Stomach Flu During Pregnancy – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Pregnancy may make you extremely cautious, and rightly so, because you are not only responsible for your health, but you are also nurturing your baby. However, there are certain infections that may still attack you, and one such infection is stomach flu. This may not happen entirely due to your negligence, but it may also occur because of your weakened immune system during pregnancy. Therefore, if stomach virus while pregnant is your concern, then you should go through the following article. We shall acquaint you with all that you need to know about stomach flu during pregnancy and what you can do to effectively manage your condition.

Causes of Stomach Flu in Pregnancy

Stomach flu or stomach infection in pregnancy is a very common phenomenon, which is also known as gastroenteritis. Stomach flu is an infection of the intestinal lining, and it is usually caused by various kinds of viruses (1). These viruses usually get transferred from food that is prepared under unhygienic conditions or is not properly cooked.

Symptoms of Stomach Bug While Pregnant

Just to be sure that you are suffering from stomach flu and not from any other stomach ailment, here we have some stomach flu symptoms, which may help you to establish your condition (2):

• You may experience a severe headache.
• You may have diarrhoea (loose and watery stools).
• You may have a fever (low-grade).
• Your muscles may feel sore and tender.
• You may experience chills.
• You may feel exhausted and fatigued.
• You may experience dehydration.
• You may experience nausea and vomiting.
• You may notice a loss of appetite or difficulty keeping food down.

How Long Does a Stomach Flu Last While Pregnant?

The pregnancy stomach flu typically resolves within a week, but in certain situations, it can develop into a more severe condition (3). It’s advisable to inform your doctor as soon as symptoms appear so they can guide you through the process and help identify the underlying cause.

Diagnosis of Stomach Virus During Pregnancy

Sometimes, it may become difficult to diagnose stomach flu. This is because the symptoms of stomach flu and morning sickness are somewhat similar. This may be more difficult to establish during the early months of pregnancy when you may be battling with morning sickness and nausea. However, if, along with the morning sickness, you notice fever, cramps, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite, then you may be suffering from stomach flu.

Apart from the similarity with morning sickness, sometimes stomach flu may be mistaken for food poisoning also. Therefore, seek medical advice and get a thorough check-up done to establish whether or not you have stomach flu.

Risks of Stomach Virus in Pregnancy

The impact of a stomach virus during pregnancy can vary depending on the trimester. Read on to understand the risks associated with stomach bugs in the first & second trimesters as well as stomach bugs during pregnancy 3rd trimester.

In First Trimester

Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea can affect the developing fetus and increase the risk of complications. Severe nausea and vomiting may exacerbate morning sickness, leading to nutritional deficiencies. High fever, if present, could potentially increase the risk of birth defects in early pregnancy.

In Second Trimester

Prolonged dehydration may reduce amniotic fluid levels, impacting fetal development. Muscle aches and fatigue can make it harder to maintain physical activity and overall well-being. Persistent diarrhoea or vomiting may lead to electrolyte imbalances, affecting both mother and baby.

In Third Trimester

Dehydration can trigger premature contractions, increasing the risk of preterm labour. Severe fatigue and weakness may make it difficult to cope with the physical demands of late pregnancy. In rare cases, a severe stomach virus could lead to complications like low birth weight or fetal distress.

How to Deal With Stomach Flu During Pregnancy

As soon as you notice any of the stomach flu symptoms, you may do the following to control your symptoms:

1. Eat Right

Your body is battling with an infection, and it needs energy, but you may not feel like eating. However, it is important that you eat a good and nutritious meal to help your body fight the infection. Eat a bland and light meal, and refrain from eating spicy and heavy food items as they may further irritate your stomach (4).

2. Drink Adequate Water

Consuming a good amount of water does wonders when your body is fighting an infection. You may find it difficult to gulp down a glass of water in one go, but you can keep sipping water at regular intervals. You may even eat ice chips if you want. Water will not only help in flushing out the infection, but it will also save you from dehydration (5). You may also include other fluids to hydrate your body.

3. Get Ample Rest

Your body is already working hard to support your baby, and any kind of infection may make your body work more. This may make you feel tired and exhausted. Therefore, it is very important that you get ample rest. An adequate amount of rest will give your body the required energy to fight the infection.

4. Take Some Probiotics

Stomach flu may kill the good bacteria which are present in your digestive tract. Therefore, in order to replenish your good bacteria, you should consume foods which have good bacteria or probiotics in them, and curd and kefir are some good options that you may choose from (6).

5. Consume Mint

Consuming mint is a great option to combat stomach flu. Mint has therapeutic properties that help in easing irritable bowel syndrome. You may add mint to your tea or make lemonade with it to control your symptoms of stomach flu.

6. Take Ginger

If you are wondering what to take for stomach flu when pregnant, the answer is ginger, as it is one of the best options to control your symptoms. Ginger is great for digestion, and it is very mild on the stomach, too (7). You may chew on a piece of ginger, make ginger tea or take ginger in any other form you like to cure stomach flu during pregnancy.

