Fevers During Pregnancy

Creator: Lara A. Friel
Published: 2021-10-18

Lara A. Friel

, MD, PhD, University of Texas Health Medical School at Houston, McGovern Medical School

Last review/revision Oct 2021 | Modified Sep 2022

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A temperature of > 39.5° C (> 103° F) during the 1st trimester increases risk of

Spontaneous abortion Spontaneous Abortion Spontaneous abortion is pregnancy loss before 20 weeks gestation. Threatened abortion is vaginal bleeding without cervical dilation before 20 weeks in a confirmed viable intrauterine pregnancy... read more
Fetal brain or spinal cord defects Overview of Congenital Neurologic Anomalies Congenital brain anomalies usually cause severe neurologic deficits; some may be fatal. Some of the most serious neurologic anomalies (eg, anencephaly, encephalocele, spina bifida) develop in... read more

Fever late in pregnancy increases risk of

Preterm labor Preterm Labor Labor (contractions resulting in cervical change) that begins before 37 weeks gestation is considered preterm. Risk factors include prelabor rupture of membranes, uterine abnormalities, infection... read more

Treatment of fever is directed at the cause, but antipyretics are indicated to decrease maternal temperature. In women with severe hyperthermia, cooling blankets may be used.

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Fevers During Pregnancy

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