother due to the infection and fever, and not due to the associated elevation of temperature.

The Collaborative Perinatal Study of the National Institute of the Neurological Diseases and Stroke found that children of mothers who experienced kidney-urinary tract infections ( UTIs) with fever were nearly twice as likely to have neurological problems requiring institutional care as children whose mothers had the infection without fever.

The association between maternal influenza, and fever, in the second trimester of pregnancy, and the later onset of schizophrenia in the offspring raises the possibility of hyperthermia being one of the initiating factors in this condition, and perhaps, a number of other neurological conditions of uncertain etiology such as cerebral palsy and autism.

Inflammation (leukocytic invasion) of the chorioamnion (chorioamnionitis) and/or umbilical cord (funisitis) marks the maternal and fetal immune responses, respectively. While these histologic markers may result from numerous insults (hypoxic injury, trauma, meconium or allergens), by far the most common is the immune response to subclinical or clinical infection.

There are several ways in which maternal infection might lead to inflammation within the fetal tissue and the loss of vulnerable cell populations. Bacterial products could cross to the fetal circulation, bind specific cell-membrane receptors, such as CD-14 and toll-like receptors, on inflammatory cells within the systemic circulation initiating a cascade of intracellular events.

They activate transcription factors such as nuclear factor κ-B and production of proinflammatory cytokines. These proinflammatory cytokines, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, C-reactive protein and interferon γ, have a variety of effects.

Modes of transmission of infective agents include transplacental transfer via the umbilical blood flow or by direct spread to the amniotic fluid, ascending transmission from the cervix and uterus to the amniotic fluid, intrapartum exposure to maternal vaginal secretions and blood, or by postpartum exposure to maternal respiratory secretions or breast milk.

CLI NICAL CONDITIONS AND MANIFESTATIONSIn general, perinatal infections have more severe fetal consequences when they occur early in gestation, because first-trimester infections may disrupt organogenesis.

It is found most often after rupture of the membranes. Fever is less specific and uterine tenderness less sensitive in patients with epidural anesthesia. Possibly because of a vascular or thermoregulatory effect, pyrexia is more likely to develop in patients with epidural anesthesia.

Intrauterine infection is often chronic, and it is usually asymptomatic until labor begins or the membranes rupture. Even during labor, most women who are later demonstrated (by histologic findings or culture) to have chorioamnionitis have no symptoms other than preterm labor — no fever, abdominal pain, or peripheral-blood leukocytosis, and there is usually no fetal tachycardia.

Another term, microbial invasion of the amniotic fluid, describes a preclinical phase of amniotic fluid infection. The distinction between histological chorioamnionitis and intraamniotic infection is important because the histological diagnosis cannot be made while the patient is pregnant, and to diagnose microbial invasion of the amniotic fluid requires amniocentesis.

The greatest risk for intraamniotic infection occurs after rupture of the membranes. Although hematogenous spread is possible, pathogenic organisms more easily reach the amniotic cavity once this barrier is breached. Bacterial access to the amniotic cavity by itself is not sufficient to produce an infectious process.

The size of the inoculum, the pathogenicity of the organisms, and the susceptibility of the hosts, both mother and fetus, affect the risk of intraamniotic infection. Factors that increase the exposure of the amniotic cavity to pathogenic bacteria from the vagina such as duration of ruptured membranes, transcervical instrumentation, vaginal examinations, and cerclage placement seem to increase the risk of intraamniotic infection.

Antibiotics, when given to patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes, may decrease the frequency of intraamniotic infection and prolong the interval between rupture of membranes and delivery.

The accurate and timely diagnosis of intraamniotic infection is important so that those affected women may be treated without delay. Unfortunately, early diagnosis is difficult because clinical signs and symptoms of intraamniotic infection occur late and are neither sensitive nor specific.

To avoid a delay in diagnosis, a high index of suspicion should be maintained. Patients with fever, and maternal or fetal tachycardia, especially in the presence of ruptured membranes, are likely to have intraamniotic infection.

Se xually Transmitted Infections The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends screening for some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at the first prenatal visit, then again in the third trimester for mothers at high risk. Though sexually transmitted infections usually do not cause fevers in pregnancy, they may predispose to co-infections, and have implications for the fetus and neonate.

Many sexually transmitted infections have been linked with increased risks of premature delivery and low birth weight, and associated morbidity and mortality. Because of these risks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended screening for some sexually transmitted infections at the first prenatal visit, then again in the third trimester for mothers at high risk.

Other screening tests that are recommended for all pregnant women include those for Chlamydia trachomatis, and women at risk should be tested for Neisseria gonorrhea. Women younger than 25 years and those who are at risk of Chlamydia (e.g., those who have multiple sex partners) should be rescreened in the third trimester.

Women who continue to be at risk of gonorrhea should also be rescreened in the third trimester. When infection is detected, the physician must inform the mother, ensure adequate and safe treatment, and advise partner notification and treatment. Physicians should counsel the patient to use condoms and avoid sexual contact until her partner has been treated.

HIVHIV and Pregnancy chapter in HIV Clinical Manual Ch lamydia C. trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen in the United States, and as many as 5% to 15 % of pregnant women are infected.

Increasing numbers of Chlamydia infections have made it the most widespread sexually transmitted infections in the United Staes. In 1996 there were 492,631 reported diagnoses, corresponding to a rate of 190.6 per 100,000 population.

However, by 2005 the annual total had increased by 98% to 976,445 and the rate per 100,000 had risen to 332.5. Mother-to-child transmission of C. trachomatis can occur at the time of birth and may result in ophthalmia neonatorum or pneumonitis in the newborn, or postpartum endometritis in the mother.

Some reports have linked chlamydia to low birth weight and preterm birth. Gon orrhea Although the 2005 rate of 115.6 diagnoses per 100 000 population is one of the lowest ever recorded, gonorrhea remains the second most commonly reported sexually transmitted infections in the United States.

The rate is still much higher than the ""Healthy People 2010"" target of 19 cases per 100 000 population. N. gonorrhea can be transmitted to the newborn from the mother's genital tract at the time of birth and can cause ophthalmia neonatorum, systemic neonatal infection, maternal endometritis, or pelvic infection.

The risk of transmission from an infected mother to her infant is between 30% and 47%. Hu man Papillomavirus Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is extremely common and often resolves spontaneously. Because genital warts can proliferate and become friable during pregnancy, many specialists recommend their removal.

Va ginal Infections Trichomonas vaginalis, a sexually transmitted vaginal infection, has been associated with preterm delivery and low birth weight. Trichomonas infection can have unpleasant symptoms such as itching, profuse discharge, vaginal irritation, and odor. It also causes a chronic inflammatory condition and may facilitate HIV transmission. Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it is more common in sexually active women.

Although many studies have shown an association between bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, and low birth weight, it is not known whether the bacterial overgrowth causes these complications, or if it is a marker for intrauterine colonization. Screening for bacterial vaginosis is not recommended for asymptomatic women because current evidence indicates that treatment does not improve pregnancy outcomes.

A summary of treatments for the infections discussed is provided in Table 5. Systemic Infections An extensive list of systemic infections in pregnant females can be found in Table 2. Ap pendicitis Appendicitis is the most common non-obstetric emergency requiring surgery during pregnancy.

The incidence of appendicitis during pregnancy ranges from 0.05% to 0.13%; and usually occurs in the second or third trimesters. The rate of appendicitis is the same in pregnant and non-pregnant women; however, pregnant women have a higher rate of perforation. Difficulty in diagnosing appendicitis during pregnancy arises from the fact that its symptoms are similar to those of pregnancy: anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.

Leukocytosis and a diminished tendency to develop hypotension and tachycardia, which are physiologic in pregnancy, add complexity to the diagnosis. Displacement of the appendix by the uterus and increased separation of the visceral and parietal peritoneum, which decreases the ability to localize tenderness on examination, further complicates diagnosis. Abdominal pain, diffuse periumbilical pain migrating to the right lower quadrant, and nausea and vomiting are common symptoms.

