What is it?

[MrsFabuloso]

Hi all,

I have just given birth to my beautiful little man 6days ago. I had a low grade fever when I left hospital, only something like 37.2 or something, and it has been low like that since then until tonight. It is now 39.6 and I have shivers and generally just feel blah. Though I could put that down to lack of sleep and being a new mum again! I am breastfeeding too. The midwife told me to watch my temp and how I feel, though for what I didn't actually ask.
So what could it be and what should I do? I have taken panadol and am having plenty of water. Is this something to worry about or should I just try to rest (hahahaha!!!!!) and keep up the panadol?

[MantaRay]

Kellie, it sounds like I was when I had mastitis. Do you have any redness on your breast or soreness or lumps? I would see a GP as soon as you can as you will probably need some abs. I hope you feel better soon hun.

[SamiH]

Just a few suggestions that I can think of :-

Milk coming in/engorgement/mastitis = fever
Any placenta issues with the birth of your beautiful boy?
There are some really bad throat/flu/infections going around involving a temp
I am not sure if you had natural birth - but if you have stitches anywhere, no sign of infection or increased soreness?

Hope it is nothing and you are just a bit run down. But that high temp would indicate infection of some kind IMO.

[Laranna]

You could also give HealthDirect a ring and talk to a nurse who should be able to give you some idea.

[mrsmac]

There are a lot of bugs around atm where people have fever, you may have picked something up in hospital.

[Alan]

Hi Kel
I think it would be a good idea to get checked out ASAP. It sounds like you may have a bit of the placenta still inside you. However as others have said there are many causes of a high temp.