Fevers During Pregnancy

During the 1st trimester, a temperature higher than 103° F (39.5° C) increases risk of the following:

• A miscarriage

• Defects of the brain or spinal cord in the baby

Late in pregnancy, fever increases the risk of the following:

• Preterm labor

Doctors treat the cause of the fever, but women can also take acetaminophen to lower the temperature. Cooling blankets can be used in women with a very high fever.Doctors treat the cause of the fever, but women can also take acetaminophen to lower the temperature. Cooling blankets can be used in women with a very high fever.