Are you pregnant with a fever? If so, you’re naturally going to worry if your baby is okay.

It’s never normal to run a fever when you’re pregnant. If you do experience these symptoms, you may have an illness that’s completely unrelated to your pregnancy.

Learn why you may be experiencing these symptoms and what you can do about them.

How will a fever affect my baby?

If an expectant mother’s body temperature goes from 98.6 degrees to a fever, it’s a sign that she is fighting an infection. That’s why it’s essential to seek treatment right away. This may help prevent short- and long-term complications for your developing baby.

A study done on animal embryos shows a link between fever early in pregnancy and an increased risk of heart and jaw defects at birth. Further research is needed to establish whether fever itself — not the infection causing it — increases the risk of birth defects in humans.

Causes of Fever during Pregnancy

Urinary tract infections (UTIs):

UTI occurs when bacteria gets into this system and multiplies. Most UTIs are bladder infections and aren’t serious if they’re treated right away with antibiotics and lots of liquids. If left untreated, a bladder infection may travel to the kidneys and cause a variety of complications, including preterm labor, a low birth weight baby, and sepsis.

Gastrointestinal viruses (Stomach flu):

It’s actually gastroenteritis, and it’s frequently caused by two viruses: rotavirus and norovirus.

Unfortunately, gastroenteritis is quite common during pregnancy. The diarrhea and vomiting brought on by a GI bug can have serious consequences for pregnant women if left untreated, because dehydration can cause contractions and even preterm labor.

Call your doctor immediately if you’ve not been able to keep liquids down for 24 hours, you’ve been vomiting blood, you have signs of dehydration (little or no urine, dry mouth, excessive thirst, dizziness).

Influenza (Flu):

Pregnant women have a higher risk of getting the flu and becoming severely ill from it, as their immune systems are suppressed. How to tell if it’s the flu or just a cold? The flu comes on quickly and your symptoms are more severe with a cold. If you suspect that you may have the flu, see your doctor right away. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all pregnant women get the flu shot.

There are several other more serious causes of fever in pregnancy. If you are feeling feverish, please stay away from over the counter drugs and visit the hospital for proper assessment.