Fever During Pregnancy: Everything Every Expecting Mother Should Know

A fever is generally defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. During pregnancy, it acts as a warning sign that your body is fighting an infection, such as a cold, flu, or UTI. While mild fevers are common and often harmless, persistent or high fevers require immediate medical attention.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about fever during pregnancy, including causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and when to seek medical attention.

What is a Fever During Pregnancy?

A fever is a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

If a pregnant woman has these symptoms, she should check her temperature:

Chills
Headache
Body aches
Weakness
Excessive sweating
Feeling unusually warm
Fatigue

A fever is normal during pregnancy, but if it is confirmed, it must be examined by a healthcare provider.

Can Early Stage of Pregnancy Cause Fever?

One of the most searched questions is, "Can early stage of pregnancy cause fever?"

In early pregnancy, your body temperature may rise a bit due to hormonal changes and the rise in progesterone. For this reason, some women might have a low-grade fever as an early pregnancy sign which is below 100.4°F (38°C).

But typically a fever is a consequence of infection and not a pregnancy. If a fever is greater than 100.4 for more than 24 hours, or if there are chills, a cough, painful urination, vomiting or extreme fatigue, see your gynecologist right away.

Is Fever During Pregnancy Dangerous?

A fever is not always a bad thing, but if it lasts too long or is not treated, it can lead to more problems during pregnancy.

A risk level is based on:

Stage of pregnancy
Cause of the fever
Duration
Severity of infection
Overall maternal health

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment significantly reduce potential complications for both mother and baby.

Fever During Pregnancy First Trimester: Should You Be Concerned?

Experiencing fever during pregnancy first trimester can be particularly worrying because your baby's organs are developing during this period.

If not treated, a high fever over a prolonged period in the first trimester of pregnancy has been linked to pregnancy complications. Thankfully, treatment, fluids, and pregnancy-safe medicines can control most infections.

Avoid self-medication and seek medical advice if you start to experience a fever in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Common Causes of Fever During Pregnancy

1. Viral Infections

The most common cause of fever during pregnancy is viral infections such as the following:

Common cold
Influenza (Flu)
COVID-19
Seasonal viral fever

2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common during pregnancy because hormone changes in the body make it harder for urine to flow, creating an environment that is conducive to them.

Symptoms include:

A burning sensation when passing urine.
Frequent urination
Lower abdominal pain
Fever
Chills

3. Food Poisoning

Eating contaminated food may lead to:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Stomach cramps
Dehydration

4. Respiratory Infections

Conditions like:

Bronchitis
Sinus infection
Pneumonia

can also cause fever during pregnancy.

5. Kidney Infection

Untreated UTIs may spread to the kidneys, causing:

High fever
Severe back pain
Vomiting
Chills

6. Mosquito-Borne Diseases

In the monsoons, pregnant women are more likely to suffer from:

Dengue
Malaria
Chikungunya

Symptoms of Fever During Pregnancy

Women experiencing fever in pregnancy may notice the following:

High body temperature
Chills
Headache
Muscle pain
Fatigue
Sweating
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Sore throat
Runny nose
Cough
Burning while urinating
Dehydration

Can Fever Harm the Baby?

Untreated high fever can have a negative impact on the pregnancy if it lasts long enough during the pregnancy.

First Trimester

An elevated risk for miscarriage is associated with it.
Unusual neural tube defects due to prolonged high temperatures

Second Trimester

Maternal dehydration
Infection-related complications

Third Trimester

Preterm labour
Maternal infection
Severe cases may cause symptoms of fetal distress.

The positive news is that early diagnosis and treatment help to significantly minimize these risks.

How is Fever During Pregnancy Diagnosed?

Your doctor may recommend:

Physical examination
Temperature monitoring
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Urine Routine & Culture
Blood investigations
Viral screening
Ultrasound when clinically required

Safe Treatment for Fever During Pregnancy

Treatment will vary based on the cause of the issue.

Your doctor may recommend:

Adequate hydration
Plenty of rest
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
Healthy, balanced diet
Pregnancy-safe medications
Antibiotics to treat only proven bacterial infections

Never take a medicine without the advice of your obstetrician/gynecologist.

