[Submitted Question]

Please help me! I am nine weeks pregnant and miserable with the flu. I would rather not take any medication but my fever is going up. What is better for the baby: a fever but no meds or meds with no fever?

Linda B., Maryland

[WombToBloom]

Tylenol and no fever! Call your doctor for specific direction for your situation. High fever (over 103) in early pregnancy is known to cause neural tube defects like spina bifida. Low fevers shouldn’t cause any problems but do put a little added stress on your body. Later on, when the baby is more fully formed, fevers won’t cause serious problems for the baby (unless it is caused by a uterine infection). It’s always a good idea to speak to the doctor or her nurse in these situations.

[Catmuse33]

Tylenol is considered safe during pregnancy, so you don't have to choose! Benadryl is also safe... it won't lower your fever, but it will hopefully knock you out to get some rest and alleviate some of the other associated symptoms.

Feel better soon. Being sick during pregnancy sucks! (I had a cold two days after I found out I was pregnant--double whammy!)