Fever of 38.5C

[TigerJoy]

I've been feeling non-specifically rough for a couple of days, have spent the day today asleep. Just took my temperature and it's 38.5C. I had this a few weeks ago but with all symptoms of a UTI so called maternity unit who sent me to A&E. Had 4 hours there, it was grim, given antibiotics and felt better a week later.

Now I don't have any obvious symptoms - certainly no cold or flu. When I googled it Tommy's website says call maternity unit with a fever.

I'm quite anxious about this pregnancy and anxious in general, but this is fighting my British "don't make a fuss".

I could wait til tomorrow and see how I feel?

I would call 111 to double check (better than sitting in A&E for hours). See if you should be worried, but it might be the start of flu or UTI again.

I called with a fever and was told it's important to get it down asap and they recommended paracetamol. I would definitely give them a call, they will likely recommend that.

Thanks, I've taken paracetamol (i take it regularly for chronic pain).

I'm just waiting to see if it brings my temperature down at all.

I had covid pretty badly first trimester, with a temp of over 39. I didn't see or speak to anyone just had paracetamol, fluids and sleep. I'm 32 weeks now and baby is fine, try not to worry yourself.

Thank you! I think I am just worrying

Temp has dropped to 37.3 after paracetamol, definitely nothing to worry about at that level, although I still feel like hell. I'll definitely leave it til tomorrow.

I don't want to call 111 just for a flowchart to say go to A&E and sit on those plastic chairs for 4 hours! I'm definitely not ill enough for that. It's just so hard to know what's best for baby.

I'd be ringing triage for some advice, better to be safe x

It's normal to worry, this is motherhood!

That's good your temp has come down. It would be more of a concern if you were taking the paracetamol and it wasn't coming down, then I'd say go see someone but a fever is absolutely OK to manage at home. You can try a 37 degree bath as well, make sure you don't let the water get cold but if you're feeling rough and achey the bath will help you relax and also help the temp.

Hopefully you can get a good night's sleep tonight and feel a lot better tomorrow.