The impact of malaria on pregnant women
Pregnant women have weaker immune systems than normal people, so when they have malaria, they face a higher risk of serious complications, says Dr Phani Madhuri, obstetrician and gynecologist at Bangalore Hospital, India. Malaria in pregnant women can cause parasites to multiply faster in the body, leading to a higher number of parasites and more severe symptoms. One of the dangerous effects is that parasites can build up in the placenta, causing inflammation, thereby preventing the flow of nutrients and oxygen from mother to child, seriously affecting the development of the fetus.
Symptoms of malaria in pregnant women
The symptoms of malaria in pregnant women are not much different from others, but due to the especially weak health of pregnant women, the risk is also higher. Pregnant women need to be vigilant with the following signs:
Fever and chills: These are typical symptoms of malaria.
sweating: Cold fever causes the body to sweat a lot.
Headache: One of the common signs of malaria.
Nausea and vomiting: Feeling nauseous can be accompanied by vomiting.
Fatigue: Pregnant women may feel tired and exhausted due to poor health.
If not treated promptly, malaria can lead to serious complications such as severe anemia, hypoglycemia, respiratory problems, miscarriage, stillbirth, or even death in the mother.
Treatment of malaria during pregnancy
Treatment of malaria during pregnancy depends on the mother's pregnancy. Treatment options include:
First three months of pregnancy: During this period, doctors often prescribe quinine combined with clindamycin to treat malaria.
Second and third trimester: The doctor will prioritize the use of artesunate, a safer treatment for malaria for late pregnancy.
Severe cases: Severe cases of malaria may require hospital treatment with the use of vein injections.
