Does Maternal Fever During Pregnancy Increase Autism Risk?

PostedNovember 27, 2025

UpdatedNovember 27, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Hannah Smith, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Emerging evidence suggests a potential connection between maternal fever and autism, especially when fever occurs during key stages of foetal brain development. Researchers are investigating how maternal fever and autism risk may be influenced by immune system responses triggered by infection or other causes of elevated body temperature. In particular, a high temperature in pregnancy can lead to immune activation that may interfere with neurodevelopment.

When a fever arises in pregnancy, it often signals an underlying infection or immune response. This can result in prenatal inflammation, a biological process where inflammatory molecules cross the placenta and may affect foetal brain structure and function. The link between maternal fever and autism is thought to be related to this inflammation, which may disrupt neural pathways involved in communication, social behaviour, and sensory processing.

How Maternal Fever and Autism May Influence Child Development

Here are key ways maternal fever and autism risk may impact pregnancy outcomes:

Prenatal inflammation and brain development

Prenatal inflammation caused by fever can interfere with critical stages of foetal brain growth. Studies suggest that this inflammation may influence autism-related traits, especially if it occurs in the first or second trimester.

High temperature in pregnancy and neurodevelopment

A high temperature in pregnancy, especially if prolonged or untreated, can increase the risk of inflammatory damage during early brain formation. Managing fevers early may help reduce this risk and support healthier outcomes.

Maternal care and early intervention

Monitoring for signs of fever and seeking prompt treatment is essential. The ongoing research into maternal fever and autism supports proactive prenatal care to minimise any long-term developmental effects.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations to understand how maternal fever and autism risk may impact your child’s development and explore ways to manage fever and infection during pregnancy.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Maternal Health and Infections.

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.