Does a fever of 37.1°C during pregnancy require treatment?

Generally, whether a fever of 37.1°C during pregnancy requires treatment mainly depends on the presence of other complications. If the pregnant woman experiences symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, intervention may be necessary. However, if the only finding is a body temperature of 37.1°C without any other abnormal symptoms, treatment is usually not required. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. The detailed analysis is as follows:

When a pregnant woman's body temperature reaches 37.1°C and is accompanied by respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, this often suggests a possible upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, or other respiratory diseases. These complications may pose risks to both maternal and fetal health, so timely interventions and treatments are necessary to prevent disease progression.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased metabolic rate can cause a slight elevation in body temperature compared to non-pregnant states. If the pregnant woman’s temperature is only 37.1°C and there are no other abnormal symptoms, this is generally considered a normal physiological phenomenon and does not require special treatment. In such cases, the pregnant woman can maintain health by staying well-hydrated, getting adequate rest, and monitoring her temperature regularly.

When experiencing fever during pregnancy, women should avoid self-medicating with antipyretics and must take medications only under a doctor’s supervision, as certain drugs may be harmful to the fetus.