Can You Run a Fever With Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness and the common flu or related viruses often have similar symptoms. The best way to determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are a sign that you are pregnant is by taking an over-the-counter pregnancy test after your first missed period. Fever is not a symptom of pregnancy, but it can be cause for alarm if you are pregnant.

  1. Morning Sickness

    • Morning sickness is nausea with or without vomiting, and while it is most common in the morning, it can actually occur anytime of day. Morning sickness is caused by the sudden increase of hormones during pregnancy. Certain smells or foods may also make you feel nauseous. Avoid perfumes and spicy foods. Ask someone to prepare your meals if cooking smells bother you.

    Pregnancy Symptoms

    • Other symptoms you might experience early in the first trimester of pregnancy include tender, swollen breasts, fatigue, slight bleeding or cramping, food cravings, headaches, constipation, mood swings, lightheadedness, dizziness and raised basal body temperature for a period of two weeks or more. The amount and degree of symptoms vary from woman to woman.

    Flu Symptoms

    • If you are experiencing a fever with nausea or vomiting, you may have the flu or other virus. The flu is often accompanied by headaches, muscle aches, chills, extreme fatigue, dry cough, runny nose and stomach symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Pregnant women are advised to receive flu shots, which can benefit both mother and child.

    Pregnant with a Fever

    • A low fever early in the first trimester of pregnancy should not hurt the baby, but a high fever over 103 degrees during the first 13 weeks can be very dangerous. According to Obstetrician Russel Turk, a high fever early in pregnancy makes the baby more at risk for neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Additionally, a prolonged high fever in the first trimester can lead to miscarriages, according to Dr. Mary Lake Polan, chair emeritus of the department of gynecology and obstetrics at Stanford University School of Medicine.

    Precautions

    • If you are experiencing a low-grade fever, try an over-the-counter fever reducer such as acetaminophen, which will not harm your baby. If your fever is over 102 degrees, or if it persists for several days, call your doctor. A fever after the first trimester should not hurt your baby unless it is caused by an intrauterine infection. If you are worried about the cause or severity of your fever, don't hesitate to call your doctor.

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