Fever during pregnancy: what should you do?

Is having a fever during pregnancy serious? How can you relieve a fever? When should you see a doctor? The most important thing is to identify your symptoms so you can react to the fever and bring it down.

Fever during pregnancy, a symptom of many minor illnesses:

Medically, a person is considered to have a fever when their temperature goes above 38°C. So below this temperature, you don't have a fever. Fever during pregnancy is rarely serious.

It's often a symptom of many common minor infections such as a cold (nasopharyngitis), gastroenteritis, bronchitis… This type of fever is moderate and lasts 2-3 days. If you spot it, it's generally harmless for you and for the foetus. However, to get the right treatment and be sure of the right diagnosis, make an appointment with your doctor. They will suggest further tests if necessary (ultrasound scan, blood test…). Fever is also a symptom of flu. Flu can be dangerous for a pregnant woman as it can lead to lung complications. In other cases, it can cause a miscarriage or premature birth. That's why the flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women. You can have it before or during pregnancy.
Another warning sign: if the fever comes with uterine contractions, call 15 (the French emergency medical number) straight away or go to hospital.

Symptoms and mild fever: what should you do?

In some pregnant women, body temperature rises naturally during the first months, without going above 37.5°C on waking. As you'll have gathered, this fever is harmless and is more a symptom of pregnancy than an illness. No need to worry!

As a pregnant woman's immune defences are lower, you need to help your body fight the fever. If your fever is above 38°C, you can take paracetamol, without exceeding 3 to 4 g per day maximum. This medicine is available from pharmacies without a prescription. On the other hand, do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, which are strongly advised against during pregnancy. Finally, if you have any doubts, don't hesitate to talk to your pharmacist, telling them clearly that you're expecting a baby.

Other tips can help you bring down a fever during pregnancy. Opt for a lukewarm shower or bath. We also advise you to rest at home, without lying under several layers of blankets. You risk raising your body temperature instead of bringing it down. Finally, some people find relief by placing a small towel soaked in cold water on their forehead. You can try these techniques and choose the one that suits you best, while staying hydrated. And if you're finding the fever hard to cope with, take a break and rest somewhere comfortable.

Feverish and pregnant: when should you see a doctor?

When you're pregnant, stay attentive to how you feel and to the changes in your body. A fever may be a sign of a minor illness, but it may also hide an infection that could put your pregnancy at risk. So at the slightest doubt, take your temperature and talk to your doctor, midwife or gynaecologist. You can see them whenever you like when you have a fever.

Please also pay attention to any other symptoms you may have: they will help the health professional diagnose your illness. Here are the symptoms of rarer infections in pregnant women:

– Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the renal pelvis and the kidney. Its symptoms are fever, shivering, back pain and a burning sensation when passing urine. If you have pyelonephritis, go straight to your maternity unit. Most of the time, this inflammation is treated in hospital with antibiotics given by drip.

– Urinary tract infection

If you have the symptoms of pyelonephritis without a fever, you may have a urinary tract infection. This is treated with antibiotics. In that case, contact your doctor to get treatment.

– Listeriosis

Listeriosis is a rare infection passed on to humans through food. It is caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes and, in pregnant women, can lead to premature birth or a neonatal infection. The symptoms of this infection are: high fever, diarrhoea, nausea or headaches. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics.

– CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection

Its symptoms are similar to flu. This rare infection can affect the development of the foetus. Your doctor, midwife or gynaecologist will suggest a suitable treatment.

From now on, it will be easier for you to identify your symptoms and take stock of how you are. Don't worry, falling ill during pregnancy happens. The most important thing is to be treated by a health professional.

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.