One of the important indicators of the body’s condition is body temperature. After pregnancy, temperature values can increase to 37.2 ºС. This is the norm. If the body temperature reaches 38 ºС and other symptoms are observed (cough, rhinitis, pain in the lower abdomen), consultation with a specialist is necessary. Perhaps an increase in temperature indicates the development of an inflammatory process in the body and timely seeking medical help will avoid serious consequences.
During the period of bearing a child, temperature values may decrease slightly. What does, for example, a temperature of 36 in pregnant women indicate? Is medical intervention required in this case? Let's figure it out.
You should know that low body temperature can be an individual characteristic of the body, which a woman reveals only during pregnancy.
Therefore, a temperature of 36.5 during pregnancy may be the norm for a particular woman. There is no reason to worry in this case. However, it is still necessary to consult with your doctor, since a temperature of 36-36.9 during pregnancy may be a manifestation of the disease. Next, we will consider the most common reasons for a decrease in temperature indicators during the period of bearing a child.
Pathologies of the endocrine system
If the temperature is 36.2 during pregnancy, this may indicate a dysfunction of the thyroid gland. One of the diseases of the endocrine system is hypothyroidism. This pathology develops due to iodine deficiency in the body and is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- increased fatigue;
- drowsiness;
- chills;
- dry skin;
- constipation;
- general weakness.
Hypothyroidism requires appropriate treatment, since in the absence of adequate therapy, involuntary termination of pregnancy is possible. Therefore, when the temperature decreases, you need to visit your doctor, who will conduct a thorough examination and, if necessary, give a referral to an endocrinologist.
Causes
Changes in thermometric indicators in pregnant women are common. And if a slight increase is normal, then special attention should be paid to the appearance of low body temperature during pregnancy.
Often this symptom indicates a specific pathology – hypothyroidism. This is a disease of the endocrine system, manifested in insufficient production of thyroid hormones. In addition to laboratory indicators, the development of the disease is indicated by the condition of the expectant mother: she becomes lethargic, sleepy and constantly complains of fatigue. Due to the pathology, the pregnant woman develops swelling, so there is no need to hope that the ailment will go away on its own. If your body temperature does not exceed 36° C, you should consult a therapist or endocrinologist.
Hypothermia can be a fairly serious and dangerous condition. The occurrence of this symptom can be provoked by a respiratory infection, toxicosis, weakened immune defense, and disruption of the central nervous system.
In addition to the above, the following reasons are distinguished:
- Insufficient nutrition with regular feeling of hunger. When a pregnant woman eats, her body temperature usually returns to physiological levels.
- Anemia. There is a direct connection between low hemoglobin levels in the blood and low temperature during pregnancy. Read more about anemia during pregnancy→
- Excessive loads. Fatigue can manifest itself as hypothermia.
- Hypoglycemia. Lack of blood sugar often leads to a decrease in body temperature. In addition, the expectant mother is worried about excessive weakness and dizziness. In severe cases, nausea or vomiting appears, the skin turns pale and becomes covered with sticky sweat. This condition can occur during fasting, poor nutrition, and may also indicate the presence of diabetes mellitus.
Decreased immune system function
In order to maintain pregnancy, the activity of the immune system is inhibited under the influence of progesterone. In this regard, a woman’s body is more susceptible to colds and ARVI.
As a result of infectious diseases, accompanied by an increase in temperature, the body of a pregnant woman is depleted, and the thermoregulation of the body is disrupted. As a result, a temperature of 36.4 may be observed during pregnancy. In such a situation, you need to immediately contact a specialist to clarify the diagnosis and carry out the necessary therapeutic measures.
Features of temperature during pregnancy
It is known that each woman can have her own temperature norm. It ranges from 36 to 37.2 degrees. Medical observations show that a healthy person has a low temperature in the morning, but during the day it can rise.
Typically, the temperature rises:
- After drinking something hot.
- After eating.
- After taking a bath.
- After experiencing stress.
- After a hot bath.
- After being in a stuffy room.
Lack of sex hormones
Low temperature during pregnancy (36.6 and below) may be due to a lack of sex hormones in a woman’s body. In such a situation, there is a risk of miscarriage. It is the hormone progesterone that is responsible for the normal course of pregnancy - it prevents uterine contractions, which lead to detachment of the fertilized egg. If, in addition to a decrease in temperature values, there is pain in the lower abdomen of a pulling nature, bloody discharge from the vagina, the pregnant woman needs emergency medical care. Treatment in this case is carried out using drugs containing progesterone (Utrozhestan, Duphaston).
How to increase the temperature?
In situations where the doctor excludes the presence of any disease or disturbance in the functioning of internal organs at low body temperature, no special treatment is required.
A woman carrying a child must adhere to certain recommendations:
- eat regularly and balanced;
- provide yourself with adequate sleep and timely rest;
- try to maintain a positive mood;
- take prenatal vitamins.
The appearance of low body temperature during pregnancy can be both a pathological and physiological sign.
If the expectant mother feels well, and all laboratory and diagnostic indicators are normal, then there is no reason to worry. But if a pregnant woman feels weakness or pain, this is a reason to consult a doctor to find out the reasons for the development of this condition.
