Stomach Bug While Pregnant - Reasons & Easy Remedies

You may notice you have become a virus magnet since becoming pregnant. Being ill and pregnant is real rotten luck but if you end up with a stomach bug your thoughts can turn to whether it will affect your baby, stick with us to find out how to cope with having a stomach bug while pregnant.

Having A Stomach Bug While Pregnant

The common reasons behind having stomach bugs while pregnant are food poisoning, viral & bacterial gastroenteritis, and pregnancy hormones. A stomach bug can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. When you have a stomach bug during pregnancy you may feel extra fragile, it’s important to keep fluids up and rest as much as you can.

If you suspect you have food poisoning, it’s important to keep your doctor in the loop. Listeria even though uncommon can affect you and your baby.

Stomach Virus During Pregnancy

Stomach bug, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is a common illness that affects the stomach and intestines. It is caused by a virus that attacks the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Stomach bug is highly contagious and can easily spread from person to person through contaminated food or water, or by touching surfaces that have the virus on them.

Having a stomach bug while pregnant is no fun. You are already contending with the typical symptoms of growing another human and now you are slammed with the loo being your current residence.

The good news is that no matter what’s happening in your gut right now your baby will know no different. Typical stomach bugs are vile for moms but make no cause for concern for your baby.

What is the cause for picking up these germs? Your body is already being hurled into overdrive so is there a way to prevent tummy viruses?

Stick with me whilst we unpick when having a stomach bug during pregnancy is cause for concern.

Causes of Stomach Bugs While You’re Pregnant

Let’s talk about stomach bugs and the not-so-fun symptoms that come with them. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Food poisoning: Your immune system is weaker than normal during pregnancy, making you more susceptible to food poisoning. That means you might experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are similar to symptoms of a stomach bug. To avoid any complications, take extra precautions when it comes to food safety during pregnancy.

2. Viral gastroenteritis: This nasty virus can infect your stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms you would associate with a stomach bug.

3. Bacterial gastroenteritis: This is a bacterial infection that can cause stomach bug symptoms. One type of bacteria that can cause this is called E. coli.

4. Pregnancy hormones: Your hormones may cause the muscles in your stomach to contract and your stomach to empty more slowly, leading to stomach bug-like symptoms.

5. Stress: Surprisingly, stress can play a significant role in causing stomach bugs. Crazy, right? When we experience stress, our body releases certain hormones that can disrupt the normal functioning of our digestive system. This can result in unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, which are commonly associated with stomach bugs.

Stomach bugs are commonly known as Gastroenteritis. It is usually viral but can be made up of bacteria in contaminated food or water.

When you are pregnant your immunity is hindered making you more vulnerable and easier for you to contract bugs and viral infections. If you are around someone who has had the bug it is likely that you can come down with the virus. Especially if you have shared household items like cups or towels.

When a bug is not caused by a virus, then bacteria can be the culprit. There are many different variants of Gastroenteritis but with the same symptoms, namely,

Listeria
Salmonella
Norovirus
Rotavirus

Now we know the causes of the dreaded stomach bug but what is going on inside? Can it hurt your baby?

What Happens If You Get a Stomach Bug While Pregnant?

It may be difficult to separate your pregnancy symptoms from the symptoms of a stomach virus during pregnancy.

The main difference would be having sickness accompanied by abdominal cramps which can sometimes leave you with diarrhea type stools.

Generally having a stomach bug in pregnancy doesn’t pose much risk to your baby as symptoms are usually short lived but this doesn’t take away from how poorly you may feel. It is important that if you notice any changes in movements from your baby that you report it immediately to your doctor. If you feel like your symptoms are worsening or you have been under the weather for longer than you anticipated your doctor may consider the following:

Listeria

Listeria is considered a serious condition for those who are pregnant. It is a food borne bacteria found in deli meats and unpasteurized products. This is the main reason why pregnant women are advised to avoid certain foods during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Listeria are similar to a typical viral bug especially as you may not display symptoms for up to a month after consumption.

