Pregnancy & Stomach Viruses

During pregnancy, especially the first trimester, your hormone levels can make you bloated and gassy and cause intestinal upset. Because of this, it's sometimes hard to tell the difference between normal intestinal discomfort and a full-blown stomach virus.

  1. Definition

    • The term "stomach virus" usually refers to gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu. This virus is not caused by an influenza virus and a flu shot will not protect you from it.

    Symptoms

    • Stomach flu usually presents as intestinal upset, diarrhea, vomiting or all three. You may experience the classic symptoms of the regular flu, including fever, fatigue and head and body aches.

    Concerns

    • Gastroenteritis is extremely uncomfortable, but mild cases are not dangerous to you or your baby. Your largest concern should be severe dehydration and malnutrition caused by diarrhea and vomiting. Dehydration can pose a severe risk to your baby or could induce premature labor.

    Home Treatments

    • The best home treatment for stomach viruses is plenty of rest and fluids. If you are vomiting or too nauseous to eat, a day or two without food will not harm your baby. Your focus should remain on staying hydrated.

    On the Mend

    • When you start to feel better, slowly reintroduce bland foods. Use the classic BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) until your symptoms have disappeared.

    Call Your Doctor

    • If you are unable to keep down liquids, feel extremely weak or dizzy, or are unable to eat anything for more than 24 hours, you should contact your doctor immediately. Also call your doctor if you feel something isn't right with you or your baby or that you aren't getting over the illness. It's better to err on the side of caution than to ignore a possibly severe case.

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