When a woman finds out about her new position, she begins to experience new sensations. They are not always pleasant. This may be weakness, drowsiness, malaise, aching pain in the groin area, nasal congestion, flushing of heat or cold, and so on. One of the most troubling sensations is an increased body temperature. In this article, we will examine whether high fever in the early days of pregnancy is normal or should be wary.
Body temperature change
The body temperature of a woman varies much more often than the body temperature of a man. This is because a woman’s body undergoes changes every month. For example, the temperature balance may vary depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. Accordingly, an increase in temperature in the first days of pregnancy is also normal for the female body.
As you know, several phases enter the menstrual cycle. During each phase, certain processes occur: maturation of the egg, its exit into the abdominal cavity, fertilization and further development, or death and removal from the body, if fertilization has not occurred.
For each of the processes corresponding conditions are necessary. For example, if fertilization has occurred, then to maintain the vital functions of the egg, a higher temperature is required than for the period of its maturation. Therefore, with the onset of ovulation, body temperature rises and persists until the end of the menstrual cycle in case of fertilization. In the first days of pregnancy, the temperature remains elevated, which helps the embryo gain a foothold in the uterus and begin its development.
Hormone progesterone
The temperature indicator in the early days of pregnancy is influenced by the hormone progesterone. With the onset of ovulation, and then conception, it begins to be produced in large quantities, which interferes with the heat transfer of the body. This process can be observed throughout the entire first trimester, because during this period the corpus luteum lives, which produces this hormone. There are situations when the temperature remains elevated throughout pregnancy, but do not take this for a pathology. This factor in no way affects the development of the child.
Can temperature be a sign of pregnancy? Undoubtedly. It is recommended that you even measure it every day to see if a miscarriage has occurred, especially if there is spotting.
Weakened immunity and intoxication
Another reason for fever as the first sign of early pregnancy is the woman’s reduced immunity. This is an absolutely normal phenomenon, provided for by nature. This is necessary so that the mother’s body does not fight the “alien” body and allows the embryo in the uterus to calmly attach itself. For the same reason, nausea occurs. Fever and nausea in the early days of pregnancy make it clear that fertilization has occurred and a new life has been born in the female body.
Immunity is reduced temporarily. As soon as the embryo is fixed in the uterus and begins to develop, when it has its own immune system, then the woman's immunity will be the same.
Some believe that the change in thermoregulation is due to intoxication in the woman's body caused by the development of the embryo. It is for this reason that there is an opinion that in vegetarians who do not eat meat, such body reactions are less common.
What can be seen on the thermometer?
So, what temperature is considered normal in the first days of pregnancy? The generally accepted average is 36.6. But this figure can fluctuate by a few tenths.
Elevated temperature is already considered to be from 37 ° C and above. If a woman had a fever before conception, then after fertilization she will be an order of magnitude higher. It's not worth being scared. In the early days of pregnancy, a temperature of 37 degrees or higher is normal. The process of embryo implantation is very complicated, therefore, a change in the body's thermoregulation is the most common safe occurrence.
Basal temperature
To monitor women's health, basal temperature is also measured. This is the internal temperature, which is measured in the anus immediately after waking up for 5-7 minutes.
What is the basal temperature on the first day of pregnancy? During menstruation, the basal temperature is 36.7-36.9 degrees. At the time of ovulation, it rises, its rate is 37.2-37.4 degrees. If conception has not occurred, then 5-8 days before the date of the alleged menstruation, it begins to decline. However, if the egg has been fertilized, then the basal temperature usually does not change.
Measuring basal temperature is one of the most popular and reliable methods for determining the presence of pregnancy. Women who constantly monitor internal temperature readings can determine that they are in position, even before menstruation is delayed.
What can affect basal temperature?
There are many factors that can alter a reliable basal temperature score. Among them:
- sleep less than 4-6 hours;
- sexual intercourse (at least 4 hours must pass);
- uncomfortable ambient temperature (too hot or too cold);
- temperature measurement at different times (it is recommended to measure in the morning at the same time after waking up);
- the presence of acute inflammatory diseases or chronic in the acute stage;
- taking on the eve of alcohol or psychotropic drugs.
In order to identify the temperature characteristics of your body, you need to measure the basal temperature for three or more menstrual cycles. Thus, you can get a more complete picture of the hormonal background of a woman.
Temperature reduction
An increase in temperature does not always go unnoticed. Some women feel unwell, others do not experience any new sensations.
