Women are susceptible to being affected by malaria during pregnancy which, if not treated immediately, might cause complications for both the mother and the baby (1). However, with the help of proper treatment and timely medical intervention, the symptoms and complications can be avoided. You cannot just have any medicine to cure the symptoms of malaria as it involves the risk of harming the fetus. The risks of not getting proper medical intervention include infant mortality, maternal anemia, premature delivery, or infant low birth weight. Read on to know more about the causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and possible risk factors of contracting malaria when pregnant.
Malaria Infection During Pregnancy
Malaria is an infectious disease caused due to the plasmodium parasite transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. Studies show that pregnant women are more prone to malarial infection than non-pregnant women in tropical and developing countries (2). There are four kinds of malaria parasites namely, plasmodium falciparum, plasmodium vivax, plasmodium ovale, plasmodium malariae. Among these, plasmodium falciparum causes severe illness (3) by entering the bloodstream. It further enters the liver, multiplies and goes back to infect the red blood cells (4).
Causes Of Malaria In Pregnancy
As mentioned above, malaria is predominant in tropical regions. Usually, this infection erupts during the monsoon season as it provides the ground for mosquito breeding. Factors like humidity, temperature, and rainfall play a significant role in the occurrence of malaria (5). The other possible reasons are (6): If you are in a region, such as Africa, where the risk of getting malaria is high, then you need to be alert in checking for the symptoms of malaria.
Signs And Symptoms Of Malaria In Pregnancy
In its early stage, the symptoms of malaria can be similar to those of influenza or viral infection. Only a blood test can help determine the exact infection. The common symptoms of malaria in pregnancy are (5):
High fever and sweating or feeling chills Nausea Cough Headache Vomiting Muscle pain Diarrhea Jaundice Respiratory distress Splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen) Pallor (pale appearance) General malaise
It is important to recognize and treat pregnancy malaria at the earliest because it can bring along other health complications both for the mother and the baby.
Complications Of Malaria In Pregnancy
Malaria is classified into uncomplicated and severe infection. The uncomplicated malaria infection is associated with the symptoms like a headache, fever, shivering, and sweating that occur every two to three days and last for six to ten hours. Severe malaria is a life-threatening infection that can lead to anemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral malaria, and organ damages. Here are some of the complications in expecting mothers: The severe form of malaria affects not only the mother but also the baby in her womb.
Complications in babies
Here are some complications that the fetus could face when its mother has malaria: Malaria during pregnancy presents potential risks to the lives of both mother and the unborn baby. Therefore, a pregnant woman diagnosed with malaria must get immediate medical attention to reduce the chances of any pregnancy risks.
Diagnosis Of Malaria During Pregnancy
Pregnancy malaria is difficult to recognize and diagnose as the women are usually asymptomatic. Also, as the P. falciparum parasite sequesters in the placenta, the peripheral blood samples may not detect the infection. To diagnose this problem, doctors usually collect blood samples from the placenta. You could be put through one or more of the below tests: Treatment of malaria is possible through some pregnancy-safe medicines.
Treatment Of Malaria In Pregnancy
Pregnancy malaria needs immediate medical attention. The treatments include the use of antimalarial drugs that are safe in pregnancy. The current treatments for malaria in pregnancy are: Treatment for uncomplicated malaria in pregnancy First trimester: WHO recommends a combination of quinine and clindamycin in the case of uncomplicated pregnancy malaria detected during the first trimester. Second and third trimester: As per WHO guidelines, artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) is the most effective and safe treatment during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. ACT-AL (Artemether Lumefantrine) and ACT-SP (Sulfadoxine Pyrimethamine) are the recommended ACT for treatment of uncomplicated malaria (15). Treatment for severe malaria in pregnancy
The most recommended treatment is using intravenous (IV) artesunate or quinine. Towards the third trimester, artesunate suits the best because quinine poses the risk of hypoglycemia.
Paracetamol tablets are recommended to subside high fever. Its effect lasts for four to six hours after which the patient might feel feverish again. This medicine is safe to administer during pregnancy and can be taken three to four times a day.
While getting treated, you need to take care not to get dehydrated or over hydrated. Also, take adequate calories to overcome weakness.
Malaria is caused due to mosquitoes, and it is easier to prevent the disease than get treated during pregnancy.
Prevention Of Malaria In Pregnancy
Follow these preventive measures to minimize the likelihood of getting infected: Pregnant women have weak immunity, which makes them susceptible to infectious diseases. If you are pregnant and have any signs of a recurrent fever, then visit a doctor. A blood test can help determine the cause of a fever. Timely medical intervention and proper nursing at home can bring you back to sound health.
