Fever
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 sickle cell disease.
- A fever develops with other symptoms, such as symptoms of a kidney infection.
- 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 increased redness at the incision site for a cesarean section.
- 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.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: August 6, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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