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 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.