Why malaria in pregnancy is often mistaken for routine fatigue

When a woman becomes pregnant, her immunity naturally goes down; it makes it easier for malaria parasites to thrive in her body (Photo: Gemini)

Malaria remains one of the most dangerous yet preventable threats facing pregnant women across sub-Saharan Africa. In regions where it is endemic, pregnancy carries not only hope and expectation, but also a silent risk that can endanger both mother and unborn child.

Yet the danger often hides in plain sight. Early signs — fever, fatigue, headaches, and body aches — are easily dismissed as normal pregnancy discomfort, allowing the illness to advance unnoticed.