It's called stomach flu. It is caused by a viral pathogen, it develops in the same way, regardless of the infection of the expectant mother or another person. The infection is common and easy to catch.

The causes of rotavirus are not the same - contact with a sick person, banal dirty hands. Bacteria enter the human body through the mouth. You need to monitor the quality of food, hygiene. This applies to a pregnant woman in the early stages - diseases in the first trimester of pregnancy are dangerous for the unborn child.

The infection is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. After infection during bowel movements, pathogens are released, easily spread by household means, and begin to multiply in the human body. If an infection is found in the home, be very careful.

Infection routes:

• From an infected person by airborne droplets.
• From spoiled food, water (by oral-fecal route). The pathogenic microbe enters the mouth, passes through the digestive tract, and multiplies in the intestines.
• Through contaminated surfaces - the bacteria enters the person through the mouth.

Infants, adults, the elderly, and pregnant women are susceptible to rotavirus. Often, the cause of rotavirus infection in pregnant women is a weakened immune system - the body of the expectant mother is exposed to overestimated stress. Due to the weakened immune system, a pregnant woman will catch an infection faster than an ordinary person.

Symptoms

After the appearance of the infected flora in the body, it begins to progress rapidly. The first symptoms of the disease appear several days after infection. The incubation period of the disease in a pregnant woman is 1-2 days.

Rotavirus infection in pregnant women is mild. The reason is the body's natural defense mechanism. Symptoms in women expecting children are no different from those of other people:

1. Nausea is not dangerous.
2. Diarrhea - Frequent trips to the bathroom dehydrate a woman's body. The baby develops oxygen starvation, which causes miscarriage, premature birth.
3. Vomiting is dangerous for an unborn boy or girl, causes severe muscle spasms, and provokes the threat of a pregnancy failure.
4. An increase in body temperature is dangerous for a child - the consequences are unpredictable.
5. In rare cases, heart palpitations occur.

Because of the danger to the child, the woman must be careful. When the first signs of illness appear, immediately consult a doctor who will prescribe an appropriate treatment for pregnancy. After 2-4 days after the start of therapy, the symptoms subside. Complete cure occurs after 5-6 days.

Dangers of Rotavirus During Pregnancy

The expectant mother, who has had an intestinal infection, worries about the danger: the risk of detection in a boy or girl after birth. The consequences of a past illness for a child is an important topic.

Rotavirus infection during pregnancy often passes in a mild form, is not terrible for the unborn baby, after birth, the child is not detected. Complications appear with a strong infection - it is important in the later stages. The mild form of the virus will not affect the child - the disease affects the gastrointestinal tract, does not penetrate the placenta. If a woman has had intestinal flu, the body retains antibodies that are passed on to the baby in milk. So the baby will have immunity.

Cases of a pregnant woman with a severe form of the virus are known - it is reflected in the child in an unpredictable way.

Frequent consequences in the early stages:

• Weakening of the body.
• Dehydration of the mother leads to a lack of oxygen for the baby leading to early miscarriage.
• The amount of circulating blood decreases - the concentration of oxytocin increases, leading to a contraction of the uterus, miscarriage.
• A drop in blood pressure is dangerous during pregnancy.
• Toxic shock in a woman, which occurs with a rapid increase in body temperature.
• Renal failure leads to the cessation of urine production in the kidneys - an indication for termination of pregnancy.
• Pneumonia, pneumonia.

Consequences at a later date

A frequent consequence in later stages is dehydration of the mother's body. This is the most dangerous thing that happens due to a past illness. Fluid loss leads to complications:

• thickening of blood - affects the formation of blood clots on the legs;
• reduction in the amount of amniotic fluid;
• malaise - with constant presence, childbirth will be complicated;
• the presence of tension in the large intestine provokes uterine tone, premature birth.

Rotavirus treatment during pregnancy

Rotavirus in pregnant women requires treatment to prevent adverse effects.

Analyzes

To identify the cause and treatment, tests are carried out:

• A general blood test will determine the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the number of leukocytes, the excess of which indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
• A general analysis of urine will determine the presence of changes in leukocytes, proteins, erythrocyturia.
• Stool analysis will show the presence of an infectious agent.
• In a smear of a pregnant woman, E. coli may appear - it gives similar symptoms.

After recovery, the tests return to normal.

Drug treatment

It is more difficult to treat rotavirus during pregnancy at the beginning - most medications cannot be taken due to the lack of a placental barrier. Without the doctor's permission, you cannot start taking medications on your own - you risk harming the unformed body. In pregnancy, treatment is based on safety for the fetus.

What to do before going to the doctor

If you can't get to the doctor right away, start following a diet to alleviate the condition.

Do not eat with rotavirus infection:

• Sweets.
• Bold.
• Fried.
• Salty.
• Dairy.
• Raw fruits and vegetables.

Allowed to use during intestinal flu:

• Water-boiled porridge.
• Vegetable stew.
• Rice broth.
• Croutons, sugar-free cookies.

Those who have been ill say: if the diet is followed correctly, the condition improves the next day.

Medication

Medications for the treatment of stomach flu:

• Antiseptics - Nifuroxazide, Bactisubtil.
• Drinks to restore the water-salt balance - Regidron, still mineral water.
• Absorbent drugs - Smecta.
• To restore the intestinal microflora - Linex, Hilak forte.
• With a sharp jump in temperature, it is permissible to take Paracetamol. Water rubdowns, cool compresses with vinegar will help bring down the temperature. Applied to the forehead, wrists.

