Fever during pregnancy can feel especially unsettling, as you need to consider both yourself and your baby. In most cases, fever is caused by a common infection, but as a pregnant woman, it's important to pay more attention to temperature, duration, and accompanying symptoms. Here, you'll find practical advice on how to measure, what you can do at home, and when to contact a doctor or maternity ward.

As a rule of thumb, it's advisable to contact a doctor or out-of-hours doctor if you have a fever that doesn't subside, if you quickly feel worse, or if you also have symptoms that may indicate an infection requiring assessment.

Contact healthcare professionals if you are pregnant and fever occurs with, for example:

• difficulty breathing, chest pain, or significantly reduced general condition
• severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration
• burning sensation during urination, flank pain (pain in the side/back), or blood in the urine
• rash, stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, or marked sluggishness
• reduced fetal activity, bleeding, or fluid leakage from the vagina

When in doubt, it is always okay to call for advice, even for a worried partner.

Fever can occur in all trimesters, but the management is often the same: gently reduce the temperature, drink enough, and monitor the development.

• 1st trimester: Many are extra worried. Note temperature and duration, and contact a doctor if you have a high fever or feel significantly affected.
• 2nd trimester: Monitor for symptoms of urinary tract and respiratory tract infections, which may require treatment.
• 3rd trimester: Pay extra attention to breathing, general condition, and fetal movements. If concerned, it is relevant to contact the maternity ward or your GP depending on the situation.

When you are pregnant, you should always choose the most well-documented solution and follow recommendations from your doctor, midwife, or pharmacy.

Paracetamol is often used for fever and pain during pregnancy, but the dose and need should be assessed based on your situation. Ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, have liver disease, are taking other medications, or if the fever does not improve.

Avoid "guessing" with painkillers. Some types of fever-reducing medication are discouraged during parts of pregnancy, so it's a good idea to get specific guidance rather than trying things out on your own.

Fever is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The most common causes are respiratory tract infections (common cold, flu-like virus) and urinary tract infections. Some also experience fever with other infections that require specific treatment.

• Respiratory tract: cough, sore throat, blocked nose, body aches.
• Urinary tract: burning sensation, frequent urination, foul-smelling urine, pressure downwards.
• Gastrointestinal infection: diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain.

You don't need to find the cause yourself, but it helps to be able to describe symptoms, temperature, and duration when you call.

The goal is to support the body and detect in time if you need an assessment.

• Measure your temperature regularly and note when it peaks.
• Drink small amounts often, especially if you are sweating or eating less than usual.
• Prioritize rest and slow down. Let your partner or family handle practical tasks.
• Eat light meals if you have an appetite, and focus on staying hydrated.
• Contact healthcare advice if you feel unwell, develop new symptoms, or if the fever persists.

In conclusion: When you're pregnant and have a fever, much of it is also about comfort and calm. If you need extra support for your belly and lower back, an adjustable support belt can be comforting on days when your body feels heavy and sore. See Adjustable Maternity Support Belt and a specific product Adjustable Support Belt. For rest, soft nightwear can also make a difference if you're alternating between chills and warmth. Find Nightwear here.