A high temperature could be a sign of a hidden infection. This could be harmful to your baby so it is important to get it checked out.
If you have a mild fever it is safe to take paracetamol. Make sure you follow the instructions on the packet for how much you can take. Try to take the lowest dose of paracetamol that works and for the shortest amount of time.
There are some painkillers you should not take while you’re pregnant. These include:
- tablets or capsules that contain added caffeine (sometimes sold with 'extra' on the label)
- tablets or capsules that contain codeine
- anti-inflammatory tablets or capsules, like ibuprofen or aspirin.
Some women may be advised to take a low dose of aspirin as a treatment if they have had miscarriages before or they are at risk of pre-eclampsia. It should not be taken as treatment for a fever or headache.
Find out more about drugs and medicines in pregnancy.
Read more
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Discharge in pregnancy
Having more vaginal discharge during pregnancy is common, but speak to your midwife or doctor if you are unsure about any increase or change in your vaginal discharge.
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Swollen hands and feet in pregnancy
Swelling or puffiness of your hands and feet is common in late pregnancy.
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Itching in pregnancy
Some itching around the stomach is normal as your skin is stretching around your growing baby.
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My baby is not growing in pregnancy
A growing bump is the sign of a growing baby. Your midwife should start measuring your baby from 24 weeks to make sure they are growing well.
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My midwife isn't listening
If you feel your midwife isn’t listening to you, you can ask to see another member of the team.
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I just think something is wrong
If you feel that something is wrong, or if you are worried about the baby, call your midwife or doctor to talk about it.
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Painful urination in pregnancy
If you have a painful or burning sensation when you wee (urinate), you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI)
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Vision problems in pregnancy
Vision problems can be caused by different issues in pregnancy. If you have vision problems always tell your midwife or hospital straight away.
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Headaches in pregnancy
Mild headaches can be caused by hormones and are common in pregnancy.
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Diarrhoea and vomiting in pregnancy
Stomach bugs are common in pregnancy. It is very unlikely that your baby will be harmed from a bug lasting less than 48 hours.
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Baby movements in pregnancy
Fetal movements can be anything from a flutter, kick, swish or roll. Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well.
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Bleeding in pregnancy
If you have any bleeding during your pregnancy, with or without pain, it’s very important to get it checked out.
Sources
Macdonald S, Johnson G (2017) Mayes’ midwifery, Fifteenth edition, Edinburgh, Bailliere Tindall Elsevier
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ℹLast reviewed on September 28th, 2018. Next review date September 28th, 2021.
Comments
Please note that these comments are monitored but not answered by Tommy’s. Please call your GP or maternity unit if you have concerns about your health or your baby’s health.
Confused with temperature
By Tee (not verified) on 25 Sep 2019 - 12:04
Hi my temperature was 36.9 l am just a day before my periods start . I had the courage to do a preg test , but it’s negative . Been trying for a baby but it just won’t happen , it’s soo depressing ☹️
Fever during pregnancy
By Silpa (not verified) on 10 Sep 2019 - 08:26
Hi
I am 6 weeks 3days pregnant. I am experiencing a fever of 101 to 102 tempraturature since 4 to5days. I have done maleria and urine test. Report is normal.
What should I do
Fever
By Nancy (not verified) on 10 Aug 2019 - 08:17
Hi ,
I am 3 weeks pregnant and had 102 degree fever last night .After 5-6 hours I took paracetamol. I am just worried after seeing all the comments .. does it affects my baby . Do i need to consult a doc on that case ?
I Have Had Unprotected Sex
By Matilda (not verified) on 6 Aug 2019 - 23:36
I Have Had Unprotected Sex During Ovulation And It A Week Now But My Temprature Is 37.2 What Could Be The Cause
Elevated temps first weeks of pregnancy
By Diana (not verified) on 4 Jul 2019 - 00:53
Hello,
I’ve been feeling warm since about the 4th week of pregnancy and my temps (taken orally) have ranged 37.2-37.8 when I’ve checked. I don’t have any flu or fever symptoms but I’m really concerned about neural tube defects since the worried tube develops during these early weeks. Is this legitimate concern or are somewhat elevated temps in early pregnancy normal?
Thank you!!
Low grade fever
By Jane (not verified) on 5 Jun 2019 - 06:32
Hello, I'm 8 weeks pregnant. I have a severe nausea and moreover my temperature is 36.8-36.9c for more than 2 weeks now (it was 37.1-37.3 couple of times). I feel so tired all day every day... this is my 3d pregnancy, I had nausea before but not the fever. I don't have a midwife yet. GP says it doesn't look like infection...
Sickness bug and high temp
By Gemma (not verified) on 17 May 2019 - 14:36
I am 23wreks pregnant. And been hit with a stomach bug and high temperature. Baby is moving. Just wondered if there is anything I can do??
