Expert explains risks of dengue and malaria during pregnancy and why extra care is vital

Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life, but it also brings extra health risks. In tropical and subtropical regions, mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria are common and can be very dangerous for expecting mothers. These illnesses not only affect the mother but can also harm the unborn baby.

Dr Puneet Rana Arora, a reproductive health expert at CIFAR, Gurugram, explains that pregnant women are more vulnerable to these infections because of natural changes in the body. “Their immune system is slightly suppressed, and the body has higher metabolic demands during pregnancy,” she said. This makes it harder for the body to fight infections, increasing the chances of severe complications.

Both dengue and malaria can lead to serious problems such as preterm labor, low birth weight, miscarriage, or even stillbirth. Early prevention and careful monitoring are key to protecting both the mother and the baby.

Dengue in pregnancy

Dengue is a viral infection spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It often starts with high fever, rashes, and body pain. While these symptoms may be manageable in healthy adults, dengue is much more serious during pregnancy.

According to Dr Arora, dengue in pregnancy can cause abortion, preterm labor, and low birth weight babies. Infections that occur close to delivery can sometimes pass the virus to the newborn, causing neonatal dengue. Although rare, this condition can be life-threatening for the baby.

Severe dengue can also cause internal bleeding, low platelet count, and damage to organs such as the liver or kidneys. Pregnant women need to be especially cautious because their bodies may not respond to the infection as effectively as non-pregnant adults.

Preventive measures against dengue include avoiding mosquito bites, wearing protective clothing, using safe insect repellents, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. Regular antenatal check-ups help detect symptoms early and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Malaria in pregnancy

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites and is spread through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. In regions where malaria is common, it remains one of the leading causes of illness and death for both mothers and newborns.

During pregnancy, malaria can lead to severe anemia, which reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. It can also damage the placenta, which affects the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the baby, potentially causing intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In severe cases, malaria can result in stillbirth.

Dr Arora highlights that malaria in pregnancy is often more difficult to detect because some symptoms can be mild or confused with normal pregnancy changes. That is why preventive measures, early detection, and treatment are critical. In malaria-prone areas, doctors may prescribe preventive medications under strict supervision to protect both mother and baby.

Prevention and care

The best approach to avoid dengue and malaria complications during pregnancy is prevention. Protecting expecting mothers from mosquito bites is crucial. This can be done by using insecticide-treated bed nets, wearing long sleeves and full-length clothing, and applying safe mosquito repellents. Removing stagnant water around homes also helps reduce mosquito breeding.

Early diagnosis is important because timely treatment can prevent serious outcomes. Pregnant women experiencing fever, body pain, or unusual symptoms should consult a doctor immediately. Strengthening antenatal care services and regular health check-ups are vital for monitoring both maternal and fetal health.

Public health measures are also important. Community awareness about mosquito control, proper sanitation, and preventive medication in high-risk areas can significantly reduce cases of malaria and dengue in pregnancy.

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Dr Arora emphasizes that protecting pregnant women benefits both the mother and the baby. “Early detection, timely treatment, and preventive steps are essential. With proper care, most complications can be avoided, ensuring a safe pregnancy and a healthy newborn,” she said.

Dengue and malaria are serious illnesses that can have life-threatening consequences during pregnancy. They can lead to complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, anemia, or even neonatal infection. Awareness, prevention, and regular medical monitoring are the most effective ways to protect both mother and child. Pregnant women, their families, and healthcare providers must work together to minimize exposure to mosquitoes and respond quickly to symptoms.

By following simple steps like using mosquito protection, maintaining hygiene, attending antenatal visits, and seeking immediate medical care, pregnant women can significantly reduce the risks posed by these vector-borne diseases.