Maternal fever in the first trimester can increase an infant's risk of developing heart defects and facial deformities like a cleft palate, according to a study published in the journal Science Signaling.
To assess a fever's role in the development of these birth defects, researchers observed zebrafish and chicken embryos. They identified neural crest cells — which are essential for facial and cardiac development — that contained temperature sensitive properties. The team then exposed these embryos to fever-like conditions with electromagnetic waves. The embryos subsequently developed craniofacial irregularities and heart defects.
"[A]s women are planning to become pregnant and their doctors advise them to start taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid, their doctor also informs them if they get a fever, they should not hesitate to call and consider taking a fever reducer, specifically acetaminophen (Tylenol), which has been studied extensively and determined to be safe during the first trimester," said Eric Benner, MD, PhD, a neonatologist and assistant professor of pediatrics at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. "While doctors advise most women to avoid any drug during pregnancy, there may be benefits to taking acetaminophen to reduce fever. Women should discuss all risks and benefits with their doctors."
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