Fever in the third trimester: what to know

A fever late in pregnancy may accompany a urinary, respiratory, stomach, skin, or other infection. It can also occur with dehydration or heat exposure. The maternity team will ask about contractions, fluid leakage, bleeding, fetal movement, pain, breathing, urine symptoms, and the temperature pattern.

A fever is not a diagnosis and does not automatically mean labor must begin. The team may check your vital signs, urine, symptoms, and the baby’s heart rate before deciding on observation or treatment.

Call your maternity unit promptly, measure your temperature, drink fluids if you can, and rest in a cool space. Tell the team about every medicine, supplement, allergy, and medical condition. Do not self-treat with leftover antibiotics or multi-ingredient cold products. Count or notice your baby’s movements according to the routine your maternity team gave you, and report a clear reduction.

Seek urgent maternity or emergency care for reduced fetal movement, fluid leakage, vaginal bleeding, regular painful contractions, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, severe headache, persistent vomiting, or feeling suddenly much worse. Fever with back pain or painful urination needs same-day assessment because a urinary infection can worsen quickly.

Ask what temperature or symptoms should trigger another call, whether you need fetal monitoring or tests, which treatment is suitable, and whether someone should accompany you to the unit. Clarify what to do if movements, contractions, or fluid loss changes.