Is Paracetamol Safe During Pregnancy?

When taken under the care of medical professionals and within recommended dosages, Paracetamol is the safest drug to use for fever reduction during pregnancy.

Don't take ibuprofen or any other painkillers unless your doctor says so.

Home Remedies for Mild Fever During Pregnancy

If your doctor has determined that your fever is due to a simple viral infection, these steps can help:

Drink plenty of water
Coconut water
Warm soups
Fresh fruits
Adequate rest
Sponge bath (as indicated)
Light cotton clothing

Avoid:

Ice baths
Cold showers
Herbal medicines without medical advice

Foods to Eat During Fever During Pregnancy

Choose nutritious and easy-to-digest foods like:

Khichdi
Dal
Rice
Vegetable soup
Oats
Fresh fruits
Boiled vegetables
Coconut water
Fresh fruit juices
Curd (if tolerated)

Foods to Avoid

Avoid consuming:

Fried food
Oily meals
Junk food
Raw seafood
Unpasteurized dairy products
Excess caffeine
Alcohol

When Should You See a Doctor Immediately?

If you have symptoms of:

Fever above 101°F
A temperature that doesn't go away after 24 hours or more.
Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Difficulty breathing
Urinating during a fire.
Vaginal bleeding
Reduced fetal movements
Severe headache
Rash
Confusion or fainting

Tips to Prevent Fever During Pregnancy

Avoid risks by:

Washing hands frequently
Staying hydrated
Using freshly prepared food.
Avoiding undercooked meat
Maintaining personal hygiene
Getting adequate sleep
Not being around people who are ill.
Getting the recommended immunizations during pregnancy
Pregnancy check-ups/screenings – regular visits to the doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is fever common during pregnancy?

Yes. Fever can be a result of infections, such as viral, UTI, seasonal illness during pregnancy. If the temperature remains high, see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Can early stage of pregnancy cause fever?

Some body temperature changes may happen because of hormonal changes. A true fever, however, is typically associated with infection and shouldn't be ignored.

Is a low-grade fever early pregnancy sign?

Some women experience a low grade fever early pregnancy sign, which is caused by an increase in the level of progesterone. See your gynecologist if the temperature is higher than 100.4°F and/or if it lasts for more than 24 hours.

Which medicine is safest for fever during pregnancy?

Paracetamol is safe and is commonly prescribed by your doctor.

Can fever harm my baby?

Prompt treatment of most mild fevers won't harm the baby. But a high temperature that lasts for more than a few days is a serious condition and should be treated immediately.

Why Choose Matoshree Hospital for Pregnancy Care?

Care must be taken by experts during pregnancy and when you develop an infection or fever. We are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostics at Matoshree Hospital and assist mothers in their pregnancy journey with complete maternity care.

Our experienced team is one of the leading obstetricians in Kamothe that provides personalized antenatal care, care for high-risk pregnancy, normal delivery, cesarean delivery, fetal monitoring and emergency obstetrics and deliveries.

Maternal and newborn care is one of the prime objectives of Matoshree Hospital and its endeavour is to provide optimum care to mother and baby. When it comes to the best maternity hospital in Navi Mumbai or experienced Gynaecologists in Kamothe, Matoshree Hospital is committed to providing the best care for mothers and babies.

Book an Appointment with the Best Gynecologist in Kamothe

Worried About Fever During Pregnancy?

Don't brush off the symptoms if you have fever during pregnancy, fever during pregnancy first trimester, or if you are concerned about a low grade fever as an early pregnancy sign. Early diagnosis and proper medical treatment can save your baby and you!

Make an appointment with the best gynecologists in Kamothe, the best maternity hospital in Navi Mumbai, Matoshree Hospital, to receive dedicated pregnancy care.

Why Mothers Trust Matoshree Hospital

Experienced Gynaecologists in Kamothe
The complete care for a mother and her baby from conception through to after birth.
High-Risk Pregnancy Management
Advanced Fetal Monitoring
24×7 Emergency Maternity Services
Modern Labour & Delivery Rooms
Care for Mother and Baby with Personalised Attention.
A wide range of services for women's health.

Make an appointment today and experience a safe, healthy and happy pregnancy journey with Matoshree Hospital.