If left untreated it can cause dire consequences for your unborn baby.

Salmonella

According to the American Pregnancy Association Salmonella can be spread through animals and feces. This is why it is so important for you to be careful if you have household pets. The bacterial infection can also be spread through uncooked meats and eggs. This is why it’s best to skip your eggs sunny side up whilst pregnant.

Salmonella can cause meningitis and be passed from mom to their unborn baby which is why it is of the utmost importance to get a diagnosis early on in order to start treatment immediately.

Norovirus

This is an extremely common sickness bug that can be passed easily from person to person. The virus itself shouldn’t cause harm to your baby but the symptoms can diminish pregnancy health.

Rotavirus

Baby Med explains that Rotavirus is a common form of Gastroenteritis in children. However, it can also hinder the likes of pregnant women whose immunity may be compromised. With this virus being highly contagious you should be careful if you have any children with the virus as it can spread extremely quickly throughout daycares, and schools which inevitably can affect anyone in your household.

Our bodies are built to fight off this virus as it would the common cold but every effort should be taken to ensure you stay hydrated and you can consult your doctor about managing symptoms if they begin to worsen or linger for prolonged periods.

Depending on which virus or bacteria you have in your system will depend on your treatment but all symptoms can mimic one another so it is difficult to determine what it is you are fighting.

So, how Do You Know that It’s Actually Stomach Bug?

Pregnant women have a greater chance of getting stomach bugs and other digestive infections. Here are some common symptoms:

1. Feeling sick and throwing up: This is usually the first sign of a stomach bug. It might be because of changes in hormones or eating bad food.

2. Diarrhea: This happens when you go to the bathroom a lot and your poop is watery. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

3. Stomach pain and cramps: If you have diarrhea, you might also have pain and cramps in your stomach.

4. Fever: Sometimes, a high body temperature can mean you have a stomach bug. This happens when you get a viral or bacterial infection.

5. Feeling tired: You might feel very tired if you have a stomach bug. This is a common symptom of many illnesses and can be caused by not drinking enough water or not having enough iron in your body.

Other common symptoms include:

Fever or chills
Headache
Nausea and or vomiting
Loose stools
Generalized body aches

As you can tell each of these symptoms are similar to pregnancy itself but if you are feeling more ill than pregnant be sure to consult your doctor.

How To Get Rid of Stomach Bugs While Pregnant?

The one thing you can guarantee is that suffering from a tummy bug is no fun. Besides the pain and discomfort, you may be thinking of ways to prevent being sick or praying that you won’t be stuck on the toilet for ages after a meal.

Usually, stomach bugs need to run their course, and getting rid of them isn’t as easy as it sounds but learning to cope with your symptoms can help lessen the chances of making it worse.

Look at the following natural remedies to help ease your discomfort.

Diet

If you are suffering from a tummy bug, eating may be the last thing on your mind but if your body can tolerate food then eating small meals is better. Overloading your belly whilst there’s an active bug will only result in the expulsion of foods be it from your butt or mouth.

Using the mantra bland is best. You work hard to get a variety of foods in your diet but bugs in particular can use these against you. Eating bland foods can help ease your tummy back into digestion.

My go to meal when any of us have a tummy bug is plain spaghetti or pasta shapes. If you are feeling brave then you can add a little cheese but have it known that sometimes your gut can act with a slight intolerance to lactose which is found in most dairy products. Bland pasta is high in carbohydrates making it easy to digest so if you are struggling give this one a go.

Hydration

We know how important it is to up your water intake when pregnant but when you have a tummy bug it is essential to your recovery and maintaining pregnancy health.

Becoming dehydrated in pregnancy can hinder the amount of amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby this in turn can prevent essential nutrient absorption which can affect your baby’s development.

No matter what tummy bug you are fighting you are in danger of dehydrating so ensure you try to drink sips of water often throughout the day.

Using ice chips can help as this can also help freshen your mouth after a round of sickness.