Thanks
Throwing up yellow foamy stuff along with blood
By Victoria (not verified) on 17 Mar 2019 - 22:25
I’m 7weeks pregnant and I been throwing up yellow foamy stuff haven’t been having any strength and I also be spitting up blood is this bad for my baby
Pregnancy
By John (not verified) on 14 Jul 2019 - 20:54
Please consult a doctor
Throwing up yellow foamy stuff along with blood
By Sunny (not verified) on 5 Dec 2019 - 02:48
Hi Victoria. The yellow stuffs is usually stomach acid and the blood along with it is because you vomited with force. It's perfectly normal. Try to eat or drink something before this happens next time.
High temperature and virus
By Rachel Newbury (not verified) on 16 Feb 2019 - 18:38
Hello,
I have had a temperature of between 38.5 and 38.9 for the past two days accompanied by flu like symptoms. I went to the hospital and saw a doctor who advised me I had a virus, and said just to rest and drink lots of fluids and that it wouldn't harm the baby.
I know he is a medical professional, but I still can't help feeling like it may still have some sort of negative impact, as paracetamol is not bringing my temp down.
Thanks,
Rachel
High temperature and virus
By Midwife @Tommys on 20 Feb 2019 - 15:14
Hi Rachel
If you are still not feeling better by now, four days after you sent this message, then please do go into your maternity unit to be reviewed again by a midwife and Dr. You may have an infection requiring antibiotics if you have a persistent fever. Take care, Tommy's Midwife
Prolonged high temperature and headaches
By Sam (not verified) on 4 Feb 2019 - 18:17
I am only 8 weeks pregnant and had a temperature of over 39 for the past 3weeks (it is currently 39.8), I also had Norovirus 2weeks ago and have headaches ever since. I have spoken to 111 and my doctors and they have said I'm too early in pregnancy to worry and I haven't been given a midwife yet
15 weeks pregnant with mild fever
By Yanie (not verified) on 30 Jan 2019 - 19:50
Hi, I’m 15 weeks and 5 days pregnant and had flu with 38.7 degree celsius last night. I also have cough and colds for few days already. I’m so worried, will my condition cause physical or mental defects for my baby?
Many thanks.
Hi - Thank you for your
By Midwife @Tommys on 31 Jan 2019 - 09:19
Hi - Thank you for your message. Please try not to worry, most women get some form of cold/cough at some stage in their pregnancy. Coughs and colds are not known to have a negative impact on babys development and growth.
Rest up, take in plenty of fluids and see how you feel over the net few days.
If the fever lasts 48-72 hours and did not come down to below 37.5 with paracetamol in that time, then you should to your GP who may refer you either to your local early pregnancy unit, or A&E if they are really worried
High fever
By Frida (not verified) on 30 Jan 2019 - 05:03
Hi there
I had the flu
And when I was sick with the flu I had a fever of 39
And they say you shouldn’t have a fever of 38 or higher in early pregnancy..especially during 5-7 weeks
And I had the fever when I was 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 weeks pregnant
I heard if you have it for 4 or more hours it may boost the risk of heart defects and facial deformities such as cleft lip or palate
I was sleeping almost that whole day and My husband came home and checked my temperature and it was 39
But I dont know how long it was that high
Should I be really worried
I am currently 12-13 weeks pregnant
And I already had a miscarriage before this one - so I really want everything to be okay this time around
Tomorrow I have my first trimester screening- will that be able to tell me anything
High Fever
By Midwife @Tommys on 30 Jan 2019 - 15:03
Hi Frida,
You can speak to the sonographer tomorrow about your concerns and if they are concerned by what they see on scan, then you might be referred to be seen by a consultant in the fetal medicine unit.
You can also talk to your midwife about this when you next see her if your scan looks to be completely normal.
If you need any further support or advice, please feel free to get in touch via midwife email or our helpline. All the best, Tommy's Midwife
Severe headache and burning temperature
By Regina (not verified) on 26 Oct 2018 - 02:36
Hi pls for the past 2days I have being having a severe headache and high temperature that comes at interval. I will be very ok during d day and before I know it my body temperature will just rise and I will be catching cold.am 32weeks gone. Thank you
Severe headache and burning temperature
By Midwife @Tommys on 26 Oct 2018 - 10:31
Hi Regina,
If you are experiencing high temperatures and severe headaches then it is important that you contact your midwife or maternity unit to be seen today.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
High temperature
By Marisa (not verified) on 22 Oct 2018 - 21:27
Hi I’m 6 weeks and 4 days pregnant and today I have 37.4 temperature. What should I do? Thank you
High temperature
By Midwife @Tommys on 23 Oct 2018 - 09:24
This is only very slightly above the normal. Just rest and take plenty of fluids and you will most likely feel better soon.
Hi , caught a cold / flu ,
By Anonymous (not verified) on 10 Sep 2018 - 10:45
Hi , caught a cold / flu , temperature was 38.3 last night and toke a tylenol . Temperature then came down to 37.7 after an hour. I didn’t take any Tylenol today as my temperature is ranged from 37.4-37.8. Should I be worried? Or should I keep taking Tylenol? Am around 5 weeks . Thank you.
hi,caught a cold /flu
By Midwife @Tommys on 12 Sep 2018 - 14:31
The only over the counter medication recommended for use in pregnancy is Paracetamol 500mg tablets-recommended dose is 1-2 tablets up to 4 times in every 24 hours-at least 4-6 hours between doses. The following link has more information for you-
https://beta.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-adults/
As your temperature is below 38.0c further paracetamol is not advised.