The most common signs of appendicitis are abdominal tenderness, most often in the right lower quadrant, and rebound tenderness and guarding. Fever has not proved to be a reliable sign of appendicitis, and laboratory findings, including leukocytosis and C-reactive protein, have been found unreliable for diagnosis.

Ur inary Tract Infections Urinary tract infections ( UTIs) are common during pregnancy. Increased bladder volume, and decreased bladder tone, along with decreased ureteral tone, contributes to increased urinary stasis and ureterovesical reflux.

Increases in urinary progestins and estrogens may lead to a decreased ability of the lower urinary tract to resist invading bacteria. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in studies varies between 4% and 7%. Incidence relates to sexual activity, and increases with increasing age and gravidity.

is. Urinary tract infection with classic symptoms and signs of urinary frequency, dysuria, and fever is a common cause of fever in pregnancy. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings and a urine specimen containing greater than 105 colony forming U/m L. The majority of UTIs are caused by gastrointestinal organisms.

tic. A temperature above 103F (39.50C) during early weeks of pregnancy (usually the first trimester) may be responsible for a miscarriage, spinal cord or mental defects in the baby. Fever in early pregnancy may cause more harm than fever in late pregnancy.

Pregnancy Fever- High Body Temperature when Pregnant

Pregnancy Fever- High Body Temperature when Pregnant Posted by Dr. Alison Tweet The main concern regarding fever in pregnancy is if and how it can harm the baby.

Although a high body temperature for a prolonged period of time in a pregnant woman could potentially affect the baby, there are a lot of other considerations which have to be taken into account. Does a Fever in Pregnancy Harm the Baby? The likelihood and extent of complications in pregnancy due to a fever will depend upon the : Degree of temperature rise.

Stage of the pregnancy. Duration of the fever. Cause of the fever. On an average, a body temperature of 98.60F (37.5C) is taken as normal. A higher than normal body temperature is known as pyrexia or fever. Refer to the article on What is a Fever?

for more information on a normal and high body temperature. Points to bear in mind A temperature rise above 101F (38.30C) may be worrying. A body temperature above 102F (38.90C) for an extended period of time could become problema

Fever caused by an intrauterine infection can be extremely dangerous for the unborn baby. Causes of Fever in Pregnancy Viral Infection The most common cause of a fever in pregnancy is a viral infection. Influenza – seasonal influenza, H1N1 influenza (swine flu). Common cold. Viral infections such as measles, rubella, chicken pox and others. Bacterial Infection Urinary tract infection (UTI). Respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Tonsillitis. Gastrointestinal infections, commonly associated with diarrhea. Appendicitis. Pelvic infection.

Fever Caused by Pregnancy Chorioamnionitis is a bacterial infection of the amniotic fluid which surrounds the baby. Along with fever, there may be abdominal pain accompanied by uterine tenderness and contractions. A foul-smelling amniotic fluid or vaginal discharge may be present.

If chorioamnionitis is diagnosed, the baby has to be delivered immediately, no matter what the gestational age, to avoid risk of a neonatal infection. Travelers’ Fever when Pregnant There are a number of infectious illnesses that can be contracted while traveling and pregnant women should be more cautious especially if traveling to endemic areas.

Some of the common infectious illnesses that may be contracted include : Malaria. Typhoid. Meningitis. Hepatitis. Pregnant women should also be cautious of a fever after contact with an animal or insect whether there was a bite or sting or not.

Refer to Fever After Animal, Insect Bites, Stings, Contact. Raised Body Temperature in Pregnancy Ask a Doctor Online Now!Hyperthermia caused by : Tanning beds. Hot tubs. Sauna. Exposure to extreme hot weather. Over-exertion. Risks of Fever in Pregnancy Possible risks of fever in pregnancy may include Prenatal death.

Miscarriage. Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Micropthalmia (abnormally small eyes). Cataract. Microencephaly (head is significantly smaller than normal). Functional and behavioral problems. Craniofacial developmental defects, such as cleft palate and/or lip.

Problems with teeth and skeletal development. Cardiac developmental defects. Preterm delivery. The relationship between problems of CNS function (such as mental retardation, autism, schizophrenia, and cerebral palsy) and fever during pregnancy is still being researched extensively. Risks may be associated with cause of fever rather than the fever itself, such as congenital defects produced by the following infections – TORCH ( t oxoplasma, o thers, r ubella, c ytomegalovirus, and h erpes).

Included in the “ o thers” category is parovirus B19, chicken pox, measles, enterovirus, adenovirus, hepatitis, and HIV. Refer Investigations Investigations to find the cause of fever may be necessary, such as : Blood test, including white blood count. Blood culture. Strep throat culture. Sputum test. Urinalysis. Urine culture. Stool test. Spinal tap or lumbar puncture.

If chorioamnionitis is suspected, amniocentesis for microscopy and culture may be needed. Warning Signs of Fever in Pregnancy Any fever in pregnancy, especially if lasting more than 24 to 36 hours, should be brought to the doctor’s notice.

The presence of the following signs and symptoms along with a fever should be taken seriously. Abdominal pain. Uterine tenderness. Uterine contractions. Nausea and/or vomiting. Diarrhea. Skin rash. Treatment of Fever in Pregnancy Medication should be taken only after consulting with a doctor. All drugs are not safe for use during pregnancy. Antipyretics to reduce the fever. Acetaminophen is usually recommended. Ibuprofen should not be taken by pregnant women. Cooling blankets or cooling fans to treat hyperthermia.

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Adequate rest and enough sleep. Wear loose, comfortable clothes.

Stay in a cool environment. The cause of fever has to be determined. Appropriate treatment of the cause of fever, including antiviral medication for viral infections and antibiotics in case of a bacterial infection. A UTI is common during pregnancy. If a woman has had more than one such infection or a kidney infection, she may be advised to take antibiotics throughout pregnancy to prevent the chance of recurrence.

Uterine activity should be monitored and fetal well-being assessed by the doctor. Delivery may become necessary in some cases. Prevention of Fever in Pregnancy While prevention of fever in pregnancy may not altogether be possible, certain precautions can be taken.

Vaccination against seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza (swine flu) is recommended. Be up to date on all vaccinations. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Wash the hands frequently with an antiseptic soap. Do not drink unpasteurized milk. Tanning beds, hot tubs and saunas and should be avoided during pregnancy. Preventive medicines should be taken as necessary, when traveling to another country. Related Article Sudden Fever – Causes of Acute Fever in Adults

wn. Sometimes you can bring down a fever by taking a lukewarm shower or bath, but check with your doctor if your fever is high or if non-medical remedies don't work. A prolonged fever higher than 102 degrees can harm your baby, and your doctor may prefer that you take an OTC medicine to control it. Cold and cough remedies

Over-the-Counter Cold Medicines and Pregnancy

"Over-the-Counter Cold Medicines and Pregnancy By Nancy Montgomery A cold can be an annoyance or a major misery, depending on its severity.

But if you catch a cold when you're pregnant, you may well wonder how the over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies you usually reach for could affect your baby.

Are they safe? Unfortunately, for many OTC medicines, we just don't know the answer. It would be unethical to use pregnant women as guinea pigs, so researchers rely on animal testing and other techniques to estimate the effect medicines may have on your unborn baby. That's why it's important to check with your doctor before you take any OTC medicine -- no matter whether you've taken it safely dozens of times before when you weren't pregnant.

Easing fever and pain When you find yourself with a fever, headache, or the aching muscles that often come with a cold or flu, your best option is acetaminophen or regular-strength Tylenol, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

These are effective against pain and fever, widely used, and haven't caused harmful effects when used by pregnant women. You'll definitely want to steer clear of regular aspirin unless your doctor tells you to take it for a specific condition. (Sometimes doctors prescribe low-dose aspirin to prevent pregnancy-induced high blood pressure or other problems.)

