Malaria in Pregnant Women: Risks and What Happens Next

Pregnant women are more likely to get severe malaria than other adults. This can cause serious problems for both mother and baby.
By Newsroom | Health, Pregnancy |

Malaria, far from a relic of the past, continues to pose significant risks to pregnant individuals, threatening both maternal health and fetal development in endemic regions. The condition, known as pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM), is amplified by a pregnant woman's altered immune system, rendering her more vulnerable, particularly to Plasmodium falciparum infections. This heightened susceptibility doesn't just mean a more severe illness for the mother; it directly translates to adverse birth outcomes, including stillbirths and other 'hidden burdens' that undermine global health progress.

Heightened Vulnerability, Dire Consequences

The diminished immune function during pregnancy, a biological reality, places expectant mothers in a precarious position. This isn't a trivial matter; it means a higher likelihood of contracting severe malaria.

  • Direct Fetal Harm: Contrary to some misconceptions, malaria does not spare the developing fetus. The infection can directly impact fetal health, a fact frequently obscured by the focus on maternal symptoms.

  • Increased Risk of Severe Illness: Pregnant women are demonstrably more prone to severe complications from malaria compared to their non-pregnant counterparts.

  • Poor Birth Outcomes: The global health toll of malaria in pregnancy is substantial, marked by a prevalence of maternal morbidity and a disturbing rate of unfavorable birth outcomes.

Debunking Dangerous Myths

Amidst the ongoing struggle against malaria, persistent myths surrounding its impact on pregnancy continue to circulate, potentially endangering lives. One such damaging misconception is that malaria affects pregnant and non-pregnant women similarly, or that it impacts only the mother and not the unborn child. These fabrications downplay the very real and specific dangers posed by the disease to the delicate process of gestation.

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  • Myth 1: Malaria is the same for pregnant and non-pregnant individuals.

  • Myth 4: Malaria only affects the mother, not the baby.

Global Scars and Persistent Neglect

Despite global efforts to curb malaria's spread, pregnancy-associated malaria remains a stubborn problem in areas where the disease is endemic. The burden of malaria, particularly in early pregnancy, is increasingly recognized as a "neglected problem." The complexities of Pregnancy-Associated Malaria (PAM), including those involving Plasmodium vivax, continue to be a focus of study.

  • A systematic review published in May 2025 highlights various prevention strategies for PAM.

  • Research from August 2023 underscored the global health perspective on malaria and pregnancy, pointing to stillbirths as a significant, yet often unacknowledged, consequence.

Seeking Care: A Matter of Urgency

Medical professionals stress the absolute necessity of immediate medical attention if malaria is suspected during pregnancy. The diagnostic process typically involves multiple malaria smears taken over a period.

"If you think you might have malaria, you should see a doctor immediately." - RCOG

Furthermore, once recovered from malaria, pregnant women face a heightened risk of anemia. The implications for women opting for 'wild pregnancies,' a trend noted recently and characterized by a desire for a natural birth with potentially limited prenatal care, are particularly concerning. While experts acknowledge a desire for natural experiences, they emphasize the availability of safer, flexible care options, noting that a significant percentage of pregnancies receive delayed or inadequate prenatal attention.

Read More: Germs During Pregnancy Can Harm Babies

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM)?
Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) is when pregnant women get malaria. Their bodies are weaker during pregnancy, making them more likely to get sick from malaria, especially from a type called *Plasmodium falciparum*.
Q: Why are pregnant women more at risk for severe malaria?
During pregnancy, a woman's immune system changes, making her more open to malaria infections. This means she can get much sicker than someone who is not pregnant.
Q: What are the dangers of malaria for pregnant women and their babies?
Malaria in pregnancy can cause severe illness for the mother. It also harms the unborn baby, leading to problems like stillbirth and low birth weight. This is a big problem in areas where malaria is common.
Q: Are there myths about malaria and pregnancy that are dangerous?
Yes, some people wrongly believe malaria affects pregnant women the same as others, or that it only harms the mother and not the baby. These false ideas can be very dangerous and stop people from getting help.
Q: What should a pregnant woman do if she thinks she has malaria?
If a pregnant woman thinks she has malaria, she must see a doctor right away. Doctors will do tests, like malaria smears, to check for the disease. Getting treatment quickly is very important for her health and the baby's.
Q: What happens after a pregnant woman recovers from malaria?
After getting over malaria, pregnant women have a higher chance of becoming anemic, meaning they have too few red blood cells. This is especially worrying for women who choose natural births with less medical care.