pregnancy with fever

Overview

A fever is when your body temperature rises above its normal level. During pregnancy, a fever can be a sign that your body is fighting an infection. It is important to find out the cause and get advice early, because some infections can affect you or your baby.

Yes, fevers during pregnancy are fairly common. Pregnancy changes your immune system, which can make you more likely to pick up infections such as colds and flu.

A fever can affect anyone who is pregnant, at any stage of the pregnancy. Women and people who are pregnant with long-term health conditions, or who have not had recommended vaccines, may have a higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Your temperature is 38°C (100.4°F) or higher (measured with a thermometer).
• Feeling hot, chills or shivering, and sweating.
• Aches and pains, headache, tiredness, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Symptoms in children

• Not applicable during pregnancy.

Symptoms in older adults

• Not applicable specifically during pregnancy. The symptoms of fever are the same regardless of age, but older pregnant women, or those with other health conditions, should always seek extra prompt advice.

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections, such as colds, flu, or COVID-19.
• Bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections (which are more common in pregnancy) or infections of the lungs, throat or stomach.
• Less often, an infection in the womb or amniotic fluid, which needs urgent care.

Risk factors

• Being around people who have contagious infections.
• Being unvaccinated against flu or COVID-19 during pregnancy.
• Having a weakened immune system or a long-term health condition.
• Not staying hydrated or not getting enough rest when you feel unwell.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any fever during pregnancy should always be discussed with a healthcare provider, even if it is mild.
• Call your maternity unit, GP, or midwife as soon as you notice a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
• Go to urgent care or your local emergency department if you have any of the emergency symptoms above, or if you are unable to reach your midwife or GP.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a mild fever and no other worrying symptoms, still call your GP or midwife for advice later the same day.
• Book a routine appointment if you have recovered but want to talk about what might have caused the fever, or if you have missed a recommended vaccine.

Diagnosis

A doctor or midwife will listen to your symptoms, take your temperature, and examine you. They will also check your baby's wellbeing, for example by listening to the heartbeat or arranging an ultrasound if needed.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test to check for a urinary tract infection.
• Blood test to look for signs of infection or inflammation.
• Throat, nose or chest swab to test for viruses such as flu or COVID-19.
• Ultrasound scan to check the baby's size, fluid levels and heartbeat, if the doctor thinks this is needed.

What to expect at your appointment

You should tell the healthcare team that you are pregnant. They may ask you to monitor your temperature at home and record your baby's movements. They will also explain what to do if your symptoms change, and when to call for further help.

Treatment

Treatment for a fever during pregnancy will depend on the cause. The main goals are to bring your temperature down safely, treat any underlying infection, and keep a close eye on your baby's wellbeing. Always ask a healthcare professional before taking any medicine while pregnant.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as you can, especially while the fever is high.
• Drink small amounts of water regularly to stay hydrated.
• Use a damp cool cloth on your forehead or the back of your neck.
• Wear light clothing and keep the room comfortably cool, but avoid shivering - stop cooling if you feel cold.
• Take a lukewarm (not cold) shower if it helps, and then rest again.

Medical treatments

Your healthcare provider might prescribe medication to reduce the fever or treat the specific infection. For bacterial infections, they may give you a course of antibiotics. If your fever is caused by a viral infection, they may advise rest, fluids, and a safe medicine to control your temperature. They will choose treatments that are safe in pregnancy and will explain exactly what they are for. Never take over-the-counter medicines without speaking to a pharmacist, midwife or doctor first.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually needed for a fever in pregnancy itself. However, if a fever is caused by a serious condition such as appendicitis or a gallbladder infection, surgery may be recommended. In those rare situations, your team will explain the procedure and take care of you and your baby throughout.

Living with this condition

While you recover, monitor your temperature with a thermometer, keep track of how your baby is moving, and stay rested. Don't be tempted to push through; your body needs time to fight the infection.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands often with soap and water to avoid spreading germs.
• Keep away from people who are ill with colds, flu or other infections.
• Avoid hot baths, saunas or vigorous exercise, which can raise your body temperature.
• Continue to go to your antenatal appointments, so your team can check you and your baby.

Diet and exercise

Eat lightly and choose foods you can manage, such as toast, soup or plain crackers if your stomach is upset. Drink plenty of water or squash. Once your fever settles, gentle exercise like walking can help you rebuild strength, but wait until you feel ready and always ask your healthcare provider if unsure.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A fever during pregnancy can be frightening. It is completely natural to worry about your baby. Try to talk about these worries with your partner, family or midwife. Remember that getting medical help is the best way to protect both of you, and it is never a waste of anyone's time.

Prevention

Fevers can never be completely prevented, but you can reduce your risk of infection. The best steps are to wash your hands regularly, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and keep up to date with recommended vaccinations.

Vaccines

During pregnancy, you will be offered the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. These are safe and protect you and your baby. Ask your GP or midwife how to get them.

Screening programmes

Part of routine antenatal care includes blood tests and urine tests that can pick up some infections before they cause problems. Attending your appointments is one of the best ways to stay healthy.

Complications

If left untreated

• A fever that is ignored may get worse, and the infection behind it can spread.
• Some infections, if left untreated, can increase the risk of premature labour, low birth weight, or miscarriage.
• Rarely, a very high fever can cause dehydration or febrile seizures (fits related to fever), which need emergency care.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for a fever in pregnancy is very good when you seek help early. Most fevers settle at home with rest and fluids, and many require no specific treatment at all. With proper care, the great majority of pregnancies continue normally, and the baby is born healthy.

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