My Pregnancy

Normal body temperature varies among healthy individual. Some people a little warmer and some little cooler than 98.6 Fahrenheit. Core body temperature has a range even in same individual. During pregnancy normal body temperature may rise about 0.2 degrees. Its very mild or unnoticeable change. It happens because of increased blood volume and increased metabolism to meet the demands of your growing baby. Body temperature is highest in first trimester during pregnancy.

Avoid high temperature during pregnancy 

High temperature can be harmful during pregnancy so avoid things which increase body temperature or if it happens due to illness then address it immediately.  It can cause miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death, fetal abnormalities like defects of brain, heart defects or cleft lip/ palate soecially in first trimester. The activities which can increase your core body temperature should be avoided as

– Hot tub

– Sauna

– Piping hot bath

– Exercise in hot weather

– Staying outside for too long in hot days

If you have to use heating pad on localized areas ( back, leg or feet), dont use it more than 15 minutes , and make sure the pad is below 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you get fever during pregnancy..

A increase in temperature to 100.4 degrees or above is considered fever during pregnancy and a temperature of 102 or higher needs urgent attention. 

1- Consult doctor to know cause of fever and treat the cause.

2- You can take paracetamol 500 mg 6 hourly to a maximum dose of 2 gm in 24 hours.

3- Drink a lot of fluids as it may help to bring down temperature.