Can dengue fever during pregnancy cause low birth weights in newborns

(Author: Dr Manisha Arora, Director - Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital(R), Delhi)

Pregnancy-related dengue fever can have serious hazards for both the mother and the unborn child, including low birth weights. Pregnant women who contract dengue are known to have a higher risk of hemorrhaging, which affects both the mother and the unborn child. It could result in an abortion if contracted early in the pregnancy. It is widely accepted that dengue fever does not always indicate that a pregnancy should be terminated, even though there is little information available regarding the impact of the illness on embryos when the mother has it during the first trimester.A critical period of concern is close to term, during the perinatal time when there is a risk of vertical transmission of the virus from mother to newborn.This likelihood of transmission varies significantly, with estimates ranging from 1.6% to 46.4%. Despite the insufficient comprehensive data on the health outcomes of pregnancies complicated by dengue fever, certain complications are notably associated with such cases. Among these, preterm birth and low birth weight are significant concerns, with reported incidence rates ranging from 13% to 55%.The potential impact of dengue fever on the baby's birth weight is one of the pregnancy-related problems. Numerous research findings indicate a robust correlation between maternal dengue illness and unfavourable birth outcomes, such as low birth weight. This may impact the fetus's growth and development and can be linked to the infection's overall stress and physiological changes in the mother's body.Furthermore, peripartum maternal infection may increase the likelihood of symptomatic dengue disease in the newborn, adding to the complexity of managing the pregnancy and ensuring a healthy outcome. The increased risk of hemorrhage during delivery also poses a significant challenge, as it can lead to further complications for both the mother and the child.While the direct causal link between dengue fever and low birth weight in newborns requires further research, existing evidence underscores the importance of monitoring and managing dengue fever in pregnant women to mitigate these risks. Healthcare providers should be vigilant in monitoring pregnant women with dengue and provide appropriate medical care to minimize potential adverse outcomes, including low birth weight. This approach is crucial in ensuring both maternal and neonatal health and reducing the complications associated with dengue fever during pregnancy .