A timely visit to the doctor will prevent negative consequences for both mother and child.
Author: Violeta Kudryavtseva, doctor, especially for Mama66.ru
Hypoglycemia
In the first trimester of pregnancy, many women suffer from toxicosis. With this disorder, appetite decreases, nausea and vomiting often occur. As a result, the pregnant woman's body may experience a deficiency of essential nutrients. As a result, the general condition of the body worsens, and temperature values may decrease. Other symptomatic manifestations of this pathology are:
- tachycardia;
- intense sweating;
- slow blood circulation;
- headache;
- respiratory dysfunction.
After regular nutrition is established, body temperature returns to normal. If you cannot cope with the problem on your own, you should contact a specialist who will select the appropriate diet.
Poor nutrition can lead to the development of anemia. This pathology is also characterized by a decrease in temperature values.
In addition, this disease is manifested by increased weakness, tachycardia, dry mouth, deterioration of the condition of nails, hair, and skin. A decrease in hemoglobin interferes with the normal development of the fetus. The child may be born with iron deficiency and other pathologies.
The concept of body temperature and norm
What does body temperature mean and what are the norms for this indicator? Body temperature is the state of the human body. Normally, body temperature should be 36.6 degrees and if the deviations towards decrease or increase are insignificant, then there should be no cause for concern. But not everyone thinks so and often worries about it. In fact, people make mistakes, since this indicator is individual for each person and depends on the functioning of the body.
Normally, body temperature can range from 36.0 to 37.2 units (degrees Celsius), and in the morning the body temperature is always lower than in the evening.
If a pregnant woman measures her body temperature without getting out of bed, barely waking up, then this indicator will be lower than the generally accepted norm (lower than 36.6 degrees). During the day, if the expectant mother decides to measure the temperature several times a day, the indicator will change, and by the evening the body temperature may increase by 0.5-1 degree. This is normal, in addition, the body temperature will rise after a person has a hearty breakfast or even if he drinks hot tea (or coffee), takes a hot shower or bath, or stays in a warm room for a long time (room temperature from +25 ° C). By the way, after smoking a cigarette, a person’s body temperature also increases slightly (smoking is prohibited during pregnancy). So expectant mothers need to take all this into account and not worry too much about a slight drop in body temperature.
Not all people know how to correctly measure body temperature so that the resulting figure does not cause cause for concern.
The rules for measuring temperature are:
- During the manipulation, you need to take a comfortable position, lie down or sit.
- The thermometer must be wiped dry before use (with a clean, dry cloth, or a terry towel or napkin).
- You need to measure the temperature for 5 minutes, but no more if you use an electronic thermometer and for 10 minutes if you bought a mercury thermometer.
- If you want to measure body temperature, then before this simple manipulation it is not advisable to drink hot drinks (coffee, tea, cocoa). It is undesirable to smoke and drink alcohol (even beer).
- If you climbed the steps, did a warm-up, were nervous, sang or screamed, then you need to first rest, calm down, and only after an hour can you measure your temperature.
How to do this correctly? Not everyone knows that you can measure body temperature in different ways, not just by inserting a thermometer into the armpit.
How to measure body temperature correctly:
- We insert the thermometer into the armpit. Left or right, it doesn't matter. You just need to wipe the skin at the point of contact with the thermometer with a towel/napkin so that it is dry. Insert the thermometer and press it firmly with your hand. Clothes should not interfere with your activities.
- We measure body temperature in the rectum. For these purposes, you need to prepare Vaseline and lubricate the tip of the thermometer with it. Take a lying position on your side, and very carefully insert the tip of the thermometer (half or third of the length). For these purposes, you need to purchase a special thermometer with a soft tip. It is highly undesirable to measure body temperature in the rectum if you have deviations from the norm. These are hemorrhoids, cracks in the anus, as well as constipation and diarrhea.
- Measuring body temperature in the mouth. In order to find out the exact body temperature, you need to insert the tip of the thermometer under your tongue and keep your mouth closed. We breathe through our nose.
By measuring your body temperature in different ways, you can come to the conclusion that the readings on the thermometer may differ. So, if you measure the temperature in the rectum (rectal temperature) and in the mouth (orally), then these indicators will be basically the same, with a difference of only 0.5 ° C - this is normal. If you measure the temperature in the usual way - in the armpit, the indicator will be lower by 0.5 or even 1°C.
Overwork of the body
A temperature of 36.7 during pregnancy may be the result of frequent emotional stress or lack of sleep. Excessive psychological or physical stress has a negative impact on the functioning of the entire body. Overwork, in the absence of compensatory recovery, leads to exhaustion of the body, which can threaten the further course of pregnancy.
A low temperature during pregnancy (36.8 and below) does not always indicate a disorder in the body of the expectant mother. If you notice such a phenomenon, you should consult your doctor. The specialist will conduct a thorough medical examination, the results of which will confirm or deny the presence of pathology.
Timely implementation of adequate therapeutic measures will prevent the development of dangerous complications.
Is this the norm?
