Is gastroenteritis harmful in pregnancy?

What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is a common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It's usually caused by a bacterial or viral tummy bug. It's frequently caused by two viruses called rotavirus and norovirus, but can also be spread by bacteria too.

The main symptoms of gastroenteritis include sudden, watery diarrhoea, feeling sick, vomiting and a high temperature. Other symptoms include stomach aches, aching limbs, headaches and a loss of appetite. Normally, gastroenteritis will clear up on its own in a few days and the main treatment is to stay well hydrated and rest.

Gastroenteritis is quite common during pregnancy. A study conducted in Sweden suggests that as many as one in three women will experience the illness during their pregnancy¹. In some cases, severe dehydration or a long-lasting fever can bring about premature labour.

However, staying hydrated should prevent problems - so it’s important to drink plenty of water.

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What to do if you have gastroenteritis in pregnancy?

There’s no specific treatment for gastroenteritis. Unfortunately, you have to let the illness run its course. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, it’s important to stay at home and rest as much as possible.

Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid becoming dehydrated. It might help to sip water slowly if you feel sick.

Eat small, light meals if you are hungry and it doesn't make you feel sick. If you don’t eat for 24 hours, make sure you still drink water. Plain foods like toast, biscuits or crackers may help if you don’t feel like eating.

Gastroenteritis can be very easily spread to other people. You should stay at home until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days.

Do not take any medication to stop diarrhoea in pregnancy, such as Imodium, without speaking to your GP, midwife or pharmacist first. These medications are not usually recommended in pregnancy.

You can take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains, but make sure you stick to the recommended dose on the packet. Adults can take two, 500mg tablets, four times in 24 hours. You must wait at least 4 hours between doses. Do not take more than eight tablets in 24 hours. Do not take ibuprofen as not only can it cause heartburn symptoms, it can also cause problems with the baby's development especially if taken in the third trimester.

When should you speak to your doctor about gastroenteritis in pregnancy?

You should see your doctor if you are unable to keep any fluids down, or if the diarrhoea or vomiting doesn’t go away within 48 hours.

Speak to your GP, midwife or maternity unit as soon as possible if you have a fever, stomach pain, very dark wee, bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from your bottom. You may have dehydration or a gastrointestinal problem and need treatment.

How to avoid catching gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis is spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or face, sharing cups or utensils with an infected person, and eating contaminated food. You may also catch it via sneezes and coughs.

Pregnant women may contract gastroenteritis from their older children, who often pick up viruses. To reduce your risk of infection, wash your hands often and wash your children’s hands regularly.

It’s also important to regularly clean surfaces, such as toilet handles, door handles, taps and toilet seats. Finally, you should avoid going in swimming pools for two weeks after your symptoms have stopped.

Further reading

1. Ludvigsson: Effect of gastroenteritis during pregnancy on neonatal outcome.