Doctors in Hyderabad have warned that malaria during pregnancy can cause serious health problems for both mother and baby if not detected and treated early, urging extra vigilance ahead of World Malaria Day on April 25 as seasonal cases continue to pose a public‑health risk. They said pregnant women are more vulnerable because pregnancy reduces immunity, and certain types of infection carry higher risks.
“Malaria in pregnancy is not just another fever, it can have significant consequences if not detected and treated early,” said Dr Tarakeswari Surapaneni, senior consultant obstetrician, stressing that timely testing, appropriate treatment and preventive measures can make a critical difference for both mother and baby.
For the mother, doctors warned the infection can lead to anaemia and low blood sugar, and in severe cases may cause seizures, difficulty breathing or organ failure. Symptoms typically start with fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting and body aches, they said, and should never be ignored during pregnancy.
The impact on the fetus can be equally severe, ranging from miscarriage in early pregnancy to growth restriction, stillbirth or neonatal death in later stages; in rare cases newborns may also be affected, the doctors cautioned.
Malaria is diagnosed through blood tests and may require repeat testing if symptoms persist despite an initial negative result. Treatment during pregnancy is considered safe when it is guided by a physician and depends on the parasite type and the stage of pregnancy.
Prevention remains a cornerstone of protection, especially during mosquito season. Physicians recommended using repellents, sleeping under insecticide‑treated bed nets, wearing protective clothing and avoiding travel to known high‑risk areas when possible.
They also urged pregnant women to keep regular antenatal appointments so infections can be detected early and managed promptly. “With the added risk of infections like malaria, consistent antenatal care and awareness become even more important,” Dr Surapaneni said.
Awareness of malaria in pregnancy, early testing for any fever, and adherence to prevention measures can significantly reduce dangers to mothers and babies during this seasonal risk period.
Original Source: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/doctors-warn-of-malaria-risks-in-pregnancy-1952612
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Publish Date: 2026-04-25 01:07:00