Aspirin can cause serious bleeding problems in both you and your baby. Also avoid taking NSAIDs unless your doctor has given you the green light, and never use them during your last trimester, advises the AAFP. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), ketoprofen (Orudis), and naproxen (Aleve). These medicines can cause blood-flow problems in your baby when taken in the last three months of your pregnancy, and problems with labor and other damage if used close to delivery. For pain relief without the pills, try applying an ice pack or a heating pad to sore muscles. (Just be careful not to expose your skin to a hot or cold treatment for more than 20 minutes at a time.)

If you have a fever, drinking plenty of liquids may help keep it do

Cold remedies generally fall into three categories>Decongestants. When your head feels stuffed with cotton and you can't breathe through your nose, decongestants offer relief. Antihistamines help get rid of itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. Expectorants help loosen the mucus in your lungs so you can cough it up more easily.

The tricky part is, many OTC cold medicines address more than one symptom, so it's very important to read the label carefully and only buy a product that treats the symptom that's bothering you. Also, some cold products contain aspirin or aspirin-like products -- just what you want to avoid, unless your doctor advises you otherwise. Aspirin may be listed as acetylsalicylic acid, acetylsalicylate, sallicyclic acid or salicylate on the label.

It's important to be able to breathe easily when you're pregnant because each breath you take is supplying oxygen to your baby as well. However, it's not a good idea to take decongestants for more than a few days unless your doctor gives you the go ahead. A report in the American Family Physician says your best choice is pseudoephedrine (found in Novafed and other products).

But don't take it during the first three months of your pregnancy because it can cause developmental abnormalities in your baby's stomach. Also be wary of pseudoephedrine if you have high blood pressure, because this medicine can make it worse. Aside from the common cold, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the mucous membranes in the nasal passages to swell.

This makes some pregnant women feel like they have a slight cold that lasts their entire pregnancy. Of course you don't want to take decongestants the whole time you're pregnant, so here are some things you can try to help ease congestion and make it easier to breathe: Drink plenty of water every day -- it will help keep nasal secretions thin.

Use saline (saltwater) nasal spray or drops. Avoid cigarette smoke and other air pollutants (and, of course, never smoke during pregnancy).

Use a facial steamer (available at your local drugstore) or take a hot shower and let the steam open congested nasal passages. Smear a dab of Vicks under your nose. Try using a room vaporizer. Antihistamines. If persistent sneezing and itchy, watery eyes are making you miserable, an antihistamine can help.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, the safest OTC choice is a product with chlorpheniramine (such as Chlor-Trimeton). If you are in your second or third trimester, some experts say that loratadine (in products like Claritin) is a safe choice.

Medicines with the ingredient diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl) have been linked to uterine contractions when taken in high doses. Cough suppressants and expectorants. Coughing is your body's way to get rid of chest congestion, so stopping a cough isn't always the best way to go.

If you have a dry cough, an expectorant can be helpful in loosening chest mucus so you can expel it more easily. In your second and third trimesters, a cough medicine with guaifenesin may be a good bet, but don't take it in your first three months because it can cause developmental defects in your baby.

Experts at the American College of Chest Physicians say that cough medicines don't do all that much anyway, so they recommend trying easy home remedies such as using a humidifier or vaporizer, drinking plenty of water, and sucking on hard candies.

The bottom line Any time you take medicine, you should weigh the benefit to risk ratio. If the risk is small and the benefit great, taking the medicine is probably the right choice. Your doctor can help you decide. Here are some other guidelines to keep in mind: Do not use aspirin unless it's specifically recommended by your doctor, since it can cause bleeding in the mother and the developing baby.

Always check to see what the ""active ingredient"" in a medicine is -- it may not contain what you're expecting. Read labels carefully and follow your doctor's recommendations exactly when taking any OTC medicine. If you take less than your doctor recommends, it may not be effective, and taking more means your baby is getting more medicine as well.

Your baby's liver and kidneys are not as well developed as yours, so he'll have a harder time ridding his body of the medicine. Don't use extra-strength or long-acting medicines. Always choose the lowest dosage that will provide the relief you need.

Avoid combination products such as cough medicines that are also decongestants, or multiple-symptom cold remedies. Choose single-ingredient products to treat the specific symptom you are experiencing. Avoid taking several different medicines at the same time -- a medication that is safe when taken alone may be riskier when combined with another medicine.

Unless your doctor recommends something (like prenatal vitamins, calcium, or iron), try not to take any OTC medicine in your first trimester, when the risk to your developing baby is greater.

Don't use herbal remedies unless your doctor says they're ok. Some may not be safe for your baby or may interact with other medicines you're taking. Finally, always check with your doctor to find the safest treatment for your symptoms. That way you can feel better and feel confident that your baby will be healthy, too.

References OTC and Certain Patient Groups : Pregnancy. American Academy of Family Physicians. 2010. Wigle, P. R. et al. Pregnancy and OTC cough, cold, and analgesic preparations. US Pharm. 2006. 3:33-47. William Sears, M. D., and Martha Sears, R. N. The Pregnancy Book. Pregnancy and Medicines. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women's Health. www.4woman.gov/faq/pregmed.htm. Coughs and Colds in Pregnancy. Dr Spock.com. www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,5985,00.html. Mayo Clinic. Back pain during pregnancy. www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy/HQ00302. Park Nicollet. The Rice Method: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. www.parknicollet.com/healthadvisor/firstaid/rice.cfm Healthy Pregnancy. Staying Healthy and Safe. Womenshealth.gov U. S. Department of Health & Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/you-are-pregnant/staying-healthy-safe.cfm#d Last Updated: Jan 20, 2018Pregnancy Health Library Copyright ©2017 Lime Health. All Rights Reserved. "

It's not normal to have cramping during pregnancy with pain that's severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, headache, or fever. Pain with cramps and vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy can be a sign of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

Abdominal pain and cramping during pregnancy

Home / Pregnancy / Pregnancy Pains & Discomforts / Aches & Pains Abdominal pain and cramping during pregnancy IN THIS ARTICLEIs it normal to have abdominal pain during pregnancy? Is it normal to have mild pain with cramping during pregnancy? When is it not normal to have pain with cramping during pregnancy?

What causes harmless abdominal pain during pregnancy? What serious problems cause abdominal pain during pregnancy?

Is there anything I can do to relieve abdominal pain during pregnancy? When to call the doctor for cramps during pregnancy: A visual guide En español Reviewed by the Baby Center Medical Advisory Board Last updated: May 2017Is it normal to have abdominal pain during pregnancy? Occasional abdominal pain during pregnancy is a common and often harmless complaint, but it can also be a sign of a serious problem.

Never ignore severe or persistent abdominal pain. Call your healthcare provider if your pain doesn't go away after several minutes of rest, or if you also have any of the following: Vaginal spotting or bleeding Unusual vaginal discharge Chills or fever Lightheadedness Pain or discomfort while urinating Nausea and vomiting Is it normal to have mild pain with cramping during pregnancy?

Yes, a little bit of pain with cramping in early pregnancy is common. Later in pregnancy, cramps might be harmless Braxton-Hicks contractions or round ligament pain. And occasional mild cramps throughout pregnancy without any other symptoms are usually nothing to worry about. When is it not normal to have pain with cramping during pregnancy?

It's also not normal to have any pain in the upper abdomen. And if your abdomen is unusually sensitive to touch, especially when pressure is released, a serious abdominal infection (peritonitis) could be the culprit. What causes harmless abdominal pain during pregnancy? Not all abdominal pain during pregnancy is a sign of a serious problem.