It is permissible to take antibiotics after identifying the source of the disease. The doctor prescribes them if a woman has contracted salmonellosis or dysentery. In other cases, you can do without taking serious funds, but not all are contraindicated during pregnancy. Taking antibiotics is prohibited from 38 weeks. The medicine is prescribed by a doctor, nothing can be taken without recommendations - even a harmless, proven remedy affects pregnancy.

Folk remedies

Rotavirus infection is often treated with folk remedies. A proven method is to combine the two treatments. The recipes are based on herbal preparations that have a positive effect on the intestinal microflora.

1. To get rid of the disease, rice water is used. Cook rice in a ratio of 1 to 7 over low heat. When the rice is boiled, leave to infuse, then drain the liquid. Take 70 ml every 2 hours.
2. A decoction of oak bark is designed to remove toxins from an adult, improve bowel function. Boil 40 g of collection in a liter of water, drink half a glass hot five times a day.
3. Mummy is not contraindicated during pregnancy. An ordinary lemon will help to remove an unpleasant smell. Take a mummy of 0.2-0.5 g twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.

Each product has its own contraindications. Before using a folk remedy, you must consult with your doctor!

Effect on the fetus if untreated

In the normal course of pregnancy, when a woman is sick, see a doctor right away. The infection is not dangerous to the fetus. The only danger for the child is a lack of oxygen due to the loss of fluid from the natural dehydration of the mother's body.

Consequence for a woman's body

If a pregnant woman does not start taking the necessary therapy, there will be a risk of unpleasant complications for the body. The virus gives complications in the form of a transition to a chronic form. The occurrence of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, malfunction of the pancreas, functional dyspepsia is possible.

Prevention of rotavirus infection

Rotavirus protection rules:

Remember, every trimester of pregnancy is important. The rules are followed scrupulously throughout the entire period of pregnancy.

Other Gastrointestinal Hazards During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the expectant mother may have various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, similar in symptoms to rotavirus: E. coli, poisoning. With rotavirus infection, the body temperature rises. In a pregnant woman, a fever can last for the entire first trimester - this is the norm, do not panic. Symptoms in general are taken into account. It is worth knowing and taking preventive measures.

Colibacillus

Often, the analysis shows the presence of E. coli in urine, culture during pregnancy. When found, the woman is very frightened. The bacterium can strongly affect the intestinal system, provoke the strongest disorders - vomiting, diarrhea. Habitat - large intestine, bladder. The permissible norm for the content of E. coli in the urine has been derived, but it should not be present there.

Symptoms:

• Diarrhea.
• Vomit.
• Fever.
• Nausea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Drawing pains in the abdomen.

The disease is dangerous for the expectant mother and fetus. It can greatly reduce a woman's immunity, the body becomes vulnerable to disease. First, the bacterium (Escherichia coli) enters the urinary tract, from where it rises into the bladder. The child develops pathologies that can lead to death.

Prophylaxis

To prevent E. coli from being found in bacterial culture, discharge from the bladder, careful prevention of the disease is carried out.

1. Follow the rules of personal hygiene. You need to wash in the direction from the vagina to the anus. Otherwise, the remains of feces are introduced into the vagina and the bacteria will appear in the urinary tract.
2. You can not constantly wear thong panties. Lingerie creates a friction effect, affects the transfer of infection into the vagina.
3. Exclude sexual intercourse with a mixture of intestinal microflora and genitourinary system.
4. Do not use scented pads, toilet paper.

The bacillus can live in the body without manifesting itself. A woman lives a full life, unaware of the presence of E. coli in the bladder. It is recommended to get tested periodically. The doctor prescribes a culture tank, a smear during pregnancy to determine the presence of an infection. Pregnancy management is carried out in such a way that tests are taken from trimester to trimester. It is impossible to miss an E.coli in culture - the analysis is taken often in order to catch a possible infection in time, to prevent its progression.

Treatment

If the analysis shows the presence of an infection, proceed with treatment. It causes a serious kidney disease called pyelonephritis. The disease is dangerous during pregnancy. With pyelonephritis, severe pain occurs. It is easier to prevent it than to cure it - the kidneys are affected. The danger to the child remains. Pregnancy ends in miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death, death of the mother.

Sparing treatment is used during pregnancy. Less commonly, serious drugs that affect the child are prescribed - Kanefron, Amoxiclav, Furagin.

E. coli are treated with folk remedies. Plantain decoction, sunflower, medicinal celandine are used. Before self-medication during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor.

Poisoning during pregnancy

A woman during pregnancy needs to be doubly careful in the use of products. At risk are meat and sausage products, dairy products, canned food, mayonnaise salads. Fungi pose a great danger to the life of the embryo - toxins are able to overcome the placental barrier, affect the fetus.

Symptoms of poisoning during pregnancy:

• Nausea.
• Vomit.
• Diarrhea.
• Stomach ache.
• A rare rise in temperature.

If vomiting occurs once, loose stools 2-3 times a day, the temperature does not rise - you can treat yourself. If the condition is severe, it is better to consult a doctor.

Treatment

Remove the poison from the stomach. It is better not to induce vomiting - the body will cope. Drinking plenty of fluids is the only help. With the help of water, the poisonous product leaves the body faster. After emptying the stomach, take an absorbent (Activated Charcoal) that combines toxins for further elimination.

When the condition improves, restore the loss of fluid - boiled water will do.

Poisoning during pregnancy requires diet. Do not give up food - you need to eat light food, in small portions. You can eat porridge on the water, mashed potatoes, boiled meat, fish, tea with dry bread, cookies.

The consequences of poisoning during pregnancy

A big threat from poisoning during pregnancy is the risk of miscarriage. It rarely happens, subject to severe intoxication. Basically, poisoning does not affect the fetus - toxins do not leave the intestines.