Cleanliness

This one is obvious, cleaning all fruits and veggies before consumption can help eradicate any containment that may be present in soil. Washing raw meats is not advised but make sure all food is cooked thoroughly so as not to worsen your condition.

Avoiding cleaning pets

This is probably the best, ‘I can’t because I’m pregnant’ excuse ever. We know that bacteria that create many bugs can live in the feces of our beloved pets making Listeriosis a very prominent risk. Whilst pregnant take this to be the cue to delegate the emptying of the litter trays or collection of dog poop to your partner.

Chances are if you are already suffering the last thing you will want to do is clean the mess from your animal. So be kind to yourself and get help for this chore.

Rest

If you have ever suffered from a tummy bug in the past you may have a vivid memory of the tummy cramps that coincide with the illness.

Being pregnant can intensify your body aches As your ligaments are beginning to relax your body may still be tense with cramps. Be kind, and listen to your body.

As women, we push and strive to work through. Carrying on as normal will force our bodies to stop. You’re aching for a rest so go with the motion and rest up as much as possible until you feel stronger.

Disinfectant

Tummy bugs are highly contagious so to prevent further infection within your household be sure to use a disinfectant on all surfaces.

Keeping separate towels and food containers can help to minimize the risk of further contamination to family members.

This is extremely helpful if you already have little ones at home. Playgroups and daycare alike are breeding grounds for viral bugs so if your little one is poor, maintain strict hygiene systems in place to minimize catching the bug.

When To Call A Doctor about it?

It is always best to keep your medical team in the loop if you’re ever feeling unwell. Coping alone with sickness and diarrhea can ignite the flame of anxiety and worry. Getting a second opinion will make sure you are doing all that you can to overcome your illness.

If your fever is persistent then this can affect your pregnancy so you may need prescribed medication in order to bring it down.

Dehydration is also a major factor that can hinder your growing baby. If you are struggling to keep fluids down then a doctor will need to address the severity and you may require an IV to replace lost fluids.

If your symptoms last longer than 48 hours seek advice immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a stomach bug harm my baby?

It’s unlikely! While stomach bugs are usually harmless to your baby, there is a small chance that they can lead to complications, such as dehydration or premature labor. So if you’re concerned, it’s best to consult your doctor.

Uh oh, I think I might have a stomach bug! What should I do?

A: If you think you have a stomach bug while pregnant, it’s important to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. You can also try eating bland foods like crackers and toast, and avoid spicy or fatty foods that might aggravate your symptoms.

Can a stomach bug cause miscarriage?

Generally, no. However, there is a small chance that severe dehydration caused by a stomach bug, so always be sure to take enough fluid.

How long does a stomach bug last during pregnancy?

Typically, a stomach bug will last between one and three days. However, if you’re pregnant, it’s possible that your immune system may not be as strong as usual, so it could take longer to recover. Just remember to take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you’re not feeling better after a few days.

Can I take medication for stomach bugs while pregnant?

It’s best to avoid medication while pregnant, but if you’re experiencing severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend safe medications like acetaminophen or anti-nausea medication.

Wrapping Up

Having a stomach bug while pregnant doesn’t pose a significant risk to your baby. Even though you are more likely to become ill whilst pregnant your body is built to protect your little one from minor viral illnesses.

Using at home coping strategies like eating small and bland can help restore energy without making your symptoms worse. Foods like dry crackers and biscuits are great for settling your tummy but be careful not to overdo it. Sipping water often will also help your stomach.

Typically a viral bug needs to work its way out of your body and whilst it’s unpleasant for you, being sick or having watery stools may be the only way the germs can leave your body.

Factors to consider would be the severity of your symptoms. If you have dizzy spells, feel faint, or struggle to keep fluids down ensure that your doctor is contacted. You may need further treatment to ensure it is indeed viral and nothing more serious like food poisoning.

Stomach Bug While Pregnant – Reasons & Easy Remedies