If you are pregnant and have a fever, take your temperature right away and drink fluids, rest and call your physician if your temperature is greater than or equal to 100.4°F (38°C). Fever can indicate an infection, so seek medical attention promptly to protect yourself and your unborn child.
You’ll be concerned about your baby as well as yourself when you get a fever while you are pregnant.
The good news is that most fevers can be treated safely with the right care and support at your Primary Care Clinic.
Why Does Fever During Pregnancy Matter?
Fever is important during pregnancy because high body temperature can impact how a baby develops inside of you, especially during the first trimester.
Pregnancy changes how the immune system functions; therefore, when you are pregnant, your body is more susceptible to getting an infection, so the symptoms will be present for longer than if you were not pregnant.
Most mild fevers are not a cause for concern; however, a long-lasting fever or a fever greater than 101.5°F (38.5°C) should be evaluated by a doctor because it could be a sign of an infection.
For this reason, many women visit Primary Care Las Vegas for a quick evaluation and reassurance.
What Is Considered a Fever While Pregnant?
A fever while pregnant is typically defined as a body temperature that is greater than or equal to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). To clarify, here is a breakdown of the various conditions of body temperature by degree:
- Normal – 98.6 (average)
- Slight fever – 99.5 to 100.3 degrees
- Fever – 100.4 degrees or greater
- High fever – over 102 degrees
- Emergency (requires immediate medical attention) – over 103 degrees
If your temperature increases quickly or remains at a high level, it is important to get to a Primary Care Clinic immediately.
How Do You Know If You Have a Fever?
You will know if you have a temperature through the use of a thermometer, which can be done by either using;
- Mouth (oral)
- Forehead (temporal)
- Ear (tympanic)
- Armpit (axillary)
- Rectum (rectal)
Both types of thermometers are acceptable; however, the most important thing is to ensure that they are accurate. Therefore, if you feel hot, cold, or like you are sick, do not make a guess at what your temperature might be. Instead, measure it and keep track of how it changes.
What Are Common Symptoms of Fever in Pregnancy?
The signs of fever during pregnancy are largely the same as in all other individuals. Common signs of fever during pregnancy include:
- Chills and/or shivering
- Sweating
- Feeling hot
- Muscle pain and/or weakness
- Not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
If symptoms are severe, using the services of Primary Care Las Vegas can help you identify the cause quickly.
Can Having a Fever While Pregnant Hurt the Baby?
During pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, developing a high fever may be associated with increased risk for the developing fetus.
According to competitor analysis: fever alone is not always bad, but the temperature level of the fever and the cause of the fever are both important.
Risks associated with high fevers: include but are not limited to;
- Neural tube defects (especially early in pregnancy)
- Congenital anomalies
- Miscarriage (especially if the fever is high)
- Early labor/tachycardia (later on in pregnancy)
Most of the time low-grade fevers are short-lived but it’s always better to get checked out by your doctor.
Why Do Pregnant Women Get Fevers?
Fever is an indication that the body has an ongoing infection.
Common reasons for fever include:
- Cold/flu
- COVID-19
- Stomach virus
- Food poisoning
- Ear infection
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Kidney infection
- Genital infections
There are also some rare but very serious reasons for fever;
- Listeriosis
- Toxoplasmosis
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Your primary care physician (PCP) can help determine the cause of the fever before complications develop.
What Should You Do Right Away If You Have a Fever While Pregnant?
You should take action immediately and utilize safe home remedies and medical support whenever you develop a fever during pregnancy, this is very important!
According to the experts:
Rest in a cool, comfortable room.
Your body will recover faster from fever and reduce the load on your immune system
Be in a well-ventilated area and do not overheat by using heavy blankets
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Staying hydrated is a fundamental part of fighting fever during pregnancy. When you’re running a fever, you lose fluids through sweating. Good fluids to drink include:
- Water
- Electrolyte drinks
- Warm soup
- Fruit juices (e.g., orange juice)
By drinking fluids regularly throughout the day, you help counteract the loss of fluids due to the fever and keep the symptoms from getting worse.