A sharp increase in body temperature, weakness and vomiting after eating dairy during pregnancy can be a sign of the body's response to rotavirus infection. The disease goes away on its own, but sometimes neglect of the doctor's recommendations provokes complications. What is rotavirus, how is it infected, and what to do for pregnant women at high temperatures - further in the article.

Intestinal flu and pregnancy

Rotavirus infection is popularly called intestinal flu. A disease in medicine is really considered an infection that initially enters the intestines, provoking vomiting, especially while taking dairy products.

It is believed that in 5 days the body is able to cope with the disease on its own, but in some situations emergency medical attention will be required.

Rotavirus: definition

The causative agent of rotavirus infection, intestinal flu, belongs to the Reoviridae family, the Rotavirus genus. The definition - the rotavirus received thanks to the decoding "rota" in Latin - a wheel, for the reason that viral particles under a microscope are visible in the form of wheels with a sleeve. The sizes of such particles are 65-75 m, they have RNA. According to antigenic properties, they are divided into nine serological types, of which only 4 types, the rest are isolated from animals.

Rotaviruses from animals are not infectious for humans, and the viruses themselves are stable in the external environment, therefore, thermal or quartz treatment is necessary for disinfection.

Rotavirus infection routes

The spread of rotavirus on the planet occurs regardless of the region, air humidity and climate, and therefore infection and infection with such a disease is noted in almost every corner. You can get sick not only by contacting the patient, but also using some household items. There are several options for infection:

1. Dirty hands. The most common cause of infection is the location of the rotavirus on the skin, which, in the absence of proper hygiene, gets on the mucous membranes and spreads into the digestive tract. Most often, for this reason, young children, up to 5-6 years old, are ill.
2. Infection from contact with a sick person. Since the first period of development manifests itself in a latent form, and the patient feels minor signs of a cold, it is rarely possible to suspect such a disease. At the same time, the patient himself, when in contact with other people, is a carrier of the infection.
3. Using some household items. When the manifestations of the disease are obvious, then it is worth excluding any contact with the patient. This rule especially applies to mothers with children under 5 years old.

If rotavirus infection is detected in children under 3 years of age, hospitalization is required. An especially dangerous moment is the infection of children under one year old. Dehydration and intoxication at this age are fatal.

1. Airborne contamination. When sick, rotavirus spreads by airborne droplets. Since its survival rate in the environment is high, it is quite possible to get sick while being near the patient, the virus accumulates on the mucous membranes, and then enters the intestine, where it kills all the beneficial microflora, loose stools, indigestion, vomiting, and nausea are noted. In addition, if one child in a family with manifestations of rotavirus is found, disinfection of the room with a quartz lamp is recommended.

Signs

Since rotavirus is an intestinal flu, its first manifestations are identical to the flu, the common cold. Initially, weakness is noted, possibly, joints ache, headache, restless sleep is noted.

In children and adults, the manifestations differ slightly, then babies under 3 years old immediately manifest themselves in the disease by whims, an increased amount of sleep in the daytime and restless rest at night. Further, the following clinical picture can be noted:

• On the 3-4th day after infection and the incubation period, there is a disorder of the digestive tract. Initially, poorly digested food is noticeable, which comes out by defecation in pieces, with mucus and liquid feces.
• Against the background of loose stools, thirst increases, you want to drink water both at night and after eating.
• Fever without red throat and cough. A sharp rise in temperature is bad and goes astray for a long time, the effect lasts only a few hours, after again a high temperature.
• After taking dairy products in any quantity, vomiting with undigested food is mandatory.
• If medical care is not provided, there is a sharp increase in temperature up to 41 degrees, intoxication of the body, dehydration. It is these manifestations that are the most dangerous. The virus itself passes in 5-7 days, but signs of intoxication and dehydration are dangerous for children and pregnant women.

If vomiting is noted after taking milk, kefir, yogurt, this is the most important signal of the presence of rotavirus infection.

What is dangerous for pregnancy

The danger of the transferred disease during pregnancy is not in the infection itself and the localization of the pathogen in the intestine, but in the consequences. An intestinal disorder provokes loose stools, and if medical care is not provided, dehydration is noted, which, accordingly, produces a high temperature, which is knocked down only by intravenous infusion of fluid. Dangerous periods for pregnant women are noted depending on the state of the immune system and the period of pregnancy.

With rotavirus, it's hard to bring down the temperature. It is important to provide the patient with plenty of fluids, otherwise even antipyretic drugs will not help.

In the early stages

In the early stages, when the body of a pregnant woman is faced with hormonal changes, there is nausea and vomiting against the background of toxicosis, rotavirus disease is dangerous in its consequences. Dehydration and high temperature can provoke miscarriage, fetal abnormalities, placental abruption. The virus itself does not harm the fetus.

At a later date

In the later stages, when the placenta is formed and performs its protective functions, the fetus is not threatened. However, the consequences of intoxication in the case of unskilled care and dehydration during pregnancy are extremely negative.

At a high temperature, premature birth is possible, and the woman herself is difficult to tolerate intoxication.

Treatment of a pregnant woman with rotavirus is aimed at ensuring water balance in the body, controlling temperature, and also stabilizing the digestive system. The doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics for the reason that complications after rotavirus in the form of pneumonia are possible. You should not refuse such therapy. The risk of inflammation is higher than taking an antibiotic.

Escherichia coli attachment with rotavirus: complications

Often, against the background of weakened immunity with rotavirus, Escherichia coli joins, which was previously blocked and excreted from the body by beneficial bacteria. Now, when the body's defenses are weakened, intestinal bacteria enter the body, accumulate there and provoke complications in the future. Vomiting intensifies, loose stools are observed 10 times a day, regardless of food intake.

