¿Es dañina la gastroenteritis durante el embarazo?

¿Qué es la gastroenteritis?

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

The main symptoms of gastroenteritis include sudden, watery diarrhoea, feeling sick, vomiting and a temperatura alta. Other symptoms include stomach aches, aching limbs, dolores de cabeza and a loss of apetito. 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 embarazo. 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 parto prematuro.

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

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 agua 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 diarrea 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 diarrea or bleeding from your bottom. You may have deshidratación 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 tos.

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.

Lectura adicional

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