Is Fever a Symptom of Pregnancy? Understanding Early Signs

Feeling feverish early in pregnancy can be confusing and concerning. While many people associate fever with illness, it’s not uncommon for some women to notice elevated body temperature during the early stages of pregnancy. But is fever truly a symptom of pregnancy, or could it signal something else? Let’s explore the facts.

What Is Considered a Fever?

A fever is typically defined as a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C). It’s a natural response to infection or inflammation and signals that your body is fighting something off. In contrast, a normal rise in body temperature during early pregnancy—usually due to hormonal changes—tends to be mild and doesn’t reach fever range.

Can Fever Be a Symptom of Pregnancy?

“Technically, no - fever is not a typical symptom of pregnancy”. However, many women experience an elevated basal body temperature after ovulation due to increased progesterone levels. This temperature stays slightly higher if conception occurs, and can be mistaken for a low-grade fever.

What May Cause Fever During Early Pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant and experiencing a true fever (above 100.4°F), it could be due to:

• Viral infections like the flu or COVID-19
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are more common in pregnancy
• Bacterial infections including strep throat or sinusitis
• Inflammatory conditions or reactions to medications

Fever from these causes may occur coincidentally in early pregnancy but is not caused by pregnancy itself.

Early Signs of Pregnancy to Watch For

Instead of fever, the most common early signs of pregnancy include:

• Missed period
• Fatigue
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Mood swings
• Mild pelvic cramping
• Heightened sense of smell
• Implantation spotting (light pink or brown discharge)

How to Tell the Difference Between Hormonal Heat and Fever

Your body may feel warmer than usual during early pregnancy due to:

• Progesterone increase after ovulation
• Higher metabolic rate
• Increased blood flow

This “warm” feeling is different from a fever. Use a thermometer to check. If your reading is consistently above 100.4°F and you have other symptoms like chills or body aches, it’s more likely a fever from an underlying cause.

Can Fever Affect Pregnancy?

Yes, particularly in the first trimester, high fever may affect fetal development. This is why it’s important to seek medical advice if:

• Your temperature is persistently high
• You’re in early pregnancy
• You’re unsure about the cause

Fevers during early pregnancy have been associated with neural tube defects in rare cases, especially when caused by infections like influenza.

When to See a Doctor

Always consult a doctor if:

• Fever is 101°F or higher
• Fever lasts more than 24 hours
• You experience chills, body aches, sore throat, or rash
• There’s abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding
• You’re unsure about your pregnancy status

Testing early can help rule out infection and confirm pregnancy, allowing you to take the right steps.

Tips to Manage Fever Safely in Pregnancy

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids
• Use cool compresses: To lower body temperature
• Avoid self-medication: Some over-the-counter drugs are unsafe during pregnancy
• Use paracetamol only if advised: It’s safer than NSAIDs like ibuprofen
• Get tested: Blood tests, urine tests, or a swab may help find the cause of fever

Safe testing and timely medical care can help prevent complications.

Can a Pregnancy Test Be Affected by Fever?

No, pregnancy tests measure hCG hormone levels, which are not influenced by fever or temperature. If you’ve missed a period, a home pregnancy test can give accurate results, even if you’re feeling feverish.

Recommended Tests If You’re Unsure

• Beta hCG test: Confirms pregnancy with greater accuracy
• CBC (Complete Blood Count): Helps detect infection or inflammation
• Urine test: To check for UTIs
• Thyroid profile: To rule out hormone-related temperature fluctuations

Where to Get Tested?

Orange Health Labs offers convenient and accurate testing across major cities. If you’re experiencing symptoms like fever, missed periods, or fatigue, it’s wise to get tested without delay.

Fever is not a classic symptom of pregnancy, but your body may feel warmer due to hormonal changes. If you do experience a true fever, don’t ignore it—especially if you think you might be pregnant. It’s important to identify the cause, rule out infections, and get the right care early.

Book a Pregnancy or Early-Stage Health Test with Orange Health

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are due to pregnancy or an underlying condition, don’t wait. Orange Health Labs offers fast, accurate, and lab-certified tests—right from the comfort of your home.

• At-home sample collection in 60 minutes
• Certified lab reports within 6–8 hours
• Test packages tailored for women’s health

Book your blood test online with Orange Health Labs today and get the clarity you need for a safe, healthy start.