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.
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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.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology
Current as ofNovember 21, 2017
