When Should I Call A Doctor During Monsoon Pregnancy?

Call your doctor for persistent fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, urinary burning, severe weakness, bleeding or reduced baby movements.

How Can I Prevent Monsoon Infections During Pregnancy?

Use safe water, eat freshly cooked food, avoid unhygienic street food, practice hand hygiene and protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Pregnant During the Monsoon? Doctors Explain the Infections to Watch Out For

The rainy season brings cooler weather, but it also creates conditions where infections can spread more easily. During pregnancy, even common illnesses need careful attention because dehydration, fever and delayed treatment can affect both maternal health and the baby’s wellbeing.

Why Monsoon Illnesses During Pregnancy Need Extra Care

We spoke to a doctor to understand better.

The rainy season is associated with an increased risk of infections such as viral fever, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, dengue,malaria, and urinary tract infections.Dr Richa Bharadwaj, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai

Pregnancy can make some infections more concerning because the body undergoes immune, hormonal and urinary changes. According to the CDC, pregnant women are more likely to become ill from certain foodborne germs, and risky foods include undercooked meat, unwashed produce and unpasteurised milk.

monsoon diseases in pregnant women: how to reduce

Common Monsoon Diseases During Pregnancy

Dr Bharadwaj says these illnesses can lead to “dehydration, high fever, reduced appetite, and, in some cases, complications if not treated promptly.”

Common concerns include:

Viral Fever: Persistent fever, body ache or weakness should be medically assessed.
Gastroenteritis and Food Poisoning: Vomiting and diarrhoea can quickly cause dehydration.
Dengue: As per the CDC, dengue during pregnancy can have harmful effects, including low birth weight, premature birth and foetal loss.
Malaria: A systematic review in Malaria Journal notes that malaria in pregnancy can pose serious risks to the mother and foetus, including severe illness, anaemia, stillbirth and preterm birth.
UTIs: According to ACOG, UTIs affect about 8% of pregnancies and are associated with increased rates of preterm delivery and low birth weight.

How Pregnant Women Can Reduce Risk

Dr Bharadwaj advises that women should be “particularly careful about food safety, mosquito protection, and hand hygiene.”

Follow these steps:

Drink boiled, filtered or sealed water
Eat freshly cooked meals
Avoid street food, raw salads and cut fruits from outside
Wash hands regularly
Use mosquito nets and pregnancy-safe repellents
Remove stagnant water around the home
Do not ignore fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or urinary burning

Monsoon diseases in pregnancy are preventable and treatable when recognised early. Dr Bharadwaj stresses that “early diagnosis and timely management help minimise risks to both mother and baby.” If symptoms persist or feel unusual, avoid self-medication and contact your obstetrician promptly.

FAQs On Monsoon Diseases In Pregnancy

When Should I Call A Doctor During Monsoon Pregnancy?
Call your doctor for persistent fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, urinary burning, severe weakness, bleeding or reduced baby movements.
How Can I Prevent Monsoon Infections During Pregnancy?
Use safe water, eat freshly cooked food, avoid unhygienic street food, practice hand hygiene and protect yourself from mosquito bites.