[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.medmalpractice.law\/blog\/what-causes-a-mother-to-get-a-fever-during-labor\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.medmalpractice.law\/blog\/what-causes-a-mother-to-get-a-fever-during-labor\/","headline":"What Causes a Mother to Get a Fever During Labor?","name":"What Causes a Mother to Get a Fever During Labor?","description":"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\u00b0F 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\u2019re expecting a child,...","datePublished":"2025-08-18","dateModified":"2025-08-18","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.medmalpractice.law\/blog\/author\/medmalpractice\/#Person","name":"Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson","url":"https:\/\/www.medmalpractice.law\/blog\/author\/medmalpractice\/","identifier":10,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/bc93acd826155387e17c1b11bab540735f6dbf8c8a2b85a2f8f2eeda668152a8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/bc93acd826155387e17c1b11bab540735f6dbf8c8a2b85a2f8f2eeda668152a8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Law Office of Kelley J. Johnson","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.medmalpractice.law\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Medmalpractice-Logo-1.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.medmalpractice.law\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Medmalpractice-Logo-1.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.medmalpractice.law\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/pregnancy-related-death.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.medmalpractice.law\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/pregnancy-related-death.jpg","height":318,"width":500},"url":"https:\/\/www.medmalpractice.law\/blog\/what-causes-a-mother-to-get-a-fever-during-labor\/","about":["Birth Injury"],"wordCount":584,"articleBody":"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\u00b0F 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\u2019re expecting a child, it\u2019s 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 LaborSo, 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 feverProlonged laborOther 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 BabyAn untreated fever during labor puts the baby at risk of several serious complications, including:SepsisNeonatal infectionsRespiratory distressBrain injuryDeathIf proper medical treatment isn\u2019t 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 MalpracticeHealthcare 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 teamFailure to administer timely antibioticsMisidentifying the cause of the feverDelayed fever diagnosisIgnoring or minimizing symptomsIgnoring prolonged laborInadequate monitoring of the babyWhen the medical provider doesn\u2019t diagnose the mother\u2019s 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\u2019s essential to contact a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible so that evidence isn\u2019t lost or destroyed, witness memories remain fresh, and your claim is not compromised.Legal Options for Affected FamiliesWe\u2019ve 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\u2019s 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 TodayIf 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."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.medmalpractice.law\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Causes a Mother to Get a Fever During Labor?","item":"https:\/\/www.medmalpractice.law\/blog\/what-causes-a-mother-to-get-a-fever-during-labor\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]