If it's not effective or you are concerned about your symptoms please contact your GP
Take care
Tommy's Midwife
Am I in labour
By Dom (not verified) on 12 Aug 2018 - 16:37
33+5wks pregnant. 2nd pregnancy (nothing like the 1st)
Already been told I won't make it to 37wks. Currently experiencing painful tightenings (although this has been the case since 28weeks told i have Braxton hicks).
Temperature 37.6, painful tightenings, headaches and feeling nauseous (Was actually throwing up yesterday in the early hours of the morning). Finding it difficult to eat anything. How will I know if I'm in labour with all that has been going on in the past weeks?
Am i in labour
By Midwife @Tommys on 15 Aug 2018 - 14:24
Hi Dom
If you have not already done so, then please go urgently to your local hospital maternity triage/labour ward for urgent assessment in view of your temperature, vomiting and headaches especially. Your contractions will also need to be reviewed.
You are not yet term and this means that you could be at risk of having a premature birth if you are not checked over by a midwife and doctor at the hospital.
Please take good care of yourself
Tommy's Midwife
Been having stomach aches
By Barbara (not verified) on 6 Aug 2018 - 08:59
Been having stomach aches (almost like bad period pain) some back and what feels like groin pains but doesn’t feel like actual contractions more like a constant stomach ache last 3 days on and off, have been having difficulty sleeping and when I eventually manage to sleep the pain wakes me. 37 weeks + 5 days,
Been having stomach aches
By Midwife @Tommys on 6 Aug 2018 - 11:31
Hi Barbara, We always advise that you are seen by a doctor or midwife if you have abdominal pain in the third trimester. The pain may be nothing to worry about but without assessing you I can't make that judgement. If you are concerned please ask. Take care x
Mild fever when 8 weeks pregnant
By Anne (not verified) on 24 Jul 2018 - 06:19
For the last 12 hours I have had a mild fever of around 38 degrees which is not coming down with parcetamol or from cool bathing.
How harmful can this be given I am 8 weeks pregnant and what would you suggest I do?
Mild fever when 8 weeks pregnant
By Midwife @Tommys on 26 Jul 2018 - 12:17
Hi Anne
If the fever lasts 48-72 hours and did not come down to below 37.5 with paracetamol in that time, then you should to your GP who may refer you either to your local early pregnancy unit, or A&E if they are really worried. I hope that by now you are feeling better, but if this is not the case, then please seek additional medical care. Please ensure that you stay well hydrated with plenty of water (2-3 litres per day)
Take good care of yourself
Sophie,Tommy's Midwife
High temp and stomach ache
By Nand (not verified) on 16 Jul 2018 - 20:03
Hi,
I am 30 weeks pregnant and have been suffering with really bad lower stomach pains, morstly aching with some sharp shooting pains, since yesterday. I am definitely finding walking hard and picking up my 19 month old near impossible. Now feelong light headed and have a temp of 37.7. Should I be concerned or just take some paracetamol and rest?
Many thanks
Nand
High temp and stomach ache
By Midwife @Tommys on 18 Jul 2018 - 12:24
Hi Nand
You need to go into your local hospital to be seen by a midwife and obstetric doctor as soon as possible please!
Abdominal pains, at any gestation, need to be investigated each time they offer to be proven normal. And you have a raised temperature, which could be a sign of an infection if it does not go down with taking 1g paracetamol. Please prioritize yourself and be seen today if you have not done so already
All the best
Sophie,Tommy's Midwife
Low fever for few days
By Sinead (not verified) on 17 May 2018 - 12:22
Just finished a 7 day course of antibiotics for UTI, have had temp past few days ranging from 37.7-38.1, hasn't gone under 37.7 even with paracetamol and feeling flush / unwell. I am leaving a urine sample in tomorrow to check UTI is fully cleared, should I be worried about a low fever lasting a while? Can it be harmful to my baby? Thank you
Low fever for few days
By Midwife @Tommys on 17 May 2018 - 14:07
Hi Sinead,
We would ideally like your temperature to be between 36 and 37, so having a temperature that is not resolving with paracetomol does need to be assessed. You don't say how may weeks pregnant you are but in any case we would recommend that you see a doctor. They may need to take some bloods to check for any underlining infection that is causing your temperature to remain high.
If you cannot see you GP then you can always contact your local maternity unit, explain to them that you have a temperature which has not being resolving with paracetomol and that you have had a recent UTI, it may be that you need intravenous antibiotics to treat the infection and this can happen at times so please don't be alarmed.
Keep drinking plenty of fluids and rest well, but call your GP or maternity unit so that you can be assessed and treated if needed. Hope this helps, Take care, Tommy's Midwives x