Pregnancy makes your immune system weak so you fall prey to different viruses, infections and bacteria. Every surface and every other person might transmit their disease to you, and your body will find it difficult to cope with such infections. Stomach Flu is the other name given to gastroenteritis and it is an illness that attacks your digestive tract.
It may be a different virus which can have respiratory illnesses associated with it but when it enters your body, then it will definitely attack your digestive system. Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach ache, and fever are the most common symptoms caused by this infection.
How do you transmit such viruses that lead to stomach flu and illness?
- Not washing your hands
- Drinking contaminated water
- Touching infected surfaces
- Meeting a sick person and touching
- Not using hand sanitizer
- Eating unwashed fruits and veggies
- Airborne
10 Preventive Measures to Consider Stomach Flu during Pregnancy
Here are a few important measures that need to be taken into consideration.
Drink water and a lot of fluids
Stomach bugs will obviously cause severe pain in your stomach leading to diarrhea and vomiting. You cannot afford to be dehydrated in pregnancy as body fluid level is of utmost importance. You need to drink water even if you are throwing up. Lack of fluids in your body will lead to infrequent urination so you need to keep gulping water and other fluids like hot water and lemon or some herbal tea to keep the fluid level intact.
Watch out for signs like dry mouth, dark-colored urine, fatigue, and frequent thirst which are signs of dehydration. This will block the passage of oxygen and nutrients to your baby. Avoid caffeinated drinks and junk food. This will make sure that your unborn one is healthy.
Ginger
Ginger always eases out nausea even while you are in your first trimester. Make sure you drink water with a dash of ginger boiled with it. This will relax and relieve you from indigestion and vomiting.
Electrolyte drinks
Your body loses out a lot of fluid when you have a stomach infection. In order to stay hydrated or rather rehydrating yourself becomes essential. You need to try homemade salt sugar water solution to regain the electrolytes or you can even take an oral rehydrating solution that is prescribed by your doctor.
You won’t be able to gain your strength and stamina until your body regains the lost fluids.
Take Precautions
You should take necessary precautions to stay away from diseases during pregnancy as it doubles your pain and might affect your baby’s well being. Wash your hand several times in a day and don’t eat undercooked raw meat.
Stay away from people who are suffering from flu and wash your hands after every thing that you touch. Drink clean water and healthy food. Staying clean and following this regime would also help you to get cure from the flu.
Take Proper Rest
Pregnancy needs a lot of power naps and proper sleep throughout the day. If you have had a stomach infection then make sure, you don’t stay exhausted. As soon as you get some relief from throwing up or running to the loo, tug yourself in and take a short nap.
Don’t stress yourself with work as your body gets weak with it so you need to rest better from good recovery.
Careful with what you eat
Eat smaller meals if you feel hungry and it’s not a big deal if you don’t eat for one whole day, you need to keep your fluids on and keep drinking water. Keep your diet fat free and don’t overeat due to the hunger pangs that you feel.
Your tummy needs some time to heal. Banana, rice, applesauce and toast have a considerable amount of carbs and is acceptable when you have an upset stomach. This can help to prevent pregnancy morning sickness as well.
Peppermint Tea
Tea is not acceptable when you have stomach flu but mint is considerably helpful when you have gastroenteritis. Peppermint tea can be prepared along with a slice of lemon, and it does wonder to your flu. It eases out your frequent stools and balances your uneasiness.
Probiotics
Stomach flu will kill all the good bacteria that is present in your digestive tract. You need good probiotics to regain that once again and replenish your body with the older self. Curd is the best home-based solution to ease out stomach flu. You can opt for food items that have good bacteria and probiotics in them.
Disinfect certain areas in the house
There are few places in the house that may be a cause of concern like the kitchen, bathroom, garden, and doorknobs. These are commonly touched surfaces and you need to clean it thoroughly once you have healed to avoid chances of getting the flu once again.
Change your toothbrush, hand towel, and wash your hands after touching your pet. Your weak immune system in pregnancy cannot be compromised so you need to keep it clean.
Avoid food and drink that aggravates your condition
Stomach flu makes you weak and dehydrated. Frequent vomiting will make your taste buds deeply affected so you won’t feel the taste or flavor of specific food items. Once you feel better, you want to eat spicy and tangy stuff that enhances your taste.
Pregnancy already puts you in a condition where craving becomes a part of your way. You need to control that and avoid spicy food, dairy products and outside food. This will again bounce you back in a grave situation. Let your body heal with simple and healthy food. You can consume the right and healthy pregnancy snacks at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Stomach Flu During Pregnancy
1. How to differentiate between stomach flu and pregnancy morning sickness?
Both stomach flu and morning sickness leave you with vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and exhaustion. The only way to differentiate is that stomach flu will make you feverish.
2. What are the challenges of dealing with upset tummy in pregnancy?
You cannot take all the medications while pregnant as it interrupts the growth of your baby. You need to consult your gynecologist for every medicine that you take. Dehydration is a dangerous condition while pregnant as it involves the well being of your baby.
3. What is considered to be an emergency while having stomach flu?
Vaginal bleeding, cramps and not being able to eat for more than three days is a serious emergency.
4. Is stomach flu dangerous for the foetus?
Stomach Flu won’t disturb the growth of your fetus but dehydration and appetite loss will result in a lack of nutrients on your body which automatically puts your fetus at risk.
Takeaway
Stomach Flu is a condition which can be avoided best with precautions. It goes away on its own within 10 days but if it lasts longer then you need to contact your midwife. Do not wait for your condition to get worse as pregnancy obviously puts you in a marginal position.
Similar Posts:
- None Found
Mother of Two children. I’m a former teacher with a background in child development and a passion for Good parenting. I understand child development and know how to develop activities to help children learn and grow. Spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and volunteering in my community.