What should a pregnant adolescent do if she has a fever?

• A. Seek help immediately
• B. Take a home fever reducer and rest
• C. Ignore it and monitor symptoms
• D. Self-diagnose online

Answer: (A)

Fever during pregnancy signals the need for prompt medical evaluation. When a pregnant adolescent has a fever, the best action is to seek help immediately because an infection can affect both her and the developing baby. Early assessment allows a clinician to determine the cause, start appropriate treatment, and prevent complications such as dehydration, preterm labor, or fetal distress. If the fever is 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, lasts more than 24 hours, or is accompanied by worrisome symptoms (severe headache, stiff neck, significant abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or reduced fetal movement), she should go to urgent care or the emergency department. In the meantime, avoid self-diagnosis or using medications not advised by a healthcare provider; some fever reducers may be safe with guidance, but they should be used only under medical advice. Staying hydrated and resting are helpful, but medical evaluation is essential to ensure both mother and baby remain safe.