Use Cool Compresses
A cool washcloth can be placed on the forehead to relieve discomfort. Some women choose to wipe the body down with lukewarm water, especially focusing on:
- Neck
- Armpits
- Groin
It is important that you do not take a cold bath because it can cause shivering and increase the temperature again.
Take Pregnancy-Safe Fever Medication
Take Fever Medication Suitable for Pregnancy
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the safest fever-reducing medicine to take when you are pregnant. Most providers recommend using it if the fever is higher than 100.4°F. Do not use the following medicines unless your provider prescribes them:
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- Aspirin (except for low-dose recommended for preeclampsia)
- Herbal remedies for reducing fevers
Be sure to talk with your Primary Care Provider in Las Vegas before taking any fever reducer medication.
When Should You Call a Doctor for Fever During Pregnancy?
You should call your doctor if you are pregnant and have any fever. You need to get immediate medical attention if you have:
- A fever of 102–103°F or higher
- A fever that stays for longer than 24 hours
- Severe thirst or dark urine
- Trouble breathing
- Pain or contractions in your abdomen
- Any type of vaginal discharge that smells bad
- Less movement from the baby than normal
- Severe cramping or dizziness
Sahara West Urgent Care & Wellness offers same-day care through our trusted Primary Care Clinic for expecting mothers.
What Treatments Might a Clinic Provide?
Treating a fever is based on the underlying cause of the fever.
Providers at a Primary Care Clinic will usually:
- Monitor vital signs and temperature
- Conduct testing for flu, COVID-19 and UTIs.
- Prescribe antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection.
- Introduce methods to safely manage a fever.
- Monitor symptoms specific to pregnancy.
Early evaluation can help reduce complications.
Can You Prevent Fever During Pregnancy?
You can reduce your risk of having a fever due to infection by preventing exposure to infections.
Some basic tips for preventing infection are:
Wash hands frequently.
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
- Eat foods that are thoroughly cooked.
- Refrain from consuming unpasteurized dairy products.
- Sleep adequately.
- Do not use hot tubs, saunas or hot yoga.
- Continue to attend prenatal appointments.
It is easier to prevent than to treat.
When to Visit Sahara West Urgent Care & Wellness
If you are pregnant and have a fever, do not wait until the fever worsens.
Our highly trained team will provide you with a quick, supportive way to receive Primary Care Las Vegas services tailored to increase the health of women throughout their pregnancies.
Our goal is to provide you with safe treatments, effective answers and a sense of calmness.
Final Thoughts
All in all, if you are pregnant and have a fever, your smartest move is to act quickly, stay well hydrated, use appropriate treatment methods, and call your healthcare provider. The majority of fevers are easily treated; however, getting treatment early is the best way that you can protect your baby and yourself. For trusted help, we recommend that you visit Sahara West Urgent Care & Wellness, your trusted primary care clinic and provider for any pregnancy-related urgent care service needed in Las Vegas. To schedule your appointment with the highest standard of care, visit Sahara West Urgent Care on our website, where you can also explore more informative blogs .
FAQs
1. What temperature is too high during pregnancy?
Infants can only get a fever if their temperature goes above 100.4°F (38°C) (measure at least two sites). If your temperature exceeds 102-103°F (39-39.5°C), you must see a doctor immediately.
2. Is fever in early pregnancy dangerous?
If your temperature were to reach a fever during the first trimester of pregnancy, a fever could increase the risk of your baby developing a neural tube defect, making it essential that you seek healthcare treatment right away.
3. Can I take Tylenol while pregnant for fever?
Acetaminophen can generally be taken for fever while pregnant; however, consult your healthcare provider first to determine whether acetaminophen will harm you or your baby.
4. Should I go to urgent care for fever while pregnant?
Yes! Please go to an urgent care if your fever is above normal or persistent and has any other significant symptoms (pain, dehydration, less fetal movement, etc.).
5. What infections commonly cause fever during pregnancy?
Fever from the flu, COVID-19, a UTI, a stomach virus, and food poisoning are the most common causes.
6. What should I avoid when I have a fever while pregnant?
I recommend that you not take ibuprofen and aspirin (unless otherwise prescribed). Avoid herbal remedies, saunas, hot tubs, and overheating (excessive heat).
