Early pregnancy chills: what they may mean and what to do

Chills are episodes of shivering or feeling unusually cold, sometimes before a fever is noticed. Pregnancy-related hormonal shifts, a cool environment, tiredness, or low food and fluid intake may contribute. An infection can also cause chills; possible sources include a urinary infection, influenza, pneumonia, malaria, or dengue fever. Chills alone cannot identify the cause, and they do not show whether a pregnancy is progressing normally.

Rest in a comfortable room, dress in light layers, and drink fluids regularly if you can keep them down. Check your temperature with a thermometer and note when the chills began, whether they come in waves, and any cough, sore throat, pain when passing urine, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, or recent travel. Do not start antibiotics or take a fever medicine without checking that it is suitable in pregnancy. Contact your maternity team or clinician if the episodes recur or you develop a measured fever.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, confusion, fainting, severe weakness, blue or clammy skin, or rapidly worsening illness. Prompt assessment is also needed for chills with a high temperature, severe abdominal or back pain, persistent vomiting, painful urination, or vaginal bleeding. In the UAE, emergency services can help if you feel seriously unwell or cannot safely travel.

Ask whether you need urine or blood tests, which temperature readings matter, and which medicines are safe for you. Mention your pregnancy stage, medical conditions, recent travel, sick contacts, and every medicine or supplement you use.