Treating fevers in early pregnancy ‘can help to avoid birth defects’

Women who develop a fever in early pregnancy should look to treat the condition proactively to minimise the risk of birth defects in their children.

New research from Duke University Medical Center has shed light on the reasons why fevers in the first trimester of pregnancy can increase the risk of certain heart defects and facial deformities in offspring, including cleft lip or palate.

Prior to this, it was not known whether fever alone was the cause of this, or if a virus or another infection source was to blame, but the new study suggests the fever itself is responsible for interfering with the development of the heart and jaw.

As such, it was suggested that certain congenital birth defects could be prevented by lowering the mother's fever with the use of appropriate therapies such as acetaminophen during the first trimester.

Senior author Dr Eric Benner, a neonatologist and assistant professor of paediatrics at Duke University, said: "These findings suggest we can reduce the risk of birth defects that otherwise could lead to serious health complications requiring surgery."

He added that any decisions on treating a fever should be discussed with doctors to determine the right treatment pathway.

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