For mothers-to-be, dengue calls for extra caution: Doctor explains

The mosquito-borne viral infection, dengue fever, has been claiming many lives this year in Kerala. It is primarily transmitted by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito, which generally bites during the day. Health officials have been saying that this year's intermittent rainfall following warm days is causing the increase in vector indices. Meanwhile, pregnant women need to exercise extra caution regarding dengue fever. Dr Reshma Sajan, Professor and Head at the Department of Gynaecology, Government Medical College, Palakkad, explains. 

Extra precaution for symptoms
Symptoms such as vomiting, high blood pressure, urinary tract infection, bleeding, fatigue, and breathing difficulties may sometimes be mistaken for pregnancy-related discomforts and can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Since immunity levels are lower during pregnancy, dengue can increase the risk of dehydration and internal bleeding due to a drop in blood cell counts. The disease can also affect vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, and brain, thereby increasing the risk of complications. If a pregnant woman with conditions such as diabetes or anaemia contracts dengue, the risk of complications can be significantly higher.

Even mild fatigue or body pain during pregnancy should not be ignored, and a doctor should be consulted without delay. Taking painkillers or other medicines before dengue is confirmed by a doctor, or repeatedly visiting hospitals only for intravenous fluids without proper medical evaluation, can have adverse effects.

If prescribed by a doctor during pregnancy, paracetamol should not be avoided due to concerns about its impact on the baby. An uncontrolled rise in fever can pose a greater risk to the unborn child. Pregnant women who take medicines such as aspirin should consult their doctor and make necessary changes in medication if they contract dengue.

The need for a blood transfusion should be assessed in advance, and people with the same blood group should be identified. Do not take injections without confirming the diagnosis. If the hospital where regular treatment is sought lacks adequate facilities, patients should be transferred to a better-equipped hospital, as advised by the doctor. Family members living in homes with pregnant women and children should also take precautions to prevent infection. If symptoms appear, they should seek diagnosis and treatment.

Dengue in newborns
In newborns, symptoms that require immediate attention include fever, excessive crying, refusal to breastfeed, extreme tiredness, unusual sleepiness, reduced urination, blood in urine or stools, abdominal swelling, diarrhoea, skin rashes, bleeding from the skin or nose, tiny spots on the skin and breathing difficulties.