Chills while pregnant: what to know

Pregnancy does not make every episode of shivering dangerous, but fever and infection should be taken seriously because symptoms can change quickly. Influenza may cause chills, aches and cough. A urinary tract infection or kidney infection can cause chills with burning urination, urgency, side pain, back pain or nausea. Pneumonia may add cough, chest pain or shortness of breath.

Dengue fever and malaria are important considerations after travel or mosquito exposure; tell your clinician where and when you travelled. Sepsis is an emergency response to infection and may involve confusion, rapid breathing, faintness or a dramatic decline. Chills alone cannot identify any of these conditions.

Check your temperature, rest, drink fluids and keep a record of chills, pain, urination, cough, vomiting and fetal concerns. Wear comfortable layers and avoid overheating. Before taking fever or cold medicine, confirm the product and dose with your maternity team, doctor or pharmacist because some medicines are unsuitable during pregnancy. Do not delay contacting the team if you feel significantly unwell.

Contact your maternity or medical team promptly for fever, repeated chills, painful urination, back or side pain, persistent vomiting, a new rash, reduced ability to drink, or a cough with breathing difficulty. Seek emergency care for confusion, fainting, severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, severe weakness or rapid worsening. Contact maternity services urgently for vaginal bleeding, fluid loss, regular painful contractions or reduced fetal movement when movement is normally expected.

Ask whether you need an examination, urine test or other assessment; which fever medicines are suitable; and which symptoms require immediate maternity review. Mention gestational stage, temperature, travel, mosquito exposure, medical conditions and every medicine or supplement you use.