Against the background of pregnancy, the temperature can not only increase, but also decrease. This may indicate insufficient production of progesterone, necessary to maintain pregnancy. Of course, this can only be a feature of your body, but it is still necessary to inform the doctor about this. It is likely that hormone replacement therapy will be needed to maintain pregnancy. A particularly important indicator is a sharp drop in temperature after it rises.
Reasons for Low Temperature
Decreased temperature indicators during pregnancy can be observed with the following concomitant conditions of a woman:
- individual characteristics of the female body;
- body intoxication (toxicosis);
- overwork;
- Iron-deficiency anemia;
- malnutrition and lack of nutrients in the body;
- disturbances in the endocrine system.
A decrease in temperature can deliver as many unpleasant symptoms as an increase. A woman can feel general weakness of the body, increased sweating, headaches, dizziness, up to loss of consciousness.
Thermoregulation in a woman with the onset of pregnancy is a very individual indicator. Low or high body temperature in the absence of other unpleasant symptoms is not any pathological sign. But to get more reliable information about the development of your baby, you should consult a doctor.
How to prevent temperature changes?
To avoid temperature jumps at the beginning of pregnancy, it is customary to carry out certain measures. They are no different from the prevention of colds and viral diseases.
- It is necessary to ventilate the premises in the house more often, especially those where the expectant mother is most often. However, you can’t pamper the rooms. Therefore, it is important not only to ventilate, but also to heat the rooms well.
- It is better not to visit crowded places, especially if various epidemics are observed during this period (SARS, flu, tuberculosis, etc.). If visits cannot be avoided, then it is necessary to use a mask and other personal protective equipment.
- It is necessary to observe measures to maintain health: do not supercool, wash hands after the street, clean the nasal passages and oral cavity, etc.
- Watch your diet. It must be balanced and healthy. Increase your intake of vitamins, they are found in fruits, vegetables, meat and fish products.
- Multivitamins are allowed to strengthen immunity. However, only your gynecologist should prescribe them, depending on the gestational age.
When should you beware?
Elevated body temperature can be considered not only as the first sign of pregnancy in the early stages. Many inflammatory processes in the body are also accompanied by a change in temperature. Often, the body also responds to the fact of conception by nasal congestion, drowsiness, chills, and weakness. At this time, it is important not to confuse the onset of pregnancy with the onset of a cold or flu. After all, taking medications can provoke a miscarriage. Therefore, it is recommended to use folk remedies when such symptoms appear.
You should pay attention to the fact that the reaction of the body to pregnancy remains stable, that is, does not worsen over time. While viral and catarrhal diseases tend to increase symptoms. If after a few days you do not observe the appearance of additional symptoms, such as coughing, excessive discharge from the nose, lacrimation, sore throat, or sore throat, then do not worry.
When a woman begins to notice other signs of pregnancy at the same time as her body temperature rises, the first thing to do is a test. Then it is recommended to visit a gynecologist and be registered in the antenatal clinic.
Medications
The temperature in the early days of pregnancy, reaching 38 degrees, is dangerous for the fetus. In such a situation, immediate medical attention is required. You can bring down such a temperature only with paracetamol, since other medications are contraindicated during the period of gestation.
There are certain rules for the use of drugs in early pregnancy:
- antipyretic drugs can not be taken at a temperature of less than 38 degrees;
- taking antibiotics is allowed only in extreme cases and under the strict supervision of a doctor;
- recommended intake of vitamin complexes and drugs that increase immunity;
- in severe cases, it is allowed to take drugs contraindicated during pregnancy, under strict medical supervision.
ethnoscience
Also, the following traditional medicine will help alleviate the condition at elevated temperatures in the first days of pregnancy:
- wet wipes with fresh lemon juice and vinegar;
- compresses from fresh cabbage leaves;
- milk with honey (2 teaspoons of liquid honey dissolved in warm milk; drink in large sips in a glass 2 times a day; the main thing is that it is just warm, not hot);
- cranberry juice (400 g cranberries are mashed into porridge and squeezed juice, add sugar, pour 2.5 liters of water and heat);
- linden tea (1.5 tablespoons of crushed dried linden flowers, pour 1 liter of boiling water, cool and can be taken);
- compote from ginger root (peel and cut the ginger into thin strips, boil the syrup with sugar and place the ginger there; insist for 2 hours in a dark place and use it warm);
- a decoction of raspberry leaves (wash the leaves, chop and pour boiling water; after 20 minutes, strain the broth and add sugar, cool and drink 2-3 cups a day).