When you go to the hospital, the patient is given two tests for rotavirus and Escherichia coli, in addition, feces are donated for research in a laboratory. Additional treatment is not applied. Lactobacilli are used to normalize the condition, bifidobacteria and drinking plenty of fluids.

Against the background of treatment, after a decrease in body temperature, severe cramps and colic in the abdomen are noted, which are justified by the fact that the work of the digestive tract begins to normalize. The pain is severe, so it is worth drinking Smecta dissolved in a small amount of water and preparations based on the Semiticone, Demiticon - Kuplaton, Espumisan.

What is the best treatment choice - at home or in the infectious diseases ward?

Rotavirus, depending on how the body copes with the disease, can be carried in a lighter or more severe form. Once again, it is worth focusing on the fact that it is not the disease itself that is dangerous, but its consequence - intoxication and dehydration, high fever.

Since immunity is weakened during pregnancy, hospitalization should be considered. In addition, it should be noted that inpatient treatment in this case is not long - 3-4 days. During this time, the doctor looks after the patient's condition, and the pregnant woman is calm, if the temperature is high, she will be immediately helped.

If you are at home, you cannot predict your condition in advance, thereby dooming yourself to risks. When it comes to children, it is important to understand that for a child, severe dehydration is a mortal danger. In some cases, it is impossible to compensate for the water balance, the child dies not from infection, from inaction.

How long to diet after illness

One of the most important points in the treatment of rotavirus is adherence to diet. It is important to understand that the load received by the gastrointestinal tract does not imply strenuous work. In addition, against the background of the flu, the stomach is not able to digest lactose and milk. Therefore, it is worth adhering to certain dietary rules for 21 days:

• Do not eat sweets, flour, dairy, fried and very salty foods.
• Add to the diet instead of water a decoction of wild rose and dried fruit from apples.
• Drink at least 2 liters of water for adults, and 1.5 for children (not including liquid food).
• Exclude corn, pearl barley and rice porridge for the first 1.5 weeks. Then you can include them in the diet.
• Oatmeal, steamed fish, chicken, water semolina, buckwheat porridge and meat broths are in priority.

The main rule of nutrition for rotavirus is to exclude all kinds of dairy products for 21 days. After that, the digestibility of lactose will resume, it will be possible to include milk in the diet.

Re-infection risks

The likelihood of re-infection always persists throughout life. However, what is important to remember is that the first infection is most difficult to tolerate. High fever, vomiting, diarrhea are the first causes of the transferred disease, which are more easily tolerated with repeated infection.

Given the fact that there are only 4 rotavirus stamps for humans, then, accordingly, we can assume that there is a risk of getting sick 4 times with different stamps. However, each new time (if it is not a child) is easier to bear. Re-infection with the same rotavirus stamp in the first 2 years is difficult. The only thing that persists and is the same manifestation in all cases is lactose intolerance, milk.

A person lives in a world where viruses and bacteria are full members of the living environment. It is impossible to live life without facing a disease like rotavirus. However, what is worth remembering is an adequate assessment of the condition in the presence of a disease, medical care and prevention of complications in the form of dehydration and intoxication. Intestinal flu is not a dangerous disease, it is the need to pay more attention to your health.

Useful video

Any infectious disease is a risk to the fetus and the expectant mother. Rotavirus is the causative agent of infectious diseases in pregnant women and children. The danger of this infection during pregnancy in the case of timely initiation of treatment is practically absent. However, a prolonged course can lead to significant dehydration and severe intoxication syndrome.

It is very easy to get infected with rotavirus. The transmission mechanism is fecal-oral and contact-household. Most often, infection occurs through poorly washed vegetables or fruits. Signs of the disease appear 2-3 days after infection. During the illness, the pregnant mother is a carrier, so it is necessary to limit contact with children who are highly exposed to this pathogen.

Rotavirus infection is manifested by the following symptoms:

• nausea;
• dizziness;
• vomiting 3-4 times in the first days of the disease;
• temperature rise above 38.5 degrees;
• abdominal pain;
• loose stools.

The temperature is kept at high numbers during the first days of the disease. Then it becomes normal. Vomiting also occurs during the first 2-3 days. However, in the absence of treatment, the above complaints may persist for a longer time.

The main thing is to start therapy on time.

Effects of Rotavirus on Pregnancy

Rotavirus is a member of the Reoviridae family. It has double-stranded RNA surrounded by a protein coat. It retains very well in the external environment and is very resistant to low temperatures. The sanitary measures applied against other viruses and bacteria are not enough to affect rotavirus, so the incidence rate is still high.

Why rotavirus is dangerous in the early stages

The main danger is the possible development of congenital pathologies.

A disease transferred from 7 to 11 weeks can lead to an increased risk of the following complications:

• fetal hypoxia;
• placental abruption;
• development of intrauterine infection.

The risk of developing these conditions against the background of infection is extremely low.

The danger of rotavirus in the late stages

Carefully!
If the infection develops in the last weeks of pregnancy (38,39), there is always a risk of complications of childbirth. When a child passes through the birth canal, he can also become infected from a sick mother. During the neonatal period, the disease is very difficult and requires qualified medical care, therefore, discharge from the hospital can be greatly delayed.

Consequences for the child

They are often missing.

However, the severe course of the disease can lead to the following problems:

• hypoxia;
• developmental delay;
• increased risk of intrauterine infections.

If signs of infection appear, seek medical attention immediately. This will significantly reduce the risk of possible complications.

