Dengue in Pregnancy

Dengue in Pregnancy - Everything You Need to Know

With the arrival of the monsoon, a host of water-borne diseases like dengue, zika virus, and chikungunya starts infecting the country's majority of the population every year. Stagnant water becomes the breeding ground of mosquitoes that can spread infections. Among all these diseases, dengue is one of the most dangerous and common monsoon diseases. Pregnant women must be cautious as dengue decreases the platelet count and weakens the immune system.

 

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

What is Dengue?

Dengue is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito named Aedes aegypti. The symptoms 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 increase in mosquitoes in populated areas.

 

Moreover, dengue in pregnancy can be dangerous because women in their final trimester can 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 wise to opt for a Dengue Insurance Cover at an affordable premium available on Bajaj Markets website.

What are the Symptoms of Dengue During Pregnancy?

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

 

Dengue in 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 get clear within 2-7days, but when it turns 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 death.

 

Severe dengue in pregnancy symptoms can show within 24-48 hours after the fever breaks. Here are some of the signs of severe dengue fever in 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 dengue symptoms, you must immediately seek medical help. Prompt treatment and early diagnosis can significantly lower the risk of complications. However, sometimes it is difficult to detect dengue symptoms and provide necessary and medical care on time. This is why it is 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 dengue treatment on time.

How to Detect Dengue During Pregnancy?

Usually, the symptoms of dengue in pregnancy appear after three days of being bitten by the 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

• Sometimes red patches or measles-like rashes over limbs and chest

Since these symptoms are common are similar to other infections like flu, only a blood test can confirm it. Your healthcare provider will give you a blood test to check whether dengue virus is present in your bloodstream.

 

The warning symptoms of severe dengue usually appear 3-7 days after 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. Such dengue shock syndrome symptoms include:

 

• Dry mouth

• Fast breathing

• Clammy and cold skin

• Reduce urine flow

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

Treatment for Dengue During Pregnancy

There is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment available for dengue. The primary treatment form is to relieve 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 4gms in 24 hours. During dengue in pregnancy treatment, one must avoid consuming NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac sodium.

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

Conclusion

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 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.