Malaria In Pregnancy: Treatment Options to Keep You and Your Baby Safe

Pregnancy is a joyous journey, but in malaria-endemic regions, it can be overshadowed by the threat of this mosquito-borne illness. Malaria during pregnancy is a serious concern for both the mother and the developing baby. Globally, malaria infects an estimated 200 million people annually, with India carrying a significant portion of the burden. 

It is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through mosquito bites and can lead to various complications, including anaemia in women, miscarriage, low birth weight, and even the death of the newborn. Pregnancy brings changes to the body that make women more vulnerable to malaria. If you're pregnant and live in an area with malaria, understanding treatment options is crucial for safeguarding both your health and your baby's.

Here, in this blog on malaria in pregnancy, we will look at the telltale symptoms of malaria during pregnancy and discuss possible treatment approaches to ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome for you and your little one. Keep reading. 

Table Of Contents 

1. Symptoms Of Malaria In Pregnancy (According to WHO)

2. Treatment Options Of Malaria In Pregnancy 

3. Expert’s Advice 

4. The Final Say 

5. FAQs

6. References 

Symptoms of Malaria in Pregnancy (According to WHO)

Here are the symptoms of malaria in pregnancy according to WHO report to be vigilant about: 

Also Read: How To Prevent Dengue After Mosquito Bite? Expert Guided Insights To Stay Protected! 

Treatment Options Of Malaria in Pregnancy 

The treatment of malaria during pregnancy depends on factors such as the type of malaria parasite, the severity of the infection, and the stage of pregnancy. Here are the primary treatments:

1. Antimalarial Drugs

For uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the second and third trimesters, the standard first-line therapy entails: 

• Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT)This is the current WHO recommendation and the most effective treatment. ACT medications combine a fast-acting artemisinin derivative with another antimalarial drug to prevent resistance. Examples include Artemether-lumefantrine or Artesunate-amodiaquine.

Note: Medications like chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine are not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks.

Treatment options for uncomplicated malaria in the first trimester are more limited due to potential risks with certain medications:

• Mefloquine: This medication may be considered with careful monitoring by a healthcare professional.

• Quinine plus clindamycin: This combination might be used if mefloquine is not an option. 

Also Read: Medications During Pregnancy: A Guide To Safe Options For Expecting Mothers 

2. Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT)

To avoid malaria during pregnancy, particularly in places with moderate to high transmission, Intermittent Preventative Treatment (IPT) using medicines is crucial. 

IPT means giving antimalarial medications such as the approved and efficient Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) at certain times during a woman's pregnancy period. Usually, this method starts in the second trimester and continues every month until delivery of the baby. This way is good because it reduces maternal illness and lessens anaemia and complications while also reducing chances of low birth weight or premature birth. 

Additionally, it safeguards against any infection within their placenta! However, keep in mind that while IPT is a tool to prevent malaria, it doesn’t cure any existing malaria infection in the mother's body. So, it must be used along with other methods like insecticide-treated bed nets to safeguard.

3. Supportive Care

In addition to medication, supportive care is crucial for both the mother and the fetus:

• Intravenous fluids: To maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.

• Blood sugar monitoring: To ensure proper blood sugar levels.

• Fetal monitoring: To track the health of the baby.

Also Read: Top 9 Foods That Can Induce Miscarriage And Should Be Avoid During Pregnancy 

Expert’s Advice 

As an expert, I recommend a well-balanced diet for pregnant women in malaria-prone areas. This includes iron-rich foods, like lean meats and leafy greens, to prevent anaemia, a common complication of malaria. Foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, aid iron absorption. I also advise avoiding untreated water and undercooked meats to lower malaria risk. 

Use mosquito nets and insect repellents on a regular basis to avoid mosquito bites if you reside in an area where malaria is prevalent. A tiny mistake can result in infection. Lastly, closing doors and windows will provide you and your child with additional protection, particularly at nightfall and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Health Expert
Aditi Upadhyay

The Final Say 

Ultimately, detecting early and proper treatming are necessary for a healthy outcome for malaria in pregnancy. Recognising the symptoms, knowing how to prevent malaria, and exploring treatment options can help you take control of your health and keep your baby safe. Remember, don't hesitate to consult with your doctor if you have any questions or worries—their advice will be very important throughout your pregnancy journey.

FAQs

1. Can malaria during pregnancy harm my baby?

Yes, untreated malaria can lead to serious complications such as low birth weight, preterm birth, or even miscarriage. Seeking medical care promptly is essential to protect both you and your baby.

2. What should I do if I suspect I have malaria while pregnant?

Consult your healthcare provider immediately if you're experiencing symptoms like fever, headache, or body aches. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for your health and your baby's.

References

• Treatment of uncomplicated and severe malaria during pregnancy 

• Malaria in pregnancy: a passive surveillance study of pregnant women in low transmission areas of Colombia, Latin America | Malaria Journal | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)

• An Overview of Malaria in Pregnancy - PMC (nih.gov)

• Effects of Malaria in Pregnancy on Neurocognitive Development in Children at 1 and 6 Years of Age in Benin: A Prospective Mother–Child Cohort | Clinical Infectious Diseases | Oxford Academic (oup.com)

• Malaria and Pregnancy: A Global Health Perspective - PMC (nih.gov)

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