Dengue in Pregnancy

With the arrival of the monsoon, a host of water-borne diseases like dengue, zika virus, and chikungunya start infecting the country's majority population every year. Among all these, dengue is one of the most common but dangerous diseases. 

 

Out of all groups, it is pregnant women who may be significantly affected by the disease, since it has the potential to bring about other unwanted effects as well. They must be cautious as dengue decreases the platelet count and weakens the immune system, among other things. 

 

Read along to learn about the symptoms, preventive measures and other aspects of dengue in pregnancy.

Dengue is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito named Aedes aegypti. The symptoms can include high fever, muscle and joint pains, vomiting, etc. Finally, this disease develops into severe dengue haemorrhagic fever, resulting in low platelet count, blood plasma leakage, bleeding, etc. These days, the occurrence of dengue during pregnancy is on the rise due to the massive spike in the number of mosquitoes in populated areas.

Moreover, dengue in pregnancy can be dangerous because women in their final trimester can potentially pass on the virus to their babies. This can risk the child’s life, leading to low birth weight, premature birth, etc. Since dengue disease incurs significant medical expenses, it is suitable to opt for Dengue Insurance Cover at an affordable premium on Bajaj Markets website.

Dengue and pregnancy can turn fatal if not taken care of in time. Therefore, pregnant women must be cautious and practice preventive measures to protect themselves and their unborn babies. The disease can get so severe that it can lead to stillbirth and other health complications.

 

Dengue and pregnancy can cause severe or mild symptoms. Mild dengue fever symptoms include the following:

• Swollen glands

• High fever

• Headache

• Eye, muscle and joint pain

• Nausea and vomiting

   

Usually, mild symptoms clear within 2-7 days, but when it becomes severe, also known as dengue haemorrhagic fever, it requires urgent medical attention. If not treated on time, it can lead to a sudden reduction in blood pressure, internal bleeding and possibly death.

 

Severe dengue symptoms during pregnancy can show within 24 to 48 hours after the fever breaks out. Here are some of the signs of severe dengue fever during pregnancy:

• Vomiting at least 3 times within 24 hours

•  Breathing difficulty

• Massive belly pain and tenderness

• Blood in stool, urine and vomit

• Fatigue, irritability and restlessness

• Bleeding from nose and gums

 

Therefore, if you are pregnant and can sense such symptoms, you must immediately seek medical help. Prompt treatment and early diagnosis can significantly lower the risk of complications. However, sometimes it can be difficult to detect dengue symptoms and provide the necessary medical care on time. This is why it becomes essential to explain your travel history or if you have been to high-risk areas with mosquitoes to your medical care provider so that they can provide the necessary treatment on time.

Usually, the symptoms of dengue in pregnancy appear after three days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Here are some of the symptoms of dengue during the pregnancy period:

• Severe headache

• Loss of taste and appetite

• Pain behind the eyes

• Sudden high fever

• Red patches or measles-like rashes over limbs and chest can occur

   

Since these symptoms are common are similar to other infections like flu, only a blood test can help confirm the dengue diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will give you a blood test to check whether the virus is present in your bloodstream or not.

 

The warning symptoms of severe dengue usually appear after 3 to 7 days following the original symptoms, including:

• Persistent vomiting and blood in the vomit

• Reduced fever

• Rapid breathing

• Fatigue

• Bleeding gums

   

Individuals infected with severe dengue can experience a rapid drop in blood pressure, which is also known as shock syndrome. The symptoms of this can include:

• Dry mouth

• Fast breathing

• Clammy and cold skin

• Reduce urine flow

   

Although most people who suffer from dengue recover within two weeks, they may continue to feel tired and unwell for several weeks.

There is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment available for dengue, and the primary treatment solely consists of relieving the symptoms. Pregnant women who are undergoing dengue treatment can consume paracetamol after 6 hours but only after the doctor prescribes it. The dosage must not exceed 4 grams in 24 hours. During dengue in pregnancy treatment, one must avoid consuming NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac sodium.

 

Moreover, sponging during dengue can bring respite from high fever. Furthermore, intake of fluids like ORS, coconut water, home-cooked food, juice and at least 3 litres of drinking water must be consumed. Pregnant women diagnosed with dengue before or at delivery should be monitored carefully to prevent vertical transmission.

To avoid dengue during pregnancy, women must avoid mosquito breeding areas and stay in places where there are screens on windows and doors. Besides, purchasing an effective dengue insurance cover, available under the category of Pocket Insurance & Subscriptions, can help safeguard one’s finances and ensure necessary treatment on time. Such plans extend substantial coverage at an affordable premium rate and cover all the expenses incurred during the dengue recovery period.