Be careful with homemade methods

What to do if a pregnant woman has rotavirus infection

The first thing every pregnant woman should do is to seek help from a specialist.

In the absence of the possibility of obtaining qualified medical care, the following recommendations must be observed.

1. Solder the patient immediately. Drinking more fluids is one of the main rules for most infectious diseases accompanied by vomiting and loose stools.
2. If the temperature rises, knock it down with paracetamol. It is important to remember that you should not drink this drug more often than 4 times in 24 hours. Exceeding the daily dose can lead to excessive stress on the liver.
3. Give activated charcoal to drink. For every 10 kg of a pregnant woman's weight, 1 tablet of charcoal is needed. Thus, if it weighs 60 kg, 6 tablets are needed.
4. Call an ambulance or get to the hospital yourself.

Observation
No need to self-medicate. In addition to rotavirus, a number of diseases have a similar clinical picture. Only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Diagnostics

No specific examinations are required. It is enough for a specialist to collect anamnesis and assess the patient's complaints in order to make a correct diagnosis.

In some cases, the following examinations are additionally prescribed:

• general blood analysis;
• general urine analysis;
• bacterial feces;
• ELISA for rotavirus.

Expert opinion
Borovikova Olga
Laboratory examination is more necessary to exclude intestinal infections. ELISA diagnostics allows you to accurately determine the presence of the virus in the patient's blood, but this examination is almost never required.

Rotavirus treatment in pregnant women

Therapy consists of several main components.

So, the following is necessary.

1. Restoration of water and electrolyte balance. For this purpose, Regidron is used. It is recommended to drink it in small sips, every 15-20 minutes. Also, after each episode of loose stools or vomiting, you should drink 200 ml of water.
2. Temperature normalization. To reduce it, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used, in particular paracetomol.
3. The use of adsorbents. To quickly remove toxins and waste products of bacteria, you can use activated carbon. Also, drugs such as polysorb and smecta are suitable.
4. Normalization of intestinal microflora. To restore normal flora, it is recommended to use tools such as Hilak-forte or Linex.

In general, the treatment is extremely symptomatic. No specific activities are required. Most importantly, if signs of infection appear, you should immediately seek help from a specialist. Timely start of treatment will avoid serious complications.

In the 1st trimester

Treatment is no different. The only thing that expectant mothers should remember is that if a disease occurs in the first weeks, it carries a greater risk.

The phenomena of rotavirus are very similar to the manifestations of toxicosis, therefore, when it occurs at 12 or 13 weeks, the pregnant woman associates her condition with this.

Temperature is not a characteristic sign of toxicosis, therefore, if vomiting is combined with an increase in temperature, you should immediately seek help from your doctor.

In the 2nd trimester

Does not require specific treatment. It remains symptomatic. With a particularly severe course of the disease, hospitalization of the patient may be required in order to reduce the risk of miscarriage.

In the 3rd trimester

Expert Review
Borovikova Olga
For a long time, rotavirus infection becomes a serious danger to the mother and fetus. If a disease occurs in the third trimester, especially in the last month before childbirth, you need to quickly cope with the manifestations of the disease. Treatment remains symptomatic, but hospitalization is required in most cases. A severe course of the disease in the period from 33 to 40 weeks of the disease may require emergency delivery.

How to treat at home

Therapy for rotavirus infection is quite possible at home.

In addition to the above methods of treatment, it is recommended to observe the following rules:

• drink more fluids;
• follow a diet;
• knock down the temperature in a timely manner (no more than 4 times a day);
• exclude contact with healthy people.

If you cannot quickly cope with the manifestations of the disease, and the complaints intensify, you should consult a doctor. Folk remedies for treatment are not recommended, especially for various herbal decoctions. If used incorrectly, the condition can be significantly worsened.

Wash fruits and vegetables before preparing food

What can pregnant women drink and eat?

Diet therapy for rotavirus is one of the main links of treatment.

Without fail, a pregnant woman should exclude the following from her diet:

• dairy;
• raw vegetables and fruits;
• fatty and fried foods;
• sweet;
• strong coffee;
• sweet carbonated drinks.

In the days of exacerbation of the disease, it is necessary to give preference to dishes from low-fat boiled meat, broths and porridges cooked in water. You need to drink a lot, bottled water is better. A good effect is shown by the frequent use of Borjomi. This mineral water helps to quickly restore acid-base balance.

Prophylaxis

To protect against the disease of a pregnant woman, it is recommended to follow the following rules.

1. Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene. Always wash your hands before eating.
2. Use only boiled or bottled water for cooking.
3. Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating.
4. Eliminate contact with sick children and adults.

In recent years, the use of rotavirus vaccine has begun in European countries and the United States. It is taken orally and contains weakened viruses. This vaccine is not used on the territory of the CIS countries.

Surely many have heard of such a diagnosis as "rotavirus infection". Most often, small children are ill with it. But sometimes this fate will not escape pregnant women. In this state, the disease is especially difficult to tolerate.

Rotavirus infection

As the term suggests, this disease is caused by a virus from the genus Rotavirus, family Reoviridae. The pathogen got its name from the Latin word "rota", which means "wheel". The fact is that under a microscope, a viral particle is very similar to a small wheel with a hub and spokes. Also, this disease is familiar to most under the name "intestinal flu".

There are 9 types of rotavirus, only 6 are dangerous for humans. It is impossible to get infected from sick animals.

This infection is extremely common. For example, in the United States, more than a million cases of the disease are reported annually in children alone. It is they who most often suffer from this virus, especially babies under four years old.

On the one hand, the child's body does not have a formed immunity and is extremely susceptible to various kinds of viral infections.

