Pregnancy causes certain changes in a woman’s body. One such change is in the defense mechanism of our body to protect the new life inside her. The immunity decreases, which makes a woman susceptible to a lot of infections around her. One such issue that can affect a woman is norovirus infection during pregnancy.
Norovirus. It can lead to severe diarrhea as well as nausea, which can be really troublesome if a woman has morning sickness too. Norovirus infections during pregnancy can be avoided by taking certain precautions that you can read along in the below article.
In This Article
- What Is Norovirus?
- What Are The Signs Of Norovirus Infections?
- Is It Dangerous To Catch Norovirus Infection During Pregnancy?
- How Does Norovirus Spread?
- How Can Be Norovirus Prevented In Pregnancy?
- Am I Prone To Norovirus Infection If I Have Already Caught It Before?
- What Should I Do If I Catch Norovirus Infection During Pregnancy?
- When Should I Consult My Doctor When I Have Norovirus Infection?
- FAQ’s
What Is Norovirus?
A group of viruses causing gastroenteritis (infection of the gut or intestine) is called norovirus. There is no age barrier for the norovirus infections to appear. Both children and adults are equally prone to getting this infection. Norovirus is often called stomach flu or stomach bug (1).
What Are The Signs Of Norovirus Infections?
If you develop the following symptoms within a day or maximum within two days (symptoms show up within 48 hours after you get infected), you can suspect norovirus infection. The first three symptoms mentioned below are distinctive signs of norovirus infection.
- Watery diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Aching limbs
- Stomach pain or abdominal cramping
- Body aches
- Muscle pain
- Slight fever
- Headache
- Loss of taste
Vomiting is a common symptom, and the vomitus acts as a source of the spread of infection due to the shedding of viruses in it (2).
Is It Dangerous To Catch Norovirus Infection During Pregnancy?
Although it is an irksome sickness to catch during pregnancy, under normal conditions, norovirus infections are not dangerous for both mother and child. But you have to make sure to eliminate dehydration through proper intake of the fluids. The complications that may arise due to a norovirus infection are directly proportional to the intensity of the dehydration (3). Severe dehydration is found to increase the chances of preterm labor. Acute vomiting and loose motions bring about electrolyte imbalance and dehydration that may lead to urinary tract infection.
How Does Norovirus Spread?
Norovirus spreads through close contact with an infected person. Norovirus present in the intestine of an infectious person passes through the vomit and excrement. If the infected person’s hands are not properly washed, the chances of the virus transmission increase. Sharing food or drinks with an infected person also initiates the spreading of virus.
As the virus can survive outside the body for several days, it increases the chances of spreading. A norovirus-infected person is considered contagious from the moment the symptoms show up until 48 hours, when the symptoms vanish. The incubation period is about 1-2 days, according to various studies (4).
How Can Be Norovirus Prevented In Pregnancy?
There is no guarantee that you could keep the virus from entering your body if there is an infected person nearby or if there has been an outbreak of this virus in your area already. In any case, you can try your best to prevent this virus from entering your system by:
- Once you come to know that there is an outbreak of this virus in your neighborhood stay away from public places like the park, hospitals, air conditioned halls etc.
- This virus will get into your body even when you touch something that an infected person has touched before. It is safe to wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Handwashing for at least 20 seconds is quite effective in reducing contamination (5).
- Don’t eat raw or undercooked food because they can carry the norovirus
- Don’t share food or drinks with others even if they don’t show any symptoms
- During pregnancy, it is better not to share the personal things like towels, flannels, and cloths with others no matter how close they are
Am I Prone To Norovirus Infection If I Have Already Caught It Before?
The fact that you already have a norovirus infection and have been cured doesn’t reduce the chances of catching it again. This is because the virus keeps on mutating, and your body is incapable of building resistance to it for a long period.
What Should I Do If I Catch Norovirus Infection During Pregnancy?
It is very unfortunate for you to catch this infection during your pregnancy period. Having this infection will add more stress and strain to you. Any way you have no need to worry about your child because no matter how awful and distressed you feel, this infection won’t affect your baby directly. The norovirus infections are self-limiting and are found to pass away on its own within three days. No medication is usually needed. Due to the fact that you are pregnant, the following steps will help you to deal with your situation:
1. Prevent dehydration
Drink plenty of water, fresh juice diluted with water, light ginger tea, soups and whatever you prefer to stay hydrated. Sometimes, due to the nausea you may not feel like drinking. In that case, take tiny sips frequently or try sucking on ice chips
2. Take Rehydration solutions
Intake of oral rehydration solution and isotonic drinks will help to regain the salt and minerals and replace fluids and electrolyte that are lost from your body. It is an important treatment option (6).
3. You should avoid taking
-
- Anti-diarrhoea medication which is not good to use during pregnancy
- Sugary drinks which make diarrhoea worst
- Food items that are enriched with masalas and oils
- Milk and milk products
4. Eat Simple food
Don’t hesitate to take food thinking that you may vomit. During pregnancy, it is essential to eat a balanced diet. But try to take simple food devoid of oil and masalas. You can have dry roti and boiled vegetables, cereals without milk etc. which can offer you energy
5. Take Rest
You will feel weaker than a normal person suffering from norovirus infection because your body, even at this condition, tries to nourish your baby, draining out all your energy. So, it is very important for you to take as much as rest as possible to save your energy
When Should I Consult My Doctor When I Have Norovirus Infection?
In a majority of cases, norovirus infection doesn’t need any medical attention. But if you experience the following symptoms we prefer that you give your doctor a call because you may be suffering from severe dehydration and we don’t want to you to take any chance during pregnancy.
- If you have high fever
- Decrease in urination
(1st and 2nd symptoms indicate the urinary infection due to dehydration.) - Lightheadedness
- Dry mouth
- Extreme fatigue and tiredness
So,if you catch the notorious norovirus during pregnancy then there is no need to panic as most likely your baby will be unharmed. Following proper hand hygiene during pregnancy is a really important step to keep all harmful viruses at bay. Hydration plays a key role, so make sure that you are consuming enough fluids. In case of any worries, do not hesitate to call your doctor.
FAQ’s
1. What Happens If You Get Norovirus While Pregnant?
If you catch Norovirus infection during pregnancy then there is no need to worry, as it will not harm your growing baby inside you. Just make sure that you don’t develop dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting.
2. What Is Norovirus Incubation Period?
In most of the cases, the incubation period is around 12-48 hours. This is the time between catching the virus and the development of the symptoms. Patients recover in around 1-3 days.
3. How Long Are You Contagious With Norovirus?
Mostly, you will start feeling better in 2-3 days after getting this stomach flu. Just keep in note that you can still be contagious to others, as the virus can be shed in the stool for up to 2 weeks.
4. How Do You Stop Norovirus Symptoms?
There is no treatment for norovirus. Antibiotics won’t help either. The only way to make your symptoms better is by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. Avoid oily and spicy food and take ample rest.
References –
- About Norovirus – https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html
- Vomiting as a Symptom and Transmission Risk in Norovirus Illness: Evidence from Human Challenge Studies – https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0143759
- Symptoms & Causes of Viral Gastroenteritis – https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis/symptoms-causes
- Incubation periods of viral gastroenteritis: a systematic review – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3849296/
- Norovirus – https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/infections-diseases/norovirus
- Gastroenteritis Due to Norovirus – https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-56978-5_35
