A slightly elevated body temperature during pregnancy is not normally a cause for concern. However, a high temperature can be dangerous for the baby's development, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is therefore important to get the fever down and see a doctor.

 

If the measured temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees, you should seek medical help. If you have a fever, you should drink plenty of water and herbal tea, as the high body temperature consumes more fluids than usual. A pregnant woman with a fever must therefore drink more than she normally needs. If nausea prevents you from drinking fluids, you can alternatively suck ice cubes. A cool compress on the forehead, wrists and cold calf compresses can reduce the fever. As soon as the compress has warmed up on the body, rinse it out again under cold water and reapply it. Certain fever-reducing medicines such as paracetamol can also be taken during pregnancy, but you should consult your doctor to be on the safe side.

A fever that lasts for more than 24 hours should be reported to the attending gynaecologist. If the fever is accompanied by other symptoms, a doctor should be consulted immediately. It is not advisable to take ibuprofen during pregnancy.