Common causes of minor abdominal pain include: Gas and bloating: You're much more likely to have gas pain and bloating during pregnancy because of hormones that slow your digestion and the pressure of your growing uterus on your stomach and intestines. Constipation: Pregnancy hormones that slow down your digestion and the pressure of your growing uterus on your rectum can lead to constipation.

Pregnancy constipation An unanticipated problem was encountered, check back soon and try again Error Code: MEDIA_ERR_UNKNOWNSession ID: 2018-04-11:4db9d0c6305c9dd42dc71e4c Player Element ID: body Video0OKConstipation is common during pregnancy. What causes constipation, and how can you prevent it? See all pregnancy videos Cramping during orgasm: You may notice a bit of cramping during or right after an orgasm.

As long as it's mild and short-lived, it's perfectly normal and nothing to be alarmed about. Round ligament pain: Round ligament pain is generally a brief, sharp, stabbing pain or a dull ache that you may feel on one or both sides of your lower abdomen or deep in your groin.

It usually starts in your second trimester when the ligaments in your pelvis that support your uterus begin to stretch and thicken to accommodate its growing size.

You may feel a short, sharp pain if you suddenly change position, such as when you get out of bed or up from a chair or when you cough, roll over in bed, or get out of the bathtub.

Or you may feel a dull ache after an especially active day. Call your provider if this discomfort continues even after you've rested. Braxton Hicks contractions: After midpregnancy, you may start to feel a tightening sensation in your uterus from time to time. Before 37 weeks, these Braxton Hicks contractions should be infrequent, irregular, and essentially painless.

(Once you're close to your due date, this type of cramping during pregnancy can be a sign of labor . )Call your provider if: The contractions are accompanied by lower back pain. You feel more than six contractions an hour (even if they don't hurt).

The contractions are coming at regular intervals. You also have vaginal discharge or bleeding. You have any other signs of premature labor. What serious problems cause abdominal pain during pregnancy? Ectopic pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in one of the fallopian tubes. It may cause cramping in early pregnancy and other symptoms. Left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening.

Call your provider immediately if you have any of the following symptoms: Abdominal or pelvic pain or tenderness (especially sharp, sudden pain that doesn't go away, comes and goes, or happens only on one side)Vaginal spotting or bleeding Pain that gets worse during physical activity or while moving your bowels or coughing Pain in your shoulder (from a buildup of blood under your diaphragm caused by a ruptured fallopian tube)Call 911 if you're bleeding heavily or showing signs of shock.

These include a racing pulse, dizziness, fainting, and pale, clammy skin. Pregnancy dizziness An unanticipated problem was encountered, check back soon and try again Error Code: MEDIA_ERR_UNKNOWNSession ID: 2018-04-11:dc063a04d3c522488fce3c50 Player Element ID: body Video1OKFeeling dizzy or lightheaded is common during pregnancy.

Learn why it happens and what to do if you get a dizzy spell. See all pregnancy videos Miscarriage Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks.

Vaginal spotting or bleeding is usually the first symptom, followed by abdominal pain a few hours to a few days later. The bleeding may be light or heavy. The pain may feel crampy or persistent, and mild or sharp. It may also feel more like lower back pain or pelvic pressure.

Call your provider if you have signs of a miscarriage. If you have severe pain or heavy bleeding, you need to be seen immediately. Preterm labor You're in preterm labor, also known as premature labor, if you start to have contractions that efface or dilate your cervix earlier than 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Call your provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms before then: An increase in the amount or type of vaginal discharge (It may be watery, mucous, or blood-tinged. )Vaginal spotting or bleeding Abdominal pain, including what feels like period cramps More than six contractions an hour (even if they don't hurt)Increased pelvic pressure Lower back pain, especially if you didn't previously have back pain A rush or trickle of watery fluid from your vagina Placental abruption Placental abruption is a life-threatening condition in which your placenta separates from your uterus, partially or completely, before your baby is born.

Symptoms can vary widely. Sometimes a placental abruption causes sudden and obvious bleeding. But in other cases, there may not be any noticeable bleeding at first, or you might have only light bleeding or spotting. If your water breaks, you might leak bloody amniotic fluid. You might also have back pain or frequent contractions. Your uterus might contract and stay hard (like a cramp or contraction that doesn't go away) or feel tender. You might also notice that your baby's activity becomes less frequent. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Placental abruption is a medical emergency. Preeclampsia Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that causes changes in your blood vessels and can affect organs including your liver, kidneys, brain, and the placenta. You're diagnosed with preeclampsia if you have high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy and protein in your urine, liver or kidney abnormalities, persistent headaches, or vision changes.

Symptoms may include: Intense pain or tenderness in the upper abdomen or shoulder A severe headache that won't go away Changes in eyesight (such as blurred vision or seeing spots or stars)Nausea and vomiting Difficulty breathing Swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes More than slight swelling in your hands Sudden and severe swelling in your feet or ankles Sudden rapid weight gain (from water retention)If you have symptoms of preeclampsia, call your provider immediately.

Urinary tract infections Being pregnant makes you more susceptible to urinary tract infections of all kinds, including kidney infections. It's important to call your provider if you think you might have a bladder infection because it can lead to a kidney infection, which can cause serious illness and premature labor if left untreated.

Symptoms of a bladder infection may include: Pain, discomfort, or burning when urinating Pelvic pain or lower abdominal pain (often just above the pubic bone)A frequent or uncontrollable urge to pee, even when there's very little urine in the bladder Cloudy, foul-smelling, or bloody urine Seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the following signs that the infection might have spread to your kidneys: A high fever, often with shaking, chills, or sweats Pain in your lower back, abdomen, or side, just under your ribs Nausea and vomiting Pus or blood in your urine Other causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy Many other conditions can cause abdominal pain, whether you're pregnant or not.

Some of the most common causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy include: Stomach virus Food poisoning Appendicitis Kidney stones Hepatitis Gallbladder disease Pancreatitis Fibroids Bowel obstruction Both gallbladder disease and pancreatitis are often a result of gallstones, which are more common during pregnancy.

Fibroids may grow during pregnancy and cause discomfort. And the pressure of the growing uterus on previously scarred intestinal tissue may cause bowel obstruction, which is most likely to occur in the third trimester.

Is there anything I can do to relieve abdominal pain during pregnancy? If you have minor pain and no symptoms of anything more serious, try these tips to relieve abdominal pain: Move around or do some gentle exercises to relieve gas pain. Take a warm (not hot) bath or shower. Bend toward a pain for relief. Drink plenty of fluids. (Dehydration can cause Braxton Hicks contractions.

)Try lying down. This might relieve pain caused by Braxton Hicks contractions. When to call the doctor for cramps during pregnancy: A visual guide If you're trying to decide whether your cramps warrant a call to the doctor, walk through the questions in this flow chart. Of course if you have any doubts about what to do, err on the side of caution and call your health provider.

Learn more: Prenatal massage to ease pregnancy aches and pains Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore Stretching exercises for pregnancy Show sources Discuss this topic Comments (938)advertisement Featured video An unanticipated problem was encountered, check back soon and try again Error Code: MEDIA_ERR_UNKNOWNSession ID: 2018-04-11:b5c55855b0b4face3e2f08c Player Element ID: featured Video Player OKPregnancy and frequent urination See all pregnancy, parenting, and birth videos

Pregnant women are advised not to use hot tubs and saunas during early pregnancy (or to limit their use to 10 minutes or less at a temperature of 102 degrees F) because these can raise your core body temperature. And when your core body temperature rises, your risk for miscarriage and some birth defects may also increase.

Is it safe to use a heating pad for sore muscles during pregnancy?

Home / Pregnancy / Pregnancy Pains & Discomforts / Aches & Pains Is it safe to use a heating pad for sore muscles during pregnancy?

