What should you know about viral fever during pregnancy third trimester?

A viral infection may cause fever, chills, tiredness, sore throat, cough, runny nose, aches, vomiting or diarrhoea. Fever itself is a sign of inflammation, not proof of a particular virus. Common Cold and COVID-19 can cause respiratory symptoms; other illnesses such as Acute Bronchitis, Chickenpox or Brucellosis need different assessment. Skin redness and pain may point to Cellulitis. In a young child, Bronchiolitis or Croup are separate conditions rather than explanations for an adult pregnancy fever.

Check your temperature with a working thermometer and note when symptoms began. Rest, drink regularly and choose light foods if your stomach is unsettled. Contact your maternity unit, obstetric team or clinician for advice about fever and medicines; do not start, stop or combine treatments without checking that they are suitable in pregnancy. Avoid overheating, keep distance from vulnerable people while infectious and follow local advice about testing when respiratory symptoms are present. Pay attention to fetal movements using the pattern your maternity team has taught you.

Seek urgent maternity or emergency help for reduced fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, regular painful contractions, severe abdominal pain, severe headache or visual changes. Get urgent medical care for difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, inability to keep fluids down, a stiff neck, a widespread blistering rash or rapidly worsening illness. Contact your clinical team promptly if the fever persists, returns or you feel significantly worse, even when symptoms seem like a cold.

Ask which temperature reading or symptom should trigger assessment, which fever and pain medicines are appropriate, whether testing is needed, how to monitor fetal movement, and where to go outside usual clinic hours. Share your gestation, medical history, medicines, temperature readings and any exposure to infection.