You should not think that the appearance of a low temperature during pregnancy necessarily indicates a pathological process in the body. Among the various reasons that provoke hypothermia, doctors often indicate the state of pregnancy itself. Moreover, this may be one of the early diagnostic signs indicating that new life has arisen in the uterus.
Often, low body temperature during early pregnancy, and sometimes in the second trimester, is a common physiological reaction that develops in response to the growth and development of the fetus in the mother's body.
Also, hypothermia is sometimes an individual feature of the expectant mother, which she might not even suspect before conception, since previously it did not cause any unpleasant sensations or discomfort.
Reduced basal rate
Temperature is not always determined in the armpit. Quite often measurements are taken rectally, i.e. basal temperature is measured. In the first weeks of gestation, basal rates should be 37-37.5°C. If the rectal temperature is below these figures, then conditions that are dangerous for the pregnant woman are likely to develop. If its values are low, the doctor may suspect a possible threat of miscarriage, especially in pregnant women who have previously experienced miscarriages.
A decrease in basal indicators can be caused by lack of sleep, excessive physical activity, colds or infectious pathologies, the use of certain medications, or violation of the rules for measuring thermometric indicators.
How to take basal measurements correctly
In order for the results of basal measurements in a pregnant woman to be as accurate as possible, certain rules must be followed. Firstly, BT measurements will be uninformative when taking oral contraceptives, hormonal drugs, alcohol or sedatives. Secondly, measurements must be taken in the anus, and not in the mouth or vagina. Measurements should be started after a full sleep lasting at least 5-6 hours. Rectal measurements are taken in the morning without leaving bed. Extra movements can lead to distorted results. To prevent this from happening:
- It is better to prepare the thermometer in the evening, shake it off in advance and put it on the bedside table;
- Rectal measurements should be carried out at the same hours, holding a mercury thermometer for about 6-10 minutes, and an electronic one for about a minute. For each measurement, you need to hold the thermometer for the same amount of time;
- Measurements must be carried out with one thermometer;
- To avoid inaccuracies or errors, record each result in a special chart.
If during the measurements stable hypothermia or hyperthermia was noticed, then it is necessary to consult a gynecologist in order to find out the true cause of abnormal fluctuations in thermometric indicators.
What to do at low temperatures
To combat unstable temperatures, make changes to your usual lifestyle:
- Do exercises and take a contrast shower every day. Go to bed in a pre-ventilated room.
- Keep your daily diet balanced and drink at least 2 liters of water per day. Eat dark chocolate, drink strong coffee, tea with raspberries or warm milk with honey.
- Take vitamins to strengthen your immune system. Give up alcohol and cigarettes.
- Pay more attention to rest, avoid lack of sleep, overexertion and severe stress.
- Regularly maintain normal body temperature. Choose the right clothes so that they are not too hot or too cold.
- Stop taking medications without a doctor's prescription.
You can increase the temperature using foot baths - add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil or 1 tbsp to a container with warm water. l. mustard powder. Do the procedure for half an hour several days in a row.
The described integrated approach will help cleanse the body of toxins, dilate blood vessels, normalize metabolic processes and stimulate blood circulation. After the procedures, it is necessary to take temperature measurements again - if the indicator has reached the permissible value, it is recommended to monitor the condition for several days. If your temperature rises or falls, you should be examined by a doctor.
When to call an ambulance
You should call a doctor if:
- the patient has a dangerously low temperature, which led to loss of consciousness;
- after taking the necessary measures, the indicator continues to fall;
- a low value was detected in an elderly person, while his health is deteriorating;
- a decrease in temperature is accompanied by frequent vomiting, increased sweating, choking, severe pain, bleeding, too high or low blood pressure, impaired visual and auditory function.
Important!
If the temperature drops to 34 degrees, a heart attack, severe intoxication of the body, anaphylactic shock or internal bleeding is possible - the lack of medical assistance can lead to death.
You should be careful about your health; there are many causes of hypothermia - an incorrect diagnosis, and incorrectly selected treatment will cause significant harm to the body.
Low basal temperature in pregnant women
Basal temperature indicators are also important. Low levels are dangerous at the beginning of pregnancy. They can warn about the dangers of abortion. In the first weeks the indicator should be about 37 or 37.5 degrees. It indicates that the woman has enough progesterone in her body and the pregnancy is developing normally. Don't panic if your temperature is below 37 degrees, but your tests and health are normal. Basal temperature is not so important; the doctor pays attention to:
- Women's tests.
- Ultrasound.
- Other signs of pregnancy.
A high basal temperature does not guarantee that pregnancy will proceed normally. Other factors must also be taken into account.
It is worth considering that each organism is individual. Some pregnant women may have a higher temperature, while others may not. The main thing is that the indicator should not be lower than 36.5.
Basal temperature may decrease:
- For a cold.
- In case of overwork.
- With severe toxicosis.
Low basal temperature is dangerous if it is accompanied by other ailments. In this case, the pregnant woman is prescribed hormonal therapy: Utrozhestan, Dufostan.
Attention! If you have a low basal temperature, go to the doctor immediately, it may indicate a lack of progesterone. As a rule, problems with this hormone occur with ectopic pregnancy, threatened miscarriage, frozen pregnancy, and also with retrochorial hematoma.