Tekoa L. King, CNM, MPHcertified nurse-midwife Using a heating pad during pregnancy to ease lower back pain, sore muscles, or aching joints won't harm your baby because moderate heat applied to just one area of your body won't raise your overall core body temperature.

This risk is considered quite small and is only a concern if your core temperature goes up to the point that you have a fever. There's no evidence that exposure to electromagnetic fields from computers, microwaves, cellphones, airport screening machines, and other electrical devices poses any danger to developing babies either.

Last updated: May 2017Show sources Discuss this topic Comments (4)advertisement Featured video An unanticipated problem was encountered, check back soon and try again Error Code: MEDIA_ERR_UNKNOWNSession ID: 2018-04-12:2a1fa9fe87121d8481aa97fc Player Element ID: featured Video Player OKPregnancy and lower back pain See all pregnancy, parenting, and birth videos

However, kidney infection allows the bacteria to enter the bloodstream causing blood poisoning (4). Kidney infection causes the ascent of bacteria into the amniotic sac and fluid. This could rupture the sac and result in preterm delivery (5). Preterm labor could result in the delivery of a low birth weight baby. Pyelonephritis with a high fever is a severe case of a kidney infection that can lead to miscarriage.

Kidney Infection During Pregnancy: Causes, Treatment And Preventive Measures

Home » Pregnancy » Safety Kidney Infection During Pregnancy: Causes, Treatment And Preventive Measuresshreeja pillai September 14, 2017Image: Shutterstock What causes kidney infection during pregnancy? Symptoms of kidney infection Complications of kidney infection Diagnosis of kidney infection Treatment for kidney infection Measures to avoid kidney infection Home remedies for treating kidney infection Pregnancy is ridden with health issues.

But not all problems can be brushed aside because a few like kidney infection need immediate attention. The changes in the anatomy of the urinary tract slow down the flow of urine during pregnancy. This triggers a bacterial infection in the lower urinary tract, gradually spreading into the bladder and then into one or both the kidneys.

Here, Mom Junction will discuss the causes of a kidney infection during pregnancy, what it could lead to and how you can get the problem treated.

What Causes Kidney Infection In Pregnancy? Kidney infection, also termed as Pyelonephritis, occurs when the infection spreads to the upper urinary tract. It leads to inflammation of the kidney tissues and renal pelvis. Sponsored The infection is usually caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. Coli) that travel through the urethra to the bladder and then to the kidneys.

The other bacteria that can cause urinary tract infection are Klebsiella pneumoniae or Staphylococcus (1).

The infection occurs due to the changes in the urinary tract, such as kidney enlargement and compression of the ureters and bladder (2). Image: i Stock Kidney enlargement: High concentration of progesterone hormone secreted during pregnancy causes dilation of ureters, slowing down the flow of urine, (3) leading to its accumulation in the bladder.

It causes the kidneys to enlarge and gives time to the bacteria to multiply and trigger the infection. [ Read: Infections During Pregnancy ]Compression of the ureters and bladder: The growing uterus puts pressure on the ureters and the bladder, making it difficult for the urine to flow.

Also, the infections pass more easily into a woman’s body than into a man’s because of the shortness of her urethra, which is close to the anal opening. This leads to easy transfer of bacteria from the rectal matter at the anal opening to the urethra.

What Are The Symptoms Of Kidney Infection? Kidney infection is classified into acute pyelonephritis and subacute pyelonephritis, with each having varying symptoms.

Acute pyelonephritis shows sudden symptoms such as: Headache Loss of appetite Severe abdominal pain in women who are more than 16 weeks pregnant Fever with a sudden increase in body temperature Concentrated urine with pus and debris Paling and vomiting Tenderness of the affected kidney Subacute pyelonephritis The symptoms appear gradually during this condition: Lower back pain Feeling unwell Mild abdominal pain Irregular fluctuations in the body temperature Vomiting Symptoms indicating pneumonia and pleurisy Subacute pyelonephritis could be difficult to detect as the symptoms are slow and you might see them as just another discomfort during pregnancy.

Be it acute or subacute, a kidney infection cannot be ignored given the consequences that you would face. Complications Of Kidney Infection If left untreated, kidney infection while pregnant may lead to serious complications such as: Kidney scarring that can further lead to high blood pressure and kidney failure. Blood poisoning, also termed as septicaemia. The kidney filters the waste from the blood and resupplies the filtered blood to the body.

If you have any symptoms like severe back or side pain, vomitings, and fever, then call the doctor right away, as these common symptoms could be indicating a kidney infection. [ Read: Urinary Tract Infection During Pregnancy ]Diagnosis Of Kidney Infection During Pregnancy Your physician will ask you a few questions and check your past medical records to know your health history.

A typical diagnosis would include: Physical examination During this, your doctor may gently press the area around the kidneys to feel the tenderness and understand the extent of pain in that part. Laboratory tests A urine analysis to detect pus, bacteria, blood, white blood cells, and red blood cells in your urine (6). A clean catch urine culture will help detect the type of bacteria causing the infection. A blood test may be carried out to determine the level of infection.

A CT scan of the abdomen is done to check for the enlargement of the kidneys or any blockage in the urinary tract. Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an X-ray of the kidney. In this X-ray process, a dye is injected into the veins. The dye detects any obstructions or abnormalities as it passes through the urinary tract and imparts the images on the X-ray.

A biopsy may be suggested to know the extent of infection in the kidneys. An ultrasound is usually suggested to check for any blockage in the urinary tract. If you are diagnosed with a kidney infection, you will be asked to get admitted to the hospital. The length of your stay will depend on the severity of the infection, and the time it would take for the treatment.

Treatment For Kidney Infection While Pregnant Initial treatment includes administration of intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone (Rocephin) or cefazolin (Ancef) (7). Your doctor will monitor your temperature, blood pressure, urinating ability, pulse, and heart rate to determine any indications of preterm labor.

If there is no improvement in your condition, then it could mean that the infecting bacteria are resistant to the medicine. In such case, the doctor may prescribe another antibiotic gentamycin (Garamycin) (8). Post hospitalization, your doctor will prescribe oral antibiotic medicine such as nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Septra, Bactrim) for ten days.

However, use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy (9). Once the treatment is complete, you will be put on low-dose antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe a daily dose of 1gm of sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin) or 100mg of nitrofurantoin monohydrate macrocrystals (Macrobid) to prevent any risk of kidney infection again (10).

During every prenatal visit, your doctor will recommend urine screening to check for the presence of any infection-causing bacteria or white blood cells in the urine. [ Read: Bladder Infections During Pregnancy ]How To Prevent Kidney Infection In Pregnancy The following steps will help you reduce the risks of a kidney infection during pregnancy: Drink eight to ten glasses of water every day as it promotes sufficient blood flow to the ureters.

Insufficient blood flow leads to slower processing of urine, triggering bacterial infection. Clear or pale yellow color of urine indicates proper hydration. Keep your genitals clean to inhibit bacterial infection. After stool discharge, clean the area properly to prevent any bacteria from the rectal area migrating into the urethra. Avoid using any soaps or spray that irritates your skin. It can contribute to harmful bacterial infestation.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol during the infection. General hygiene and a healthy diet can help you prevent the infection. The two also support you on your path to recovery. Certain foods are known to fight infections in our body. Home Remedies For Kidney Infection You may want to try the below foods to help your body recover sooner than later: Consumption of cranberry juice every day will help increase the acidity of urine, which controls any bacterial growth, thereby preventing kidney infection (11).

Yogurt is a good source of antioxidants. Moreover, the live bacteria in it inhibit the attack of external bacteria at the epithelial cells of the urinary tract (12).

Consume foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, broccoli, pepper, potatoes, tomatoes, kiwi, and strawberry (13). Parsley juice is a natural cleanser that helps in promoting the flow of urine. It helps in removing the toxins and microorganisms from the kidney (14).

