I am sure this is a stupid question, but as a first time mom you never know these things. My dd (1 year old) has alot of little health problems (nothing serious), but a history of high fevers that we are in the process of trying to figure out. Anyway, she has been running a low grade fever for two weeks straight now--somewhere in the 99's under the arm. Could this just be teething or should I be calling the dr? I just didn't know if teething would cause a fever that lasted that long, although I know every baby is different. She has 4 teeth already (a little slow at getting them!). Thanks! By the way, it always helps me feel better after posting and getting input from everyone here!

By Emily7 on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 11:59 pm:

Sometimes they can run a low grade fever. Does she have any other symptoms? White or swollen gums, a lot of drool, grumpy, chewing on everything... I would maybe call the Doctor if she didn't do this with the other teeth, but I think eye teeth are pretty tough on babies.
No question is ever stupid when it comes to parenting. I had a sick baby as well & I learned that my instincts were generally right. Especially if she is a year old, you know her well enough to know what is going on. Don't let people make you doubt yourself.

By Amecmom on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 10:01 am:

Does she usually run higher? Every body had a different body temp. 98.6 is just an average, which means some people run lower and some people run higher. It could be that she's not running a fever at all.

My son has weeks where he runs 99's, and has no other issues. But, if you are concerned, then take her to the doctor.

Better to go than not to go. I think they were ready to rend me a room at the pediatrician's office my son's first year .

Ame

By Tink on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 01:34 pm:

I would take her in if it has been going on for two weeks. None of my kids ran a fever for more than a couple of days when they were teething. I would look for other signs of it like Emily said above but would definitely go with my instincts on this one, since she already has a problem in this area. You want as much of this documented as possible. My biggest indicator was their moods. Is she grumpy, having trouble sleeping, lethargic, acting sick? If not, I didn't worry about it too much.

By Emdee on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 05:08 pm:

Thanks everyone. She has been acting fussy alot also, so I have thought it was teething but I can't tell. She won't let me reach inside her mouth. The only other thing is that she has been having alot of issues with going to bed at night--alot of screaming until we finally get her down about 2 hours later than usual. I think I will ask the nurse tomorrow just to be safe. Her body temps are in the 97's when there is no fever, so this is a few degrees more than normal. Thanks again

By Emily7 on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 05:06 pm:

Did you call the Doctor?

By Emdee on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 05:25 pm:

I had to take her back for another blood test (the post last week about an elevated sed rate) today so when I called the nurse to work that out I asked her about the temps. She said that the dr also wanted to do a CBC so if there was anthing going on like an infection it would show up. I haven't heard back yet. Thanks for asking, though.

By Emdee on Thursday, June 3, 2004 - 04:04 pm:

Well, her ped wanted to see her about the temps since this is the 4th week of them. He couldn't find anything wrong, but said that the temps aren't normal either. He said she looked like she had a few teeth coming in, but the temps didn't relate to that for that long of a time period. I am supposed to buy another thermometer and recheck for a week. If they are still like they have been, then I am to do rectal temps to see what they are. If the temps rectally are above 100, then I am to take her back in (and maybe do MORE bloodwork Anyway, it had been awhile and I just thought I would check in. Thanks for everyone's comments.

By Amecmom on Thursday, June 3, 2004 - 04:34 pm:

Oh I hope you get it figured out. It's scary when a little one is sick, and the Dr. can't tell you what's wrong.
What did the CBC show? Any sign of an infection?
The First Years makes a great thermometer. I got it at Walmart. It's designed so that if you use it as a rectal, you can't insert it too far, and gives you a reading almost instantly!
I don't know th e name of it, but the model number is 3290. Don't get the one by Safety First. It's cheaper, but does not work quickly, which is what you want when you're doing a rectal temp.
Keep us updated.
Ame