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Norovirus infection, commonly known as stomach flu, is a common gastrointestinal infection. Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and headaches are some symptoms that may happen in pregnancy as well as in norovirus infection. However, norovirus infection in pregnancy needs medical attention. Moreover, experiencing norovirus infection when pregnant can make things difficult for expecting mothers. You must consult your doctor if you experience any new or unusual symptoms that emerge suddenly. Continue reading this post as we talk about the causes, symptoms, risk factors, complications, management, and treatment of the infection in expecting mothers. We also discuss how it impacts you and your baby (1)
What Is Norovirus?
Norovirus leads to gastroenteritis, which is popularly known as also “stomach flu.” It is certainly an unpleasant disease that an expecting mother can contract, but fortunately, it’s not very dangerous either to the foetus or the mother.
About 1 in 5 pregnant women gets gastroenteritis every year. Noroviruses are RNA viruses that do not directly affect the baby. The infection caused by norovirus is usually mistaken as ‘food poisoning.’ However, with timely treatment norovirus can be treated effectively (2).
Symptoms Of Norovirus Infection:
The following are the symptoms of norovirus when pregnant:
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Low-grade fever
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Chills,
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Muscle aches.
A person usually suffers from norovirus infection for 2-3 days (3).
How Does A Pregnant Women Get Infected With Norovirus?
- Norovirus infection is contagious. If you touch anything that is touched by the infected person, then there are a good amount of chances of you encountering the virus
- Sharing the food or drink of an infected person
- Eating or drinking from the same plate or glass
How Does Norovirus Infection Affect The Mother And The Foetus?
With electrolyte imbalances and, pregnant women are at risk for the following reasons:
- The expecting mother can develop urinary tract infection
The expecting mother will usually exhibit these symptoms within 24-48 hours after she has been exposed to the virus. People usually get affected by this virus in public places like hospitals, schools, day care centres, restaurants, etc.
Apart from this, swimming pools, lakes, uncooked food, ice machines, are also a major source of infection. Pregnant women have less immunity so there are maximum chances of her getting infected with the virus.
If you are expecting and identify any of the symptoms mentioned above related to gastroenteritis, you should see your medical practitioner immediately. If the fever is not too high and there is no serious diarrhoea, there are minimal chances of any major complication concerning your pregnancy.
However, if you are not able to keep up with the fluids, have a high temperature, and identify any serious complication, it is wise to see your gynaecologist. If this is not your first pregnancy, and you have a have a sick child at home who has been identified with norovirus, maintain acute hygiene. This will help you avoid the transmission of the virus (4).
When Do You Have To See Your Doctor?
It is wise to seek medical help if you develop diarrhoea especially if it doesn’t settle within three days. Apart from this, consult your medical practitioner if you have bloody stools, vomiting, bloody stools, dehydration, and abdominal pain. Please note that noroviruses are extremely contagious and found in the faces of infected people.
How Does Norovirus Get Transmitted?
- Eating tainted food
- Drinking contaminated water
- Touching/ shaking hands with the person or contaminated objects or surface
- If you are staying with the infected person
- Noroviruses are extremely difficult to wipe. This is because they can easily withstand extreme temperature levels. Being extremely careful is the only solution to avoid getting infected with norovirus while pregnant (5).
Risk Factors:
The following are the risk factors for getting infected with norovirus in pregnancy:
- Having a week immune system
- Eating food that is not cleaned or cooked properly.
- Getting contaminated due to another person aliment
- Living or staying in resorts, hotels, cruise, hospitals, hotels, etc.
Complications:
For a number of people, norovirus infection settles within a week. The best part is, this infection is not life-threatening either to the mother or the foetus. With timely medical assistance, this virus can be treated effectively.
Warning signs Of Norovirus:
Preventive Measures:
- Ensure that you wash your hands frequently with a disinfected soap under running water. Do wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have used the bathroom or before making food.
- Disinfect and clean surfaces that are contaminated by diarrhea and vomiting. Use a good cleaner that ensures clean surfaces.
- If you are down with vomiting or diarrhea, ensure that you do not prepare, cook, or serve food to others.
- Wash vegetables and fruits, shellfish, oysters thoroughly before cooking and eating them.
- Wash clothes and linens that are spoilt by fecal or vomit immediately. Ensure that you remove it carefully so that the virus does not spread (7).
It is important to prevent and cure Norovirus especially, if you are an expecting mother.
- Do maintain distance from people who showcase symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting.
- Keep your surroundings clean.
- Wash your hands properly with a disinfectant soap.
- Do not eat uncooked or raw food.
- If you are identified with Norovirus during pregnancy, then it is wise to keep yourself hydrated and drink a lot of fluids.
- No medication will be of great use, and a few medications like anti-diarrheal may prove to be harmful to the foetus.
- Take good rest and get in touch with your medical practitioner whenever you feel that your condition is getting worst.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that affects the gastrointestinal system. It causes various issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness, which usually self-resolve in two to three days. However, norovirus infection in pregnancy can be particularly risky since it can cause electrolyte balance, raising the risk of adverse health issues, such as preterm labor. Thus, seek immediate medical guidance if you experience symptoms similar to stomach flu. Maintaining hygiene, avoiding raw or undercooked food, such as raw fish, and staying hydrated are some ways to prevent being infected by norovirus in pregnancy.
Reviewer
Dr. Deepti Gupta
(MS)