Dengue Symptoms: Dengue during pregnancy: Symptoms you should not ignore and how to protect yourself

Challenges of dengue during pregnancy

Knowing About Dengue Fever

Symptoms

Elevated Temperature

Vomiting and Nausea:

Skin Rash

Mild Bleeding

Abdominal Pain

Pregnant Women's Risks

Hazards to the fetus

Ways to prevent the disease

Dengue: Early signs and preventive measures to stay safe

Pregnancy-related dengue has a negative impact on both the mother and the fetus , with a high maternal death rate of 15.9% (National Institute of Health). Dengue fever, which is carried by the Aedes mosquito, poses several challenges. This virus infection affects the health of the mother and may endanger the growing fetus. Understanding dengue's twin effects on the mother and the unborn child, as well as navigating the difficulties of diagnosis , treatment, and prevention within this vulnerable population, are essential to manage the disease effectively in pregnant women.Examining the subtleties of dengue fever during pregnancy highlights the urgent need for thorough knowledge and preventative medical interventions to safeguard the health of the mother and fetus.The dengue virus, which comes in four different serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4), is what causes dengue fever. High fever, excruciating headache, rash, discomfort in the joints and muscles, and, in extreme situations, bleeding complications like dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS) are frequent symptoms . Although the majority of dengue episodes only cause moderate illness, severe instances can have potentially fatal consequences.A mosquito bite from an infected mosquito can cause a number of symptoms, which usually manifest 4–10 days later. The following symptoms, which could be minor to severe, could be present:According to Dr. (Prof.) Annamma Thomas, Senior Consultant-Obstetrics & GynecologyMBBS, MD - Obstetrics & Gynecology, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Sarjapur Road, “Abrupt start of elevated temperature, frequently above 104°F (40°C). Excruciating pain in the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes is referred to as a severe headache. Severe discomfort in the muscles and joints, sometimes referred to as "breakbone fever," which may be the alternative name for the sickness. Weakness and exhaustion across the board, frequently continuing for several weeks.”Experiencing nausea and vomiting, especially in the early phases of the illness is one of the most commonly found symptoms of dengue.A recognizable rash that usually starts on the limbs and spreads to the rest of the body might develop two to five days after the fever starts.Some people may have mild bleeding symptoms, like gum bleeding, nosebleeds, or easily bruised areas.Tenderness or pain in the abdomen that is sometimes misdiagnosed as something else entirely.It's crucial to remember that every person with dengue fever presents with different symptoms, and others may even show no symptoms at all. Complications including dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which are marked by significant bleeding, plasma leakage, and organ damage, can result from severe types of dengue.Pregnancy-related physiological changes put pregnant women who contract dengue at increased risk. These modifications, which include elevated blood volume and modified immune responses, can worsen symptoms and raise the risk of serious dengue consequences. Research indicates that Dengue has a most severe course in women with immune suppression, diabetes, hypertension and immunological disorders like SLE. The characteristic features of worsening of dengue are1. abdominal pain and tenderness2. Persistent vomiting3. Clinical diagnosis of fluid accumulation4. Mucosal bleeding5. Lethargy6. Restlessness7. Liver enlargement8. Low platelet9. Dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shockOther Complications of Dengue in pregnancy are1. Gestational diabetes2. Coagulopathy and complication in labor3. Requiring multiple blood transfusion4. Increased rate of ceasarian section5. Multi organ dysfunction leads to increased morbidity and mortality which increases by three fold.Another major issue is the effect of dengue on fetal health. During pregnancy or delivery, the dengue virus can spread vertically from mother to fetus, which could have harmful effects such fetal growth limitation, preterm birth, or even fetal death. The degree of fetal problems may also be influenced by the timing of the mother's infection Consequences are more in the 1st and 2nd trimester, they are1. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)2. Still birth3. Neonatal Death4. Microcephaly5. Hearing loss6. Neurodevelopmental disorder7. Ocular abnormalityIdentification and CarePregnant women who experience dengue symptoms should have their diagnosis confirmed by laboratory testing that detects the virus or antibodies. The difficulty, though, is differentiating dengue from other viral infections that manifest with high fever during pregnancy. Supportive care, good hydration, monitoring for complications, and, in extreme circumstances, hospitalization for intensive care are the main goals of management.Pregnancy-related dengue infection prevention is crucial. This involves personal defense against mosquito bites (using repellents and wearing protective clothes), community-based programs to reduce mosquito populations, and vector management techniques to lessen mosquito breeding grounds.Dengue is a critical disease and it worsens when it comes to experience it during pregnancy. However, if the symptoms are understood at an early stage and medical assistance is taken, it can definitely be fought with. Early diagnosis, close monitoring till resolution of the disease is the key to successful management of dengue in pregnancy.