Fever during labor: what to know

A raised temperature can occur with an infection, dehydration, a warm environment, or a reaction to medicines used during labor. Infection may involve the urinary tract, lungs, skin, or the membranes around the baby. The maternity team will consider your temperature alongside your pulse, blood pressure, symptoms, fetal monitoring, and the progress of labor.

Chills, feeling unusually weak, a fast heartbeat, unpleasant-smelling fluid, lower abdominal tenderness, cough, burning when passing urine, or a rash can help clinicians identify the cause. A fever does not by itself determine the cause or mean that a serious complication is present.

Tell the midwife, obstetrician, or labor nurse as soon as you feel hot, shivery, dizzy, or unwell. Do not take an extra medicine without telling the team. They may repeat the temperature, offer fluids if suitable, look for an infection, and discuss fever treatment that fits your situation. Keep monitoring equipment in place when asked, and report any change in the baby’s movements if you are still feeling them.

If you are at home and have a measured fever, contact your maternity unit urgently for instructions rather than waiting for labor to progress. Seek emergency help for confusion, fainting, trouble breathing, severe weakness, a seizure, heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or fluid that is foul-smelling. During labor, any new fever should be reported immediately to the team already caring for you.

What could be causing my temperature, what tests or monitoring do I need, and which treatments are appropriate during labor? Ask how the fever may affect the birth plan and what observation your newborn may need after delivery.