On the other hand, it is difficult for children at this age to carefully follow the rules of personal hygiene. Namely, this is the best prevention of infection.

Pregnant women are also often sick with rotavirus infection.

Pregnancy and rotavirus

When carrying a baby, a woman's immunity always decreases. This is due to an immune conflict that occurs between the body of the mother and the fetus. To prevent antibodies from attacking the developing embryo, the activity of the defense system is reduced.

However, this increases susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections. That is why pregnant women are always at risk.

In addition, the likelihood of illness increases if a woman has children. As soon as babies get sick with rotavirus infection, they begin to excrete the pathogen into the external environment and become a source of infection.

Often, even careful adherence to the rules of personal hygiene does not protect the expectant mother from illness.

Transmission path

With rotavirus infection, you can only get infected from a sick person. The pathogen is excreted in the faeces within 2-3 weeks from the onset of the first symptoms. Accordingly, the route of infection is fecal-oral, that is, the virus enters the body through unwashed hands when communicating with a sick person.

The following factors contribute to morbidity:

• Close contact with the patient.
• Joint games for children.
• Sharing a pot.
• Bathing children and adults in the same bath.
• Lack of hygiene skills.

However, some doctors and microbiologists identify another route of transmission of rotavirus infection - airborne droplets. However, at present there is no convincing data confirming such a possibility of infection.

Pools also contribute to the spread of infection. This is especially true of resort vacation spots in the summer, when a large number of tourists gather. Outbreaks of rotavirus infection during this period are common.

To avoid infection, young children and pregnant women should avoid swimming in the shared pool.

Clinic

Rotavirus infection during pregnancy and outside of it proceeds in the form of acute gastroenteritis. This means that it has three main symptoms:

1. Nausea and vomiting.
2. Diarrhea.
3. Stomach ache.

In addition, an increase in temperature is often observed - from subfebrile condition to severe fever.

As a rule, adults get sick more easily than children, but the picture is different with pregnant women. This is an extremely vulnerable group in which the disease can be completely atypical with uncharacteristic complications.

The following forms of the disease are distinguished:

• Lightweight.
• Moderately heavy.
• Heavy.

Light form

For a mild form of this intestinal disease, nausea and vomiting are characteristic for one, maximum two days. The temperature may rise slightly or remain normal.

Severe diarrhea is also usually not observed. Loose stools persist for the first day. Characterized by pain in the epigastric region and around the navel, rumbling in the abdomen.

Intestinal infection during pregnancy is often mistaken for manifestations of toxicosis, especially in the early stages. Only contact with a sick child can prompt a woman to think about rotavirus. In most cases, in the first trimester, the disease is mild, the symptoms disappear within two to three days.

Although this period is very important for the development of the fetus, rotavirus cannot harm it, since it does not have a teratogenic effect.

In the second trimester, the infection proceeds, as well as outside of pregnancy - without any differences and severe consequences.

In the later stages, even a mild form of intestinal flu causes certain discomfort to the expectant mother. This is due to the general condition of the woman and to a decrease in immunity, which is most pronounced in the third trimester.

Moderate form

With this form, the disease is more difficult to tolerate. Vomiting is more common and persists for two to three days. Often women complain of abdominal pain, rumbling, intestinal cramps. There is an imperative urge to defecate - it is necessary to visit the toilet as soon as such a desire appears. However, unlike the same dysentery, false desires never happen. Fever reaches 38 °.

In the early stages, such an increase in temperature can adversely affect the development of the child and therefore requires the initiation of antipyretic treatment. In addition, frequent vomiting combined with diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Since during pregnancy, a woman's blood flow is increased to ensure the life of the fetus, even a small loss of fluid is dangerous for her.

In the second and third trimesters, the fetus is more protected from the toxic effects of hyperthermia, but the likelihood of dehydration remains and even increases.

Severe form

This variant of the disease is difficult to tolerate even outside of pregnancy. And if a woman is in a position, then it is doubly difficult for her.

Severe rotavirus infection is rare in adults, but it may well develop in the third trimester of pregnancy, when the immune system becomes unable to defend against the virus.

In such a situation, the expectant mother has constant nausea and exhausting vomiting, which brings relief only for a while. The pain in the abdomen increases and is sometimes very severe.

Almost every time you visit the toilet, loose stools are noted, in which you can see streaks of blood. However, this is not a typical symptom of intestinal flu, but indicates the addition of a bacterial infection.

In severe cases, fever up to 39 ° and higher is observed. This is dangerous for the fetus in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, since a high temperature adversely affects its development and the consequences are difficult to predict.

The risk of dehydration with this form is very high. If the volume of lost fluid is not replenished, a pregnant woman may develop convulsions, circulatory disorders, impaired renal function with the development of their failure. Treatment of this condition is extremely difficult.

Dehydration leads to the appearance of ketone bodies in the urine, which is manifested by the smell of acetone.

Diagnostics

It is very easy to suspect this disease. The combination of vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain always suggests an intestinal infection. If there are other patients in the family or there is an outbreak of this disease in the area of ​​residence, the diagnosis of rotavirus infection is beyond doubt.

However, other diseases have a similar clinical picture - for example, dysentery. It also has abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Moreover, the pathology of the endocrine system - decompensated diabetes mellitus also occurs with intestinal symptoms. In its manifestations, it resembles a severe form of rotavirus infection.

All this only confirms that you should not engage in self-diagnosis, especially when it comes to a pregnant woman. It is advisable to be examined by a family doctor or infectious disease specialist within one or two days. The diagnosis is established on the basis of examination data:

1. Indications of contact with a sick person.
2. Typical complaints.
3. Soreness when probing the abdomen in the epigastric and umbilical region.
4. Loud rumbling when pressing on the right iliac region.
5. Lack of enlargement of the liver and spleen.

