What is one potential consequence of maternal fever on the developing fetus?

Maternal fever can significantly impact the developing fetus, and one major consequence is the increased metabolic demands it creates. When a mother has a fever, her body temperature rises, leading to an increase in metabolic rate. This escalation can cause the fetus to compensate by increasing its heart rate, resulting in fetal tachycardia. This response is the fetus's way of ensuring adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery despite the challenging condition created by maternal fever.

In addition to fetal tachycardia, this increased metabolic demand may lead to a strain on the fetal cardiovascular system, potentially resulting in further complications if the mother remains febrile for a prolonged period. Understanding this connection is crucial in monitoring fetal well-being in situations where maternal fever is present.