Danger for both mother and fetus

Pregnant women are also susceptible to dengue fever and the disease can cause many serious complications for pregnant women and fetuses.

Sốt xuất huyết: Mối nguy hiểm cho cả mẹ bầu và thai nhi

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the carrier of the Dengue virus that causes dengue fever in humans.

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, the number of dengue fever cases recorded increased starting from June and reached its highest level in the past 3 weeks.

Dengue fever is a serious problem for pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, as the virus can be passed to the fetus. This increases the risk of low birth weight, premature birth, and even death. Dengue fever is also associated with preeclampsia (high blood pressure), bleeding, low platelet counts, and cesarean section.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Manh Thang - Central Obstetrics Hospital said that pregnant women are also susceptible to dengue fever and the disease can cause many serious complications for pregnant women and fetuses. Therefore, pregnant women must take proactive measures to prevent the disease at home, especially when the number of dengue fever cases is increasing.

Signs of diagnosis of pregnant women with dengue fever

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Manh Thang added that dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Symptoms of dengue fever can range from mild to severe and may include high fever, symptoms quite similar to the flu, usually manifested as a sudden high fever of 39-40 degrees Celsius, continuous fever, difficult to reduce fever, lasting from 2-7 days, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash and bleeding on the skin.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Manh Thang - Head of Obstetrics Department, Central Maternity Hospital. (Source: SK&DS)

In severe cases, dengue fever can lead to bleeding gums or nosebleeds, vomiting blood, black stools, dehydration, thirst, little urine, abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, cold hands and feet, and restlessness.

When dengue fever progresses severely, symptoms will appear similar to dengue fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening with symptoms of shock, rapid pulse, and low blood pressure. Warning signs of severe dengue fever usually begin to appear 3-7 days after the onset of the disease.

Why are pregnant women at high risk of dengue fever?

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Manh Thang, during pregnancy, the immune system undergoes changes to support the developing fetus, which makes pregnant women susceptible to infections such as dengue fever. In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy also affect the severity of the disease if infected. Furthermore, dengue fever during pregnancy can lead to complications for both mother and baby, including premature birth, low birth weight, and even fetal death.

What should pregnant women do when they have signs of suspected dengue fever?

If a pregnant woman suspects she has dengue fever or experiences any related symptoms during pregnancy, it is important to go to the hospital immediately.

During pregnancy, the immune system is weak, making pregnant women susceptible to infections such as dengue fever.

Dengue fever can be particularly serious for pregnant women, so early detection and prompt treatment are important to ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and baby. A low platelet count or bleeding from any part of the body are considered signs of dengue fever.

Treatment of dengue fever for pregnant women

How dangerous dengue fever is depends on whether the pregnant mother is diagnosed early or not. If diagnosed early, the treatment will be very effective. Timely treatment of dengue fever during pregnancy will ensure the health of the pregnant mother and fetus. Pregnant women during the treatment of dengue fever should note the following:

Do not buy medicine to use without a doctor's prescription or administer IV fluids without a doctor's prescription.

Have regular prenatal checkups to monitor blood pressure and platelet levels.

Mild to moderate dengue fever can be treated at home with paracetamol 10-15mg/kg body weight if the fever is above 38 degrees Celsius to reduce fever and relieve pain. (It is safest to use medication with a doctor's advice.)

You should drink plenty of water and fruit juices rich in vitamin C to prevent dehydration due to vomiting, avoiding affecting the fetus.

Eat liquid, easy-to-digest foods. Avoid greasy, spicy foods.

Keep your mind relaxed, rest a lot, and exercise moderately.

In severe and critical cases of dengue fever, pregnant women need to be hospitalized and continuously monitored in the intensive care unit.

Dengue fever during labor is extremely dangerous, with the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and possible death.

Follow the treatment regimen and instructions of medical staff.

Steps to prevent dengue fever for pregnant women

Prevention is the best way to avoid dengue fever and whether at home, at work or going out, pregnant women should wear appropriate clothing and apply mosquito repellent.

Use mosquito nets to keep out mosquitoes.

Here are some measures to prevent dengue fever for pregnant women:

- Use mosquito repellent: Applying mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin such as the limbs can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Pregnant women should choose insect repellents that are safe to use during pregnancy and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

- Wear long clothing: Covering up with long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed shoes can provide an extra layer of protection against mosquito bites, especially when outdoors.

- Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours: Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Pregnant women should stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities during these times.

- Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it is essential to eliminate standing water around the house. Regularly check, empty water in buckets, basins and turn them upside down… to eliminate places where mosquitoes can breed.

- Install screens on windows and doors: Installing screens on windows and doors can prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.

- Use mosquito nets: If you live in an area with a lot of mosquitoes or travel to areas at risk of dengue fever, use mosquito nets when sleeping.

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