Laboratory research

With rotavirus infection, laboratory tests are rarely used. In general clinical analyzes, certain changes may be observed, but during pregnancy they are not very informative.

So, for the onset of the disease, leukocytosis in the blood test is characteristic, but it is also a normal phenomenon when carrying a baby.

In the analysis of urine, a protein can be detected, which in late pregnancy is sometimes interpreted as gestosis, which is why doctors prescribe unnecessary treatment.

Virological studies for intestinal influenza are usually not carried out due to their low diagnostic value.

Treatment

Rotavirus infection during pregnancy must be treated. This is especially true in relation to moderate and severe forms, which at any time can turn into dehydration for the expectant mother, disorders of the cardiovascular and urinary systems.

However, intestinal flu therapy has its own characteristics. There is no specific treatment for rotavirus infection. Antibacterial drugs do not work on the pathogen. They are effective only in case of bacterial complications, but it is better not to bring the disease to this.

There is also no highly effective antiviral treatment for this infection. In addition, most drugs are contraindicated when carrying a child. With intestinal flu, symptomatic treatment is most effective.

If the temperature rises above 37.5 °, a woman in a position needs to take an antipyretic. The safest remedy during this period is paracetamol (Efferalgan). You can also try homeopathic suppositories Viburcol, which not only lower the temperature, but also have a mild antispasmodic effect.

Treatment with safe sorbents - Smecta will be appropriate for rotavirus infection. This powder absorbs harmful substances and water in the intestines, thereby eliminating unpleasant symptoms of illness and diarrhea.

It is very important with such a pathology to adequately replenish fluid loss. In milder forms, plenty of fluids are enough. You can use table and alkaline water, compote, tea. If vomiting and diarrhea are pronounced, it is worth using saline solutions - for example, Rehydron.

Severe forms of the disease are subject to treatment in a hospital with intravenous drip of fluid.

Rotavirus infection during pregnancy is a common disease. Usually it quickly ends with recovery, but sometimes it can be difficult and even require hospitalization.

During pregnancy, rotavirus infects women as often as any other infectious disease. It is especially difficult for an expectant mother to stay healthy, who, on duty, communicates with a large number of people or is already raising a child. The disease, of course, is not a pleasant one, but timely measures taken make it possible to quickly eliminate its consequences and at the same time not harm the fetus in any way.

The common name for rotavirus infection is intestinal flu. The virus that provokes its development is very "tenacious", so it will not be difficult for them to get infected. The clinical picture of the disease is the same for everyone (including women in position): the virus infects the intestines, and the body reacts to such an invasion with severe diarrhea. Some people in the street mistakenly believe that rotavirus infection is related to the oral cavity. In fact, this is not so - simply translated from Latin "rota" means "wheel", which very much resembles the rounded shape of a virus under a microscope.

Rotavirus during pregnancy: the route of infection and the mechanism of development of the disease

During the active stage of the disease, as well as for several days after the extinction of its main symptoms, the source of the dangerous virus is the feces of a sick person. The danger for healthy people is not only a patient with pronounced signs of infection, but also its asymptomatic carriers.

The main route of infection is fecal-oral. Penetrating into the intestines, the causative agent of the disease begins to multiply rapidly in the mucous membrane of the organ. Affected cells with viable virus particles are exfoliated from the mucous membrane and excreted from the body along with feces.

The greatest danger to a healthy person is represented by objects with traces of feces of an infected person:

• the soil;
• insufficiently clean toilet;
• towels;
• the handle on the toilet door;
• poorly washed hands of the patient.

Through these objects, the virus quickly passes into the hands of a potential victim. If you take food with dirty hands or put your fingers in your mouth (which, for example, do small children), the virus enters the digestive tract and rushes to the intestines. Such a "guest" quickly disrupts the normal absorption of nutrients from the lumen of the small intestine, provokes the development of ischemia of its mucous membrane and contributes to the development of an extensive inflammatory reaction.

Rotavirus poses a great danger to all age groups of children and adults. Pregnant women and preschoolers tend to get sick with rotavirus more often than others - the reason lies in weakened immunity, which cannot resist infection for a long time.

Symptoms of Rotavirus During Pregnancy

Usually the latent period of the development of the disease is 1 - 5 days, but in some cases it is reduced to 14 - 15 hours. The asymptomatic period of infection in the body of the expectant mother is limited to 1 - 2 days. After the first signs of the disease appear, it takes 1 to 4 hours before rotavirus enters the acute stage. Symptoms of rotavirus infection in a pregnant woman are the same as in other people.

Nausea and vomiting are signs of rotavirus during pregnancy

These signs are the hallmark of rotavirus. As a rule, the disease is "opened" by vomiting, usually once (up to 2 - 3 episodes in some cases). The vomit is not watery, represented mainly by bile or parts of undigested food, if the woman has recently eaten. This symptom indicates that the body activates the defenses on the basis of the development of the pathogenic process. In most cases, vomiting attacks torment the patient for about a day, then pass, but it is possible that vomiting will persist for 2 to 3 days.

Diarrhea (diarrhea) is a sign of rotavirus during pregnancy

Within 1 hour after the first attack of vomiting or earlier, diarrhea appears. For a mild form of rotavirus, there are few urges to defecate (2 - 3 times a day), but if the disease is severe, the patient visits the toilet 20 to 50 times a day. Diarrhea caused by rotavirus is manifested by the secretion of liquid, foamy, fetid masses. This symptom persists for up to 3 to 6 days.