Marshmallow roots have diuretic properties that improve the urine flow. Moreover, they fight unwanted microorganisms, and its antioxidants prevent any free radical damage to the urinary tract (15). Apple cider vinegar is known for its antibacterial properties and helps balance the p H level in the body. This inhibits any bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Apple cider vinegar with honey works well for UTIs.

Garlic is a natural diuretic that helps in eliminating the toxins and microorganisms from the body (16). Echinacea has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is helpful in treating urethra swelling, thereby relieving you from pain while urinating (17).

Celery seed, also known as Apium Graveolens, has antibacterial and antifungal properties. They improve the urine, flow thus eliminating the toxins. Kidney infection is completely curable with medication and care. Visit the doctor as soon as you suspect urinary tract infection, and talk to them about your problem.

Make sure to take the medicines on time as prescribed by the physician and maintain hygiene at home. Also, be careful while using public toilets. [ Read: Bacterial Infection During Pregnancy ]Frequently Asked Questions1. What if I get urinary tract infection during pregnancy and have no symptoms? This is associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria, wherein the bacteria gets colonized in the urinary tract and does not show any symptoms.

If you have had UTI in the past, then your doctor will suggest a urine culture to check for any bacteria in the urine.2. What factors increase the risk of UTI during pregnancy? Diabetes, overweight, history of recurrent UTI, multiple pregnancies, among others, put you at the risk of getting UTI during pregnancy.3. How soon will the medication work for me during pregnancy? Once you are put on antibiotics, you are likely to show improvement in three days.

However, you will need to complete the course even if there are no symptoms. If you have any symptoms of kidney infection, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Get your urine screened each time you visit the hospital and rely on the treatments to avoid any complications. Do you have an experience to share? Let us know in the comment box. Recommended Articles: Itching Belly During Pregnancy – Causes And Simple Home Remedies Common Skin Problems During Pregnancy & Their Remedies Types Of Rashes That Occur During Pregnancy – Symptoms & Treatments Ear Infections During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Remedies Click SHARE THIS STORY ON FACEBOOKThe following two tabs change content below. Latest Posts Bio Latest posts by shreeja pillai ( see all)Rubella In Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment - April 25, 2016Cheese During Pregnancy: What To Eat, What To Avoid - April 25, 2016Uterus During Pregnancy: Its Size, Changes And Role - March 31, 2016

Symptoms of illness include fever, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. The bacteria also can spread into the bloodstream or nervous system, leading to meningitis * . Pregnant women are at the greatest risk for listeriosis, and the disease can cause miscarriage * , stillbirth * , or serious illness in the newborn.

Intestinal Infections

"Intestinal Infections Follow City-Data.com founder on our Forum or @Lech Mazur Photo by: Sebastian Kaulitzki As the name indicates, intestinal infections affect the gastrointestinal * tract, often causing diarrhea (dye-uh-REE-uh). Gastroenteritis (gas-tro-en-ter-EYE-tis), an inflammation of the stomach and intestines * , frequently accompanies such infections.

KEYWORDSfor searching the Internet and other reference sources Campylobacter Campylobacterosis Clositidium E. colli Enteroviruses Foodborne illnesses Food poisoning Hepatitis AListeria Listeriosis Rotaviruses Salmonella Salmonellosis Shigella Shigellosis Staphylococcus aureus Typhoid fever What Are Intestinal Infections and Gastroenteritis? Viruses, bacteria, parasites, or other pathogens (PAH-tho-jens, microscopic organisms that cause disease) can cause infections in the stomach and small and large intestines, which often lead to gastroenteritis.

When people get sick because they eat food or drink water that has been contaminated with disease-causing organisms or toxins (poisons that harm the body), it is called food poisoning or foodborne illness.

Food poisoning usually affects the stomach and/or the intestines. Occasionally, however, the organism or toxin behind the illness can travel through the bloodstream and cause various symptoms in other parts of the body, such as the liver * .

Some types of food poisoning can harm the fetus * carried by a pregnant woman. Intestinal infections can be spread in many ways. Some people become infected by eating contaminated shellfish, raw or undercooked meat, or unpasteurized * dairy products, or from drinking or swimming in contaminated water. Others get sick after touching a surface (such as a kitchen counter) or bowel movement (when changing a diaper or doing laundry, for example) contaminated with an infectious organism.

If they forget to wash their hands, they can carry the organism to their mouths on their hands or on food that they eat. Outbreaks of intestinal infections occur when many people eat or drink the same contaminated food or water.

Intestinal infections are very common, particularly in developing parts of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 2 million children worldwide die each year from diseases that cause diarrhea. Children, the elderly, and people who have weak immune systems are most likely to contract intestinal infections. What Bacteria Cause Intestinal Infections or Food Poisoning? Not all bacteria that grow in the intestines are bad.

In fact, some are necessary, and many aid the body with digestion and actually help fight infection. However, other types are less welcome. Salmonella Several different strains of Salmonella (sal-muh-NEH-luh) bacteria can cause illness. The Salmonella typhi (sal-muh-NEH-luh TIE-fee) bacterium causes the most serious illness, typhoid (TIE-foyd) fever, which is common in developing countries.

The National Center for Infectious Diseases reports an estimated 12.5 million cases of typhoid fever worldwide each year. In the United States, about 400 cases occur each year, most in people who have traveled to undeveloped countries.

Typhoid fever spreads when people eat or drink food or water contaminated with the bacteria. People who are infected may have a high fever, headache, extreme tiredness or weakness, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and sometimes a flat, red rash. A vaccination * for travelers can help prevent typhoid fever, and antibiotics can help patients who become sick.

* gastrointestinal (gas-tro-in-TES-tih-nuhl) means having to do with the organs of the digestive system, the system that processes food. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, and rectum and other organs involved in digestion, including the liver and pancreas. * intestines are the muscular tubes that food passes through during digestion after it exits the stomach. * liver is a large organ located beneath the ribs on the right side of the body. The liver performs numerous digestive and chemical functions essential for health.

* fetus (FEE-tus) is the term for an unborn human after it is an embryo, from 9 weeks after fertilization until childbirth. * unpasteurized (pas-CHUR-ized) refers to foods that have not undergone the process of pasteurization (pas-chu-rih-ZAY-shun), in which food is heated to a certain temperature over a period of time to kill organisms and help make the food safer to consume. * vaccination (vak-sih-NAY-shun), also called immunization, is giving, usually by an injection, a preparation of killed or weakened germs, or a part of a germ or product it produces, to prevent or lessen the severity of a disease.

Salmonellosis (sal-muh-neh-LO-sis) is a more common but less serious illness caused by Salmonella bacteria. The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 40,000 cases in the United States each year and estimates that 20 times that number may go undiagnosed. As many as 1,000 people in the United States die from the disease each year. Eating food from contaminated animals, such as eggs, poultry, and meat, can cause salmonellosis.

Symptoms start 12 to 72 hours after infection and include nausea (NAW-zee-uh), vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. The disease usually runs its course in 4 to 7 days. Only infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems typically require treatment.

(Antibiotic treatment can actually prolong the time that it takes for Salmonella bacteria to leave the body. )Shigella Shigellosis (shih-geh-LO-sis), caused by Shigella (shih-GEH-luh) bacteria, inflames the lining of the small intestine. In the United States, about 18,000 cases are reported to the CDC each year, although the actual number may be 20 times higher.

Young children are especially at risk for contracting the infection because shigellosis is transmitted through feces (FEE-seez, or bowel movements ). The disease can produce complications in this age group, including seizures * . Symptoms of shigellosis include diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus * ), fever, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal * cramping.

Most people recover without treatment, usually within a week, although doctors may prescribe antibiotics to patients to keep the disease from spreading. Escherichia coli Although there are hundreds of types of Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E coli) bacteria, only five are known to cause illness in people.

