Daijiworld Media Network – Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Apr 24: With malaria continuing to pose a seasonal health risk, Fernandez Hospital has urged pregnant women and families to remain vigilant, warning that infection during pregnancy can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby.

Medical experts said pregnancy increases vulnerability to malaria due to reduced immunity, with Plasmodium falciparum considered particularly dangerous because it can affect the placenta and interfere with foetal growth.

Dr Tarakeswari Surapaneni, Chief Medical Director of Fernandez Hospital, said malaria during pregnancy should not be dismissed as an ordinary fever and stressed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

She said delayed detection can increase risks such as anaemia, low blood sugar, seizures, breathing complications and, in severe cases, organ failure in the mother.

For the baby, experts warned the infection can lead to miscarriage, growth restriction, stillbirth, neonatal death and, in rare cases, congenital malaria.

Doctors said common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting and body aches, while severe cases may present with confusion, seizures or breathing difficulty.

Medical experts advised that any fever during pregnancy should be investigated promptly, particularly in malaria-prone areas or after travel.

They said malaria can be diagnosed through blood tests, including microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests, and treatment during pregnancy is considered safe when administered under medical supervision.

The hospital also stressed preventive measures such as use of mosquito repellents, insecticide-treated bed nets, protective clothing and avoiding travel to high-risk areas where possible.

Experts underlined the importance of regular antenatal check-ups for early detection and timely intervention, saying awareness and consistent monitoring remain key to reducing complications and ensuring safer pregnancies.