Stomach Viruses - Types, Symptoms, Effect on Pregnancy, and Treatment

Introduction

Pregnant women with weak immune systems tend to catch stomach viruses easily. The stomach virus is also called stomach flu or gastroenteritis. Although stomach viruses cause uncomfortable symptoms, they are usually mild and get resolved independently. When a pregnant individual has stomach flu, it usually does not affect the mother and baby's health. However, stomach viruses can sometimes become serious and cause complications, which is when the doctor should be consulted, and stomach flu must be treated.

What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Viruses?

Symptoms of a stomach virus can resemble the same symptoms as early labor, so it is essential for a pregnant women to recognize and differentiate between pregnancy-related symptoms and symptoms of stomach viruses.

Symptoms of stomach virus include:

• Fever.

• Chills.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Abdominal pain.

• Stomach cramping.

• Diarrhea.

• Fatigue.

• Muscle headache (tension headache).,

• General soreness or pain.

What Types of Stomach Viruses Affect a Person During Pregnancy?

• The two stomach viruses which commonly occur in pregnancy are norovirus and rotavirus.

• Norovirus commonly occurs from November to April, and rotavirus commonly occurs in infants and children.

• Stomach viruses are usually contagious, but they tend to end very quickly.

• If a person shows symptoms, it means that they are contagious. The symptoms can begin within 12 hours and last for about 2 days after catching the virus.

• Stomach virus can be transmitted by:

  1. Drinking or eating contaminated food or water,

  2. Close contact with a person who is infected with the virus.

  3. Eating poorly cooked or raw food.

  4. Touching a contaminated object or surface.

  5. Unhygienic habits like not washing the hands and touching the face or mouth with those hands. Changing diapers of babies in a sick home.

  6. Using the same bathroom of a sick person.

Which Trimester of Pregnancy Is More at Risk for Stomach Viruses?

Even though the body's guard is down during pregnancy, it still safeguards against certain infections. For example, the body protects the baby from stomach viruses or other diseases that try to get inside. Stomach viruses can dehydrate pregnant women and put their immune systems in overdrive. These side effects can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The complications, however, depend on the trimesters of pregnancy.

• First Trimester - The first 12 weeks of pregnancy is very important as this is a period when the baby's brain, heart, and other organs form. Getting infected with a virus during this stage can increase babies' chances of having spinal problems.

• Second Trimester - The baby is rapidly growing and developing in the second trimester of pregnancy. In this stage, a serious stomach virus can cause development problems. If the pregnant person has difficulty eating or drinking, the symptoms can slow the baby's growth. The pregnant woman loses lots of water due to the stomach virus, and the amniotic fluid carrying the baby can drain a little bit.

• Third Trimester - Viruses like the flu and stomach virus can cause preterm or early labor during the third trimester. This means that the stomach cramps which occur due to the infection can cause labor cramps earlier than expected. This can also happen if the pregnant individual is dehydrated and the baby is not getting enough water. Dehydration also lowers the levels of amniotic fluid during the third trimester. In serious cases of stomach flu, the pregnant woman will also face difficulty producing enough milk to feed the baby after birth.

When Should the Doctor Be Contacted?

• In most cases, the stomach virus resolves in about 48 hours.

• However, if the symptoms last longer than this and a person experiences difficult symptoms, it is always better to consult with the doctor immediately.

• The healthcare provider first ensures whether the pregnant patient is dehydrated, as dehydration can be harmful to the mother and the baby.

• Medical tests like a physical examination, and blood test will be done to rule out other conditions like a bacterial infection, irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning, appendicitis, and premature labor.

• Bacterial infections causing stomach problems will last more than a stomach virus. They are also harmful to the mother and the baby.

• A doctor should be consulted if the stomach virus symptoms last more than two days. If it is caused due to underlying bacterial infections like listeriosis, the pregnant person may require antibiotic treatments.

How Are Stomach Viruses Treated?

The stomach virus usually resolves independently without any medical intervention. Certain home remedies can ease its symptoms. They include:

• Take enough rest.

• Stay well hydrated to prevent chances of dehydration.

• Eat carbohydrate-rich foods like bread, potato, rice, or pasta.

• Once the symptoms resolve, replenish the bacteria in the gut with probiotic-rich foods like yogurt.

Consult the doctor if the person needs medication to relieve stomach cramps or headaches. Acetaminophen is a safe drug that can be taken during pregnancy, but always make sure to consult a doctor before taking any medications. It is also advised to avoid over-the-counter medications like antinausea and anti-diarrheal drugs, as they are not recommended during pregnancy.

Does Hydration Play a Role in Preventing Stomach Viruses?

Hydration plays a significant role in preventing stomach viruses. When pregnant more than normal amount of water is required, so it is always important to stay hydrated. Some ways to remain hydrated include:

• Drink clear fluids like herbal tea, juices, water, and broth.

• Ginger ale or any other similar fizzy drinks should be taken.

• Suck on frozen juice bars or ice cubes.

• Drink sports drinks loaded with minerals and vitamins.

• Fruit juices like watermelon juice or orange juice.

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine during pregnancy.

• Add oral rehydration salt to the drinks.

In case of severe dehydration, hospitalization is necessary. A saline solution will be given intravenously during hospitalization to hydrate the patient quickly. Dehydration can trigger other complications and puts the person at risk of other conditions like urinary tract infections.

Some signs of dehydration in a person with stomach virus includes:

• Not urinating enough.

• Dark yellow urine.

• Dizziness.

• Fainting.

• Irritability.

• Thirst.

• Increased heart rate.

• Breathing rate.

• Feeling tired and confused.

Conclusion

Stomach viruses are common, and it affects almost every individual. However, the chances of contracting stomach virus infection are higher during pregnancy. The symptoms of stomach viruses usually last for about two days and resolve independently without affecting the mother and baby. However, if symptoms last for more than 48 hours, it is always necessary to consult a doctor. Stomach viruses can be easily managed by home remedies like staying well hydrated and taking enough rest.