In the United States, the CDC estimates that there are 73,000 cases of E. coli infection, leading to about 60 deaths, each year. * seizures (SEE-zhurs) are sudden bursts of disorganized electrical activity that interrupt the normal functioning of the brain, often leading to uncontrolled movements of the body and sometimes a temporary change in consciousness.

* mucus (MYOO-kus) is a thick, slippery substance that lines the insides of many body parts. * abdominal (ab-DAH-mih-nul) refers to the area of the body below the ribs and above the hips that contains the stomach, intestines, and other organs.

* strain is a subtype of an organism, such as a virus or bacterium. Typhoid Mary An Irish immigrant cook, Mary Mallon, infected as many as 22 people in New York City with typhoid fever between 1900 and 1907.

Mallon, who became known later as ""Typhoid Mary,"" was a carrier of the disease. This means that she had no symptoms and was otherwise healthy but could spread the infection to others. (This was before antibiotics were available, which may have been able to kill the bacteria in her body.

)Although she committed no crime, city authorities held Mallon in an isolation cottage on an island in New York's East River from 1907 to 1910, and then again from 1915 (after it was discovered that she was responsible for another outbreak of typhoid fever that infected 25 people) until her death in 1938.

She was confined as a threat to public health. Many decades later, this case still raises an important and difficult question: how far should health authorities go in restricting individual rights to protect the general welfare of the public?

The most dangerous strain * of E. coli, 0157: H7, is found in the intestines of cattle. People usually become infected with the bacteria from eating undercooked ground beef, although contaminated water, unpasteurized dairy products and juices, and even fruits and vegetables can be sources of infection.

E. coli infection can cause abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea, which last about 5 days. Most people do not need treatment, although those with weak immune systems, children, and the elderly will need to be hospitalized if they develop a serious infection. Campylobacter Campylobacteriosis (kam-pee-lo-bak-teer-e-O-sis), caused by Campylobacter (kam-pee-lo-BAK-ter) bacteria, is the most common type of bacterial diarrhea in the United States.

Campylobacter jejuni (je-JOO-nee) causes about 99 percent of these cases. The CDC estimates that more than 2 million people, or almost 1 percent of the U. S. population, contract the infection each year. Campylobacter lives in animals, especially birds. Humans become infected after eating poultry that has not been thoroughly cooked.

Outbreaks also have occurred after people drank contaminated water or unpasteurized milk. Symptoms of illness begin 2 to 5 days after infection and include diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal cramping and pain, and fever. Most people recover on their own within 2 to 5 days. Clostridium difficile infection and Clostridium perfringens food poisoning Clostridium difficile (klos-TRIH-dee-um DIH-fih-seel) bacteria often live in the intestinal tracts of infants and young children without causing disease.

In adults, however, especially the elderly, C. difficile can produce fever, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Risk factors for infection include taking antibiotics, a hospital stay, gastrointestinal surgery, and having another serious illness.

Health care workers often spread the bacteria when they touch infected feces or contaminated surfaces, then touch patients or give them medicine without first washing their hands. C. difficile infection that causes symptoms most often occurs in people receiving long courses of antibiotics that limit the growth of the harmless bacteria that are usually present in the intestine.

Perfringens poisoning is caused by the Clostridium perfringens bacterium and is one of the most common types of food poisoning in the United States. Some C. perfringens bacteria may remain in food even after it has been cooked, then multiply when the food is cooled slowly and left at room temperature. People who eat contaminated food may develop intense abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and flatulence (excessive gas), usually within 8 to 22 hours.

Most people recover from perfringens poisoning within a day or two, although symptoms can last longer in older people. Quickly refrigerating uneaten cooked food and reheating leftovers to 165 degrees or higher can help prevent perfringens poisoning. Listeria Listeriosis (lis-teer-e-O-sis) is caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium, which is found in the soil and in the intestinal tracts of animals and humans. People contract listeriosis from eating vegetables grown in contaminated soil or raw or undercooked meat, or from drinking water or unpasteurized milk and milk products.

Symptoms of illness include fever, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. The bacteria also can spread into the bloodstream or nervous system, leading to meningitis * . Pregnant women are at the greatest risk for listeriosis, and the disease can cause miscarriage * , stillbirth * , or serious illness in the newborn.

Infants, older people, and people with weak immune systems are also at risk. Staphylococcus Toxins produced by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus (stah-fih-lo-KAH-kus ARE-ree-us) bacteria can cause food poisoning. When people who are infected with the bacteria handle food such as meat, poultry, egg products, or dishes containing mayonnaise or cream, they may spread the bacteria to the food.

The toxins build up when the food sits for long periods of time at room temperature. When a person becomes infected, symptoms come on quickly, within 2 to 8 hours, and last less than 12 hours. They include severe nausea and vomiting and sometimes abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and headache. What Are the Major Types of Viral Intestinal Infections?

Rotaviruses Rotaviruses (RO-tuh-vy-ruh-sez) can infect people of all ages, but infants and young children are infected most often. Outbreaks occur most frequently from November to April in the United States, with about 1 million children affected each year.

Of those, between 55,000 and 70,000 require hospitalization. Deaths from the illness are rare in the United States, but worldwide there are more than 600,000 deaths among children each year from rotavirus infection, according to WHO.

Rotaviruses spread when people come into contact with infected human feces. The disease is most common in daycare centers, hospital pediatric wards, and homes with young children. Symptoms appear about 2 days after infection. They include fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which last for 2 to 3 days, and diarrhea, which can linger for up to 8 days.

Most people do not require treatment. Enteroviruses Enteroviruses (en-tuh-ro-VY-ruh-sez) are a group of viruses that attack the intestinal tract and cause a wide range of illnesses, including intestinal infections. People who are infected may experience mild diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Most get better on their own without treatment from a doctor.

* meningitis (meh-nin-JY-tis) is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord.

Meningitis is most often caused by infection with a virus or a bacterium. * miscarriage is the ending of a pregnancy through the death of the embryo or fetus before birth. * stillbirth is the birth of a dead fetus. Hepatitis AThe hepatitis (heh-puh-TIE-tis) A virus is found in water contaminated by sewage, in shellfish from contaminated water, and in fruits and vegetables grown in contaminated soil. The virus can spread when people eat or drink contaminated food or water or from person to person during sexual intercourse.

Infected people who handle or prepare food can transmit the virus if they touch food after going to the bathroom and not washing their hands thoroughly.

Some people with hepatitis A infection show no signs of illness, but those who do may experience fever, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. The patient's liver enlarges and the skin may appear yellowish, a condition known as jaundice * . The disease can lead to permanent liver damage, although this is rare. Symptoms appear 2 to 4 weeks after infection and may last several weeks to months. A vaccine is available to protect people at high risk from hepatitis A infection. Other Causes of Intestinal Infection Parasites are the culprits behind many intestinal infections.

Amebiasis (ah-mih-BYE-uh-sis), caused by Entamoeba histolytica (en-tuh-ME-ba his-toh-LIH-tih-kuh); giardiasis (jee-ar-DYE-uh-sis), the work of the Giardia intestinalis protozoa * ; and infection with Cyclospora cayetanensis (syklo-SPORE-uh kye-uh-tuh-NIN-sis) are all common parasitic infections that lead to intestinal symptoms such as cramping and diarrhea.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Intestinal Infections and Food Poisoning? Many cases of intestinal infection are so mild that they go unnoticed.

Others get better without the patient ever seeing a doctor. The symptoms of gastroenteritis, namely nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, are common to many intestinal infections and some other diseases as well. When patients go to a doctor, they may be diagnosed with an intestinal infection or food poisoning based on a physical exam and their history of symptoms and food intake.

Mild cases likely will not require any laboratory tests, and the actual cause of the infection may never be known. In more severe cases of illness, however, doctors may collect samples of a bowel movement to examine under the microscope and send to be cultured * in order to identify the organism involved.

