It is common for a woman’s body temperature to change during pregnancy. During pregnancy the woman's body generates additional heat due to:
Simultaneously the woman has increased peripheral circulation which leads to dissipation of heat from the body. Therefore it is not unusual that the combination of these factors lead to pregnant women feeling HOT yet having a measured body temperature within the normal range. However while a slight increase in body temperature is not a concern, any time a pregnant woman’s temperature is 100.4 F or greater the healthcare provider needs to be contacted and the cause of the elevation identified and treated. Continue Learning about Pregnancy, Fertility and ChildbirthImportant: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Feeling warm or flushed can be a symptom of pregnancy. Changes in the body during pregnancy can cause similar symptoms to those that accompany a fever. During pregnancy, a woman may also be more susceptible to infections, such as colds and the flu. Pregnancy weakens the immune system to help ensure that the body does not reject the developing fetus. Changes in the respiratory system can also make pregnant women more vulnerable to colds and the flu, and a fever is a common symptom of these conditions. A person has a fever when their body temperature rises to 100.4°F (38 °C) or higher. Symptoms that commonly occur with a fever include:
A fever usually indicates that the body is trying to fight off infection. As a result, anyone experiencing a fever or other symptoms of illness during pregnancy should contact a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor can help rule out underlying conditions and may be able to prevent complications that could affect the developing baby. The body goes through many changes during pregnancy. As soon as a person conceives, the body begins to prepare for the months ahead. Pregnancy symptoms can vary — some women may experience certain symptoms and not others, or even no symptoms at all. Some early signs of pregnancy are:
Several early symptoms of pregnancy can accompany hot flushes, and they may occur with a fever, in some cases. When a woman becomes pregnant, the body’s volume of blood increases. Having more blood can make a person feel warmer and even sweat more. By around 6 weeks of pregnancy, the volume of blood in the body has increased. The extra blood helps the placenta develop, and this is essential in ensuring a separate supply of blood to the fetus and providing it with nourishment. By week 16 of pregnancy, the flow of blood plasma to the kidneys rises by 75 percent and continues to increase until the pregnancy reaches full term. This extra blood flow means that metabolism speeds up, creating more body heat. For this reason, a woman is likely to feel warmer during pregnancy. The body goes through a considerable number of other changes during pregnancy. Hormone levels fluctuate, the womb expands to make room for the growing baby, and a whole new organ, the placenta, grows to support the fetus. Pregnancy symptoms occur because of these changes, though not all people experience the same symptoms. Some women hardly notice any symptoms. The only way to be certain of pregnancy is to take a test. Most pregnancy tests claim to be up to 99 percent accurate, though accuracy depends on many factors, such as timing and following the instructions correctly. After a woman becomes pregnant, the level of the hormone hCG starts to rise. If a person takes a test too early, the levels may not yet be detectable. To increase the accuracy of a pregnancy test, wait until after a missed period and take the test in the morning, when the urine is less diluted. Many shops, pharmacies, and doctors’ offices offer pregnancy tests. A doctor can also confirm pregnancy with an ultrasound scan. Pregnancy tests are also available to purchase online. Feeling warm or having occasional hot flushes can be an early sign of pregnancy. Anyone who suspects that they are pregnant should take a test or see a doctor. Feeling feverish can be a regular result of changes during pregnancy. However, a pregnant woman with a temperature of 100°F or higher should contact a doctor, who can check for underlying causes and monitor the health of the fetus. This is especially important if the fever accompanies other symptoms of illness. Developing a fever during pregnancy can harm the fetus. With a medical evaluation, a healthcare professional can determine the extent of the risk. |