Fever During Pregnancy

It is not unusual to develop a viral illness that causes a fever during pregnancy or after your delivery. Mild fevers that last only a short time usually are not a concern. An ongoing fever that does not get better with home treatment, such as taking acetaminophen, or that does not improve after several days may mean…

Fever During Pregnancy

Topic Overview

It is not unusual to develop a viral illness that causes a fever during pregnancy or after your delivery. Mild fevers that last only a short time usually are not a concern.

An ongoing fever that does not get better with home treatment, such as taking acetaminophen, or that does not improve after several days may mean that you have a more serious problem, such as a bacterial infection. Talk to your doctor if:

  • A fever develops and you have other health risks, such as diabetes or other chronic conditions.
  • A fever develops with other symptoms, such as symptoms of a kidney infection.
  • Dehydration develops.
  • A mild fever without an obvious cause lasts longer than 4 full days.
  • A fever without an obvious cause comes back more than once in 3 weeks.
  • A fever with an increase in vaginal discharge or a bad smell from vaginal discharge.

Remember, fever is only a symptom. Often the importance of a fever can only be seen when other symptoms are present.

Related Information

Credits

Current as ofMay 29, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD – Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology

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