What should you know about treatment of dengue in pregnancy?

Dengue is a viral infection that can cause fever, headache, joint pain, muscle aches, chills, nausea, or easy bruising. In pregnancy, dehydration, bleeding, falling blood counts, and changes in circulation need particular attention because they can affect both the pregnant person and the baby. Symptoms can change as the fever settles, so feeling temporarily better does not always mean the risk has passed. Diagnosis may involve an examination and blood tests chosen for the stage of illness. See the overview of [Dengue Fever](/conditions/dengue-fever/) and related symptoms such as [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) and [Easy Bruising](/symptoms/easy-bruising/).

Contact a clinician promptly and tell them how many weeks pregnant you are, where you have travelled, when symptoms began, and what medicines you have taken. Treatment is usually supportive: supervised fluids, rest, monitoring, and medicine chosen for pregnancy and the person's symptoms. A clinician may repeat blood counts and assess urine output, blood pressure, bleeding, abdominal pain, vomiting, and fetal wellbeing when appropriate. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory medicines unless the pregnancy team specifically advises them, because they may increase bleeding risk. Do not start antibiotics or herbal products without advice.

Go to emergency care for vaginal bleeding, bleeding from the nose or gums, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, breathing difficulty, very little urine, inability to drink, or reduced fetal movement. Seek urgent advice if fever persists, the person becomes markedly weak, or new bruising appears. Keep taking fluids in small frequent amounts if able, but do not delay transfer when warning signs occur. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help arrange assessment and pregnancy-appropriate follow-up.

Ask which tests are needed, how often blood counts and hydration should be reviewed, and which fever or pain medicine is suitable for your pregnancy. Ask what amount and type of fluid to take, whether hospital observation is advisable, and how fetal monitoring will be arranged. Confirm which symptoms should prompt emergency care and when follow-up is needed after the fever improves.