Prospective Study of Pyrexia in Pregnancy

Abstract Background: Pyrexia during pregnancy is a common clinical condition that can significantly affect both maternal and fetal outcomes. Across India, tertiary-care data indicate that 6–11% of pregnant women may experience pyrexia during antenatal admission. Early identification and appropriate management are critical to reducing associated complications. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical profile, etiologies, and fetomaternal outcomes in antenatal patients admitted with pyrexia Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 1 year in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 168 antenatal patients with documented fever were included. Out of these, 120 cases were followed through the postnatal period, while 48 were lost to follow-up. Data were collected regarding clinical presentation, causative factors, laboratory findings, maternal complications, and fetal outcomes. Results: The admission rate for pyrexia among antenatal patients was 7.4% The majority of patients were from middle and lower-middle socioeconomic backgrounds. The most common causes of pyrexia were urinary tract infections (36%) and respiratory tract infections (33%), followed by malaria (4%), dengue (11%), and acute gastroenteritis (11%). Anemia was the most frequently observed maternal complication. Severe maternal complications were more prevalent in cases of tuberculosis, lower respiratory tract infections, malaria, and dengue. Fetal complications, including preterm birth, low birth weight, neonatal death, abortions were more frequent than maternal complications. Maternal mortality was recorded in 1.1 % of cases of the cause dengue & influenza Conclusion: Pyrexia in pregnancy is associated with considerable maternal and fetal morbidity. The study highlights the need for prompt diagnosis, effective treatment protocols, and preventive public health measures. Enhanced antenatal surveillance and infection control strategies can significantly improve outcomes.