What should you know about dengue during pregnancy?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that may cause fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain or chills. Pregnancy can make it harder to judge whether tiredness, reduced appetite or light-headedness is from the infection or another pregnancy-related problem. A clinician may review symptoms, examine you and arrange blood tests to follow hydration and blood counts.

Dengue can present with easy bruising or other bleeding. The illness may change as the fever settles, so feeling briefly better does not remove the need to follow the advice you were given. Tell the maternity team about any suspected exposure, travel and medicines you have taken.

Contact a doctor or maternity service promptly if dengue is possible. Rest, take fluids in small frequent amounts if you can, and record fever, vomiting, urine output and new symptoms. Use only medicines approved by your clinician; some pain or fever medicines can increase bleeding risk or be unsuitable in pregnancy.

Reduce mosquito bites around you with suitable repellent, clothing and screens, because mosquitoes can acquire the virus from an infected person and spread it onward. Do not donate blood, and avoid self-treating with aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines unless a clinician specifically directs this.

Seek urgent medical help for vaginal bleeding, nose or gum bleeding, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, breathing difficulty, marked sleepiness or inability to drink. Reduced urination, cold or clammy skin, or rapidly worsening weakness also needs immediate assessment. In pregnancy, contact your maternity service urgently for reduced fetal movement or any concern about contractions or fluid loss.

Ask which tests are needed, which fluids and medicines are suitable for you, how often your blood counts should be checked, and where to go if warning symptoms appear. Ask whether the maternity team wants additional monitoring and how to protect other household members from mosquito bites.