How Are Intestinal Infections Treated? Most intestinal infections do not require treatment, and patients get better on their own. People with diarrhea and other signs of intestinal infections should talk to their doctors if the symptoms do not clear up in a few days. * jaundice (JON-dis) is a yellowing of the skin, and sometimes the whites of the eyes, caused by a buildup in the body of bilirubin, a chemical produced in and released by the liver.

An increase in bilirubin may indicate disease of the liver or certain blood disorders. * protozoa (pro-tuh-ZOH-uh) are single-celled microorganisms (tiny organisms), some of which are capable of causing disease in humans. * cultured (KUL-churd) means subjected to a test in which a sample of fluid or tissue from the body is placed in a dish containing material that supports the growth of certain organisms.

Typically, within days the organisms will grow and can be identified. * dehydration (dee-hi-DRAY-shun) is a condition in which the body is depleted of water, usually caused by excessive and unreplaced loss of body fluids, such as through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea.

In most cases, patients can remain at home and maintain a relatively normal schedule. Children sometimes need to stay out of daycare until the illness resolves. While they recover, patients must be sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration * . Doctors also advise that they avoid anti-diarrhea medicine because it may keep the infectious agent in the body longer. More severe cases of intestinal infections sometimes require hospitalization so patients can receive intravenous fluids * , antibiotics, or other treatment. In most cases, people should feel better within days to a week, although it may be several more weeks before their gastrointestinal tracts recover completely.

Can Intestinal Infections Cause Other Medical Complications? In otherwise healthy people, intestinal infections rarely cause complications. Mild dehydration is the most common consequence. Infants and the elderly are most at risk for severe dehydration.

For people with weak immune systems (such as patients undergoing chemotherapy or people with HIV or AIDS * ), the infectious agent may spread throughout the body, causing widespread disease and even death. In infants and young children, cases of long-lasting illness occasionally lead to malnutrition or a failure to grow properly because the infections interfere with their nourishment.

More specific complications from intestinal infections vary. Salmonellosis and shigellosis can lead to Reiter (RYE-ter) syndrome, which is characterized by joint pain, eye inflammation, and difficulty and pain with urination.

Campylobacter infection may trigger Guillain-Barre (GEE-yan bah-RAY) syndrome, a nerve inflammation that causes muscle weakness or paralysis * . Salmonella infection can result in arthritis * , meningitis, brain abscesses * , and bone infections.

Escherichia coli can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a disease that can progress to kidney * failure and severe anemia * . How Can People Prevent Intestinal Infections? Practicing good hygiene is the best way to prevent intestinal infection. That includes frequently and thoroughly washing hands, especially after changing diapers, after going to the bathroom, and before handling food or eating.

Travelers who plan to visit developing countries need to make sure they have any recommended vaccinations (such as the one for typhoid fever) before they leave.

Once there, experts advise that they drink only bottled water and avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables, food from street vendors, and unpasteurized dairy products. To be safe, all food should be eaten steaming hot. In the United States, a rotavirus vaccine used in the late 1990s caused bowel problems in some infants and is no longer recommended. Work continues on the development of a new vaccine. * intravenous (in-tra-VEE-nus) fluids are fluids injected directly into a vein.

* AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency (ih-myoo-no-dih-FIH-shen-see) syndrome, is an infection that severely weakens the immune system; it is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). * paralysis (pah-RAH-luh-sis) is the loss or impairment of the ability to move some part of the body. * arthritis (ar-THRY-tis) refers to any of several disorders characterized by inflammation of the joints. * abscesses (AB-seh-sez) are localized or walled off accumulations of pus caused by infection that can occur anywhere within the body.

* kidney is one of the pair of organs that filter blood and remove waste products and excess water from the body in the form of urine. * anemia (uh-NEE-me-uh) is a blood condition in which there is a decreased amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the blood and, usually, fewer than normal numbers of red blood cells. Resources Organizations U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333. The CDC is the U. S. government authority for information about infectious and other diseases. It has fact sheets on many types of intestinal infections on its website. Telephone 800-311-3435 http://www.cdc.gov U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740.

CFSAN has an online ""Bad Bug Book"" that gives facts and figures on various foodborne illnesses. Telephone 888-723-3366 http://www.cfsan.fda.gov See also Hepatitis, Infectious Intestinal Parasites Staphylococcal Infections Travel-related Infections Vaccination (Immunization) "

""A high core body temperature can kill the fetus in the first eight weeks of pregnancy,"" Dr. Hill says. So if you do become ill and have an elevated temperature, take acetaminophen as soon as possible to safely bring your fever down -- and then call your doctor right away.

5 Miscarriage Myths

"Home Pregnancy & Birth Pregnancy Complications5 Miscarriage Myths Learn the truth about what really increases your risk of a pregnancy loss. By Stacey Colino from Parents Magazine Facebook Pinterest Twitter Email1of 7Alexandra Grablewski Suffering a miscarriage is a heartbreaking experience, so it's natural that moms-to-be worry about it.

Perhaps because it's such a scary subject, there's a lot of misinformation floating around. The good news: It's unlikely that your own actions or lifestyle would be responsible for this event. ""There are few things women can do that might cause a miscarriage,"" says Sindhu Srinivas, M. D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the department of maternal fetal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

In fact, up to 60 percent of first-trimester miscarriages are due to genetic causes such as chromosomal abnormalities, most of which are nonrecurrent. Knowing that fact will help you rest a little easier. To help relieve other fears, we've consulted the experts to dispel some of the most common misconceptions about miscarriage.2of 7i Stockphoto If you've had one miscarriage, you'll likely have another.

The chance of having a pregnancy loss the second time around is no higher than if you hadn't suffered a miscarriage before, says reproductive endocrinologist Joseph Hill, M. D., president and CEO of the Fertility Centers of New England.

However, after having two miscarriages, the risk of experiencing another pregnancy loss does increase -- to 20 percent. After three miscarriages, that number rises to 30 percent, and after four, the risk goes up to 40 percent. But keep in mind that even if you've had four pregnancy losses, there's still a 60 percent chance that you'll carry your next pregnancy to term, Dr. Hill assures.

When a woman does suffer recurrent miscarriages -- defined as three or more consecutive pregnancy losses -- it's important to get thoroughly checked out by a reproductive endocrinologist to find out what could be going on.

Fortunately, many causes of miscarriage, such as hormonal irregularities, autoimmune disorders, or antiphospholipid syndrome (an immunological problem that causes blood-clotting issues), can be successfully treated with hormone therapy or over-the-counter medication such as low doses of aspirin. If anatomical problems in your uterus or cervix are to blame, corrective surgery may be an option.

Win Baby Gear!3of 7i Stockphoto Light spotting or cramping means a miscarriage is imminent. It's understandable that you might worry about having these symptoms, but they're incredibly common during early pregnancy and usually nothing to worry about. ""Bleeding in the first trimester occurs in up to 40 percent of all pregnancies -- and mild cramping is something most women experience as the uterus expands,"" says Laurie Gregg, M. D., the chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Sutter Memorial Hospital, in Sacramento, California.

That said, it is important to let your doctor know if bleeding, spotting, or cramping occurs, so that he or she can be on the lookout for worrisome developments.

And if you experience severe pain -- especially on either side of the pelvis -- report this to your physician right away, Dr. Gregg says. It could be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, a serious condition in which a fertilized egg implants in a fallopian tube, which is potentially dangerous for the mom and not a viable pregnancy.4of 7What Causes Miscarriageh5of 7i Stockph

oto Getting sick in the first trimester increases your risk of pregnancy loss. A garden-variety cold, a sinus infection, or even a stomach virus isn't likely to affect your pregnancy. However, having a fever over 102? F could be cause for concern.

5 Miscarriage Myths