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Pregnancy is a period of beautiful transformations. The moment conception occurs, a woman's body begins to adapt in incredible ways to nurture new life. Most women experience early indicators like weariness, sensitivity in the breasts, or nausea. Some even feel warmer than normal and question whether a fever might be one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy. Though feeling somewhat warmer is normal, is a true fever an early indication of pregnancy? Read ahead to know what an expert has to say.
Is Fever Really an Early Sign of Pregnancy?![1 - 2025-07-08T163850.847]( "is fever a sign of pregnancy")
According to Dr Ananya Rangaswamy, Specialist in High-risk Pregnancy & ART (OBG), Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital, Bengaluru, many women hoping to conceive pay close attention to every change in their body. It’s true that after ovulation and especially after conception, your body temperature can rise slightly. This is due to increased progesterone, a hormone that helps prepare the body for pregnancy. This small rise is called an increase in basal body temperature (BBT). It usually goes up by about 0.5 to 1°F and can stay elevated in early pregnancy.
But this is not a real fever. A fever is a higher body temperature, greater than 100.4°F. Most women who have a slight increase in temperature early in pregnancy aren't really running a fever. They are having a normal, mild rise in temperature secondary to hormonal shifts.
An actual fever, particularly one that includes chills, headache, sore throat, or fatigue, most often indicates that your body is battling an infection. This is distinct from the mild warmth experienced during early pregnancy.
Symptoms of Fever During Pregnancy![2 - 2025-07-08T163848.916]( "fever during pregnancy")
The expert further adds that this ongoing warmth or heated sensation is often mistaken for a low-grade fever, but it is not the same. True fever is usually accompanied by other symptoms of illness. Dr Rangaswamy advises, “Having a slight elevation of body temperature should never be classified as a fever if it is not accompanied by fever-like symptoms. When trying to conceive, and you feel warmer than normal or feel sick, don’t jump to conclusions. Instead, look for signs that are more consistent with early pregnancy: a missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and/or frequent urination.”
She emphasises that while a mild temperature increase is expected after conception, fever itself is not a reliable or common sign of early pregnancy. Always take a pregnancy test and consult a healthcare provider if you are unsure.
When to See a Doctor
If you are pregnant or attempting to get pregnant and get a fever (over 100.4°F), be sure to call your physician. Fever can indicate infections that will require attention, and high fever during early pregnancy has been associated with risks for the baby.
Maternal fever in early pregnancy was associated with a greater risk of specific birth defects in a study published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics. The types of birth defects most commonly associated with maternal fever are neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. The research revealed that approximately 6–8% of women have a fever in early pregnancy, and a fever (not only feeling warm) can pose risks for certain birth defects. The researchers established that it is the fever per se and not merely the perception of warmth that poses risks.
ALSO READ: Is It Safe to Eat Ice Cream While Pregnant? Experts Weigh In on Iodine and Maternal Nutrition
Conclusion
A little warmth is a normal part of early pregnancy, but an actual fever is not an early sign of pregnancy. If you suspect you're pregnant, watch for more typical signs such as a missed period, nausea, or breast tenderness. Always check with your physician if you have a fever or are not feeling well, particularly early in pregnancy.