7. Take Electrolytes

You may take electrolytes to replenish the lost ionic solution from your body. Stomach flu takes a toll on your stomach and vomiting and diarrhoea may make you lose important ionic solutions from your body. In order to feel energised and regain your lost strength, you can drink a homemade electrolyte solution.

8. Avoid Food and Beverages That May Aggravate Your Condition

It is not only important to eat right, but it is equally important to know what not to eat when you are suffering from stomach flu. You will need to abstain from eating heavy, fatty and spicy foods. Also, do not consume caffeinated and aerated beverages, as they can be harsh on your stomach.

Are Medications for Stomach Flu Safe During Pregnancy?

You may be prescribed antacids, Acetaminophen or Tylenol or gas relievers by your doctor (8). However, it is not recommended to procure these over-the-counter medicines on your own as they may harm you or your unborn child during pregnancy. Though these medicines are safe to take during pregnancy, they may lead to fatal complications if you take these medicines without a prescription from your doctor.

How to Prevent Stomach Bugs in Pregnancy

Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, it is better to prevent a disease than cure it. If you are looking for ways to prevent stomach bugs, look no further, as here we have some measures that you may use to prevent stomach bugs during pregnancy:

• Eat a well-balanced diet, drink adequate water, and do moderate exercise. In short, stay healthy and keep infections at bay.
• Refrain from consuming cold and stale food that has been sitting in your fridge for a couple of hours. Always eat fresh food.
• Do not eat street food and at unhygienic places. Keep in mind the general rules of food safety.
• You may catch an infection from a person who is already suffering from stomach flu. Thus, stay away from people who have this infection.
• Keep a separate towel for bath and wiping your hands.
• Refrain from cooking when you are unwell. However, if you have to, then follow good hygiene while preparing food and wash your hands thoroughly.
• Clean your hands after petting your pets or after gardening.
• Clean your hands nicely after using the washroom in public places.
• Avoid any food that is emitting a foul smell.

Does Stomach Flu Affect the Foetus?

Stomach flu is a viral infection, and it would not harm the foetus. This is because your body’s defence mechanism is very strong in protecting your baby from such viral infections. Therefore, it is very important that you stay healthy and fit during your pregnancy because even if you catch an infection, your body will fight it and save your baby, too. However, if your body is not strong enough or you are suffering from any other ailments, then stomach flu or Gastroenteritis during pregnancy may become a cause for concern. Pregnant individuals can face complications from viral gastroenteritis, particularly due to severe dehydration or high fever. Dehydration during pregnancy may lead to alterations in both the volume and composition of amniotic fluid (9).

When to Call the Doctor

Most cases of stomach bugs during pregnancy usually subside in a couple of days. However, for the following symptoms, you should get in touch with your doctor:

• If you are feeling extremely tired and exhausted.
• If you are not feeling like eating or experiencing a loss of appetite.
• If you have a fever that is 101 degrees or more.
• If you notice that the colour of your urine has turned dark yellow from pale yellow, your mouth appears parched, and you experience other signs of dehydration.

• If you are passing stools as soon as you eat something or your stomach is not able to hold food for long.
• If you are unwell for more than 2 days.

FAQs

1. Can a stomach flu during pregnancy alter my sense of taste or smell more than usual?

Yes, the stomach flu can temporarily heighten or distort your sense of taste and smell, which may already be sensitive due to pregnancy hormones. This can make nausea or food aversions worse.

2. Could a stomach flu trigger Braxton Hicks contractions?

Yes, dehydration or electrolyte imbalances caused by the stomach flu can sometimes lead to Braxton Hicks contractions, especially in the second or third trimester. Staying hydrated is key to minimising this risk.

This was all about pregnancy and stomach bug. If you register any of the above-mentioned symptoms of stomach flu in early pregnancy or later in pregnancy, then you should get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible. Any kind of delay may make your condition worse, and more complications may arise. Get timely help and control your condition for your and your unborn baby’s well-being.

References/Resources:

1. National Library of Medicine – Viral Gastroenteritis 

2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases – Symptoms & Causes of Viral Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”)

3. UT Southwestern Medical Center – Should pregnant moms be concerned about gastroenteritis?

4. FamilyDoctor.org. – BRAT Diet: Recovering From an Upset Stomach

5. Cornell Health – Gastroenteritis: (“Stomach Flu”)

6. National Library of Medicine – Effects of Probiotics in Adults with Gastroenteritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

7. National Library of Medicine – Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials

8. Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital; Michigan Medicine – Medications Safe for Use During Pregnancy

9. National Library of Medicine – Maternal dehydration: impact on ovine amniotic fluid volume and composition

Also Read:

Itching on Stomach Pregnancy
Stomach Tightening During Pregnancy
Stomach Pain During Pregnancy
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) when Pregnant

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