What Causes a Mother to Get a Fever During Labor?

Maternity negligence

Maternal fever during labor is a major medical issue that your healthcare providers should take very seriously. While elevated temperatures are relatively commonplace during childbirth, a temperature of 100.4°F or higher can indicate an underlying problem that requires prompt attention. When healthcare providers fail to address this issue, the consequences can be devastating.

If you’re expecting a child, it’s important to know what causes a mother to get a fever during labor, the associated risks, and the help you have available when fever management becomes medical malpractice.

Common Medical Causes of Fever During Labor

So, what causes fever during labor? There are several potential medical reasons for this issue, including:

  • Chorioamnionitis (Infection of the amniotic sac)
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Epidural-related fever
  • Prolonged labor
  • Other infections (e.g., Group B strep)

These issues require immediate medical evaluation and intervention to prevent complications and long-term impact on the child. When the proper care is not administered, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim.

Risks to Mother and Baby

An untreated fever during labor puts the baby at risk of several serious complications, including:

  • Sepsis
  • Neonatal infections
  • Respiratory distress
  • Brain injury
  • Death

If proper medical treatment isn’t provided, the baby is also at risk of serious long-term consequences, including developmental delays and lifelong chronic health conditions.

When Fever Management Becomes Medical Malpractice

Healthcare providers have a duty to protect the baby by monitoring maternal temperature and responding quickly to signs of infection. When they fail to adhere to those duties, it may constitute medical negligence.

Some instances where medical negligence may be at play include:

  • Poor communication among the birth team
  • Failure to administer timely antibiotics
  • Misidentifying the cause of the fever
  • Delayed fever diagnosis
  • Ignoring or minimizing symptoms
  • Ignoring prolonged labor
  • Inadequate monitoring of the baby

When the medical provider doesn’t diagnose the mother’s symptoms in a timely fashion or fails to diagnose them altogether, the consequences can be devastating, and you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. It’s essential to contact a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible so that evidence isn’t lost or destroyed, witness memories remain fresh, and your claim is not compromised.

Legal Options for Affected Families

We’ve had many mothers ask us what happens if you have a fever during labor and the medical staff fails to provide the necessary care. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there’s no doubt that an investigation into a potential medical malpractice claim is warranted.

If you suspect your healthcare providers failed to meet the established standard of care, you should:

  • Contact a lawyer.
  • Seek prompt medical care for you and your child.
  • Get copies of all medical records.
  • Document your entire experience in writing.
  • Preserve all documentation related to the incident.
  • Avoid speaking with hospitals or insurers without a lawyer.

Our team can review all medical records and consult with medical experts to reconstruct a timeline and identify any potential instances of medical negligence. If we find that you have a valid claim, we will fight to protect the rights of you and your child and seek justice on your behalf.

Contact a Member of Our Legal Team Today

If you believe improper fever management during labor harmed you or your baby, the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson can help. We offer the legal guidance, compassionate support, and tenacious advocacy you need to pursue the accountability you deserve. Contact us today to request a free consultation.

Injured patients and their families need solid legal guidance after a serious medical error. At the Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson, we listen attentively to our clients’ questions and concerns. Our goal is to help them move forward after devastating, even fatal medical errors.