Abdominal / stomach pain is a sign of rotavirus during pregnancy

This is a common but optional (unlike diarrhea) symptom of rotavirus. Some sick women suffer from aching, pulling pains or painful sensations that resemble labor pains. Discomfort is localized in the upper or lower abdomen and each time increases with vomiting and diarrhea. Pain appears due to severe spasm of the intestinal muscle tissue. Unpleasant sensations in the abdomen come with an interval of 3 - 5 minutes and last about 20 - 30 seconds, accompanied by a pronounced desire to empty the intestines, then immediately disappear.

Elevated body temperature is a sign of rotavirus during pregnancy

In addition to the so-called main symptoms of rotavirus, a sick person has a whole set of signs of general intoxication of the body:

• weakness in the whole body;
• fast fatiguability;
• decreased concentration and performance;
• depression;
• headache, muscle and joint pain;
• shortness of breath when performing basic physical work.

True, in full, these signs do not always appear. Their severity depends on the severity of the disease, as well as on the accompanying rotavirus diseases (if any). With regard to her health, the expectant mother should be extremely careful and careful - immediately after the first symptoms of rotavirus appear, you need to inform the doctor about your condition and follow all his prescriptions. After 2 - 4 days from the beginning of the active stage of the infectious process, the painful signs of the disease will weaken, and after 5 - 6 days they will disappear altogether.

Is rotavirus dangerous during pregnancy?

If you manage to get sick, a woman in a position thinks first of all about her child: how will the baby perceive the temporary discomfort of the mother? Indeed, the topic of infection by the mother of the fetus with various viral infections deserves special attention.

As for intestinal flu, its causative agent does not pose a danger to the intrauterine development of the baby and after birth it is not detected in it, since it cannot overcome the placental barrier. In the body, the pregnant woman retains antibodies, which she will subsequently pass on to the child along with milk. However, if a woman has had a severe form of rotavirus during pregnancy, the consequences will appear closer to the third trimester. In this case, it is very difficult to predict how the infection will affect the child, and the scenario for the development of the complication is very diverse.

Consequences of severe rotavirus in early pregnancy:

1. A sharp decrease in immunity.
2. Dehydration of the maternal organism due to rotavirus immediately "blocks" the access of oxygen to the fetus. Such a complication provokes spontaneous termination of pregnancy already in the early stages.
3. A decrease in the volume of circulating blood affects the increase in the production of the hormone oxytocin, under the influence of which the uterus contracts. The result is a miscarriage.
4. A rapid decrease in blood pressure in the mother.
5. A sharp increase in body temperature leads to the development of toxic shock in a pregnant woman. There is a danger to the life of the baby.
6. Renal failure, which appeared on the basis of rotavirus infection, can provoke a stop in the production of urine by the kidneys, and this is a serious reason for terminating a pregnancy.
7. Severely flowing rotavirus often entails a complication in the form of pneumonia.

Complications of rotavirus during late pregnancy also pose a great danger to the favorable development of the fetus. If a dangerous infection overtook the expectant mother in the middle or at the end of gestation, the woman will certainly face dehydration (dehydration) of the body. Fluid deficiency, in turn, provokes the development of other complications:

• the normal consistency of blood changes to a viscous one (a correct prerequisite for the formation of blood clots on the lower extremities);
• the amniotic fluid becomes less (the risk of developing oligohydramnios);
• constant malaise, which will undoubtedly affect the course of childbirth;
• the tone of the large intestine causes the tone of the uterus, which threatens the onset of premature birth.

No matter how harmless the infection may seem, doctors always take into account the state of health of the mother. Rotavirus can significantly undermine the well-being of a woman in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, which will naturally affect the development of the fetus.

Rotavirus treatment during pregnancy: diagnosis

Treatment of the disease begins only after its objective confirmation. Diagnostic measures for detecting rotavirus infection are as follows:

After recovery, all indicators return to normal.

How to treat rotavirus during pregnancy

Intestinal flu in a pregnant woman requires an immediate medical response. In this case, some nuances have to be taken into account: many drugs, due to the delicate position of the patient, are prohibited, so as not to harm the growing little man inside her. Doctors are especially careful in prescribing if rotavirus occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy, when both the mother and the fetus are extremely vulnerable.

What can be done before the doctor comes with rotavirus during pregnancy

At the first signs of infection, the expectant mother should try to alleviate her condition as much as possible. A strict diet will help in this, which excludes all foods, the digestion of which requires great efforts from the digestive system. The following products and rotavirus are incompatible:

• chocolate, sweets, baked goods;
• raw vegetables and fruits;
• dairy;
• pickles and canned food;
• fried and fatty foods.

During an intestinal infection, the choice of foods that a patient can eat is small:

• porridge on the water;
• steamed vegetables;
• decoction of rice;
• unsweetened crackers;
• unsweetened biscuit biscuits.

Those who have already had a chance to undergo rotavirus claim that with reasonable food intake, all unpleasant symptoms are significantly weakened the next day.

Rotavirus during pregnancy - medical treatment for intestinal flu

There are no specific ways to overcome rotavirus, therefore, treatment is symptomatic, that is, aimed at alleviating the patient's signs of infection. Here is an arsenal of medicines for rotavirus disease that doctors offer:

• paracetamol preparations (Panadol, Efferalgan), Viburcol suppositories to normalize the fever. To eliminate the ill-fated 37.5, cool vinegar compresses on the forehead and wrists are also used;
• intestinal antiseptics such as Bactisubtil and Nifurozide;
• Rehydron, "mineral water" without gas, to restore the disturbed water-salt balance in the body;
• safe sorbents (eg Smecta) to relieve symptoms of diarrhea;
• Linