Topic Overview
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
other chronic conditions.
- 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 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.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
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| Last Revised | March 20, 2012 |
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