What should a pregnant woman do if she has a fever?

Mar 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I'm four months pregnant and suddenly developed a fever today. I'm very worried it might affect the baby, but I'm also afraid to take any medication randomly. I'd like to know what I should do now and how I can safely reduce the fever?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu

Generally, fever in pregnant women can be improved through physical cooling methods, medication, and other approaches.

Firstly, body temperature should be measured immediately. If the temperature exceeds 37.5°C, medical attention is recommended. During the wait for medical care, physical cooling methods such as warm water sponge baths or fever patches can be used to help reduce body temperature. Ice packs or cold water baths should be avoided to prevent physical discomfort.

If a pregnant woman's temperature exceeds 37.5°C, prompt medical attention is necessary. Because pregnancy is a special period, pregnant women are advised against self-medicating to avoid potential harm to the fetus. Under a doctor's guidance, medications with minimal effects on the fetus can be used for treatment. Additionally, complete blood tests should be conducted to identify the underlying cause for targeted treatment.

Pregnant women should maintain adequate hydration to prevent dehydration and ensure sufficient rest while avoiding excessive fatigue. During fever, a light diet is recommended, with increased intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, while avoiding fried and spicy foods. Fever during pregnancy may indicate an infection, and timely medical intervention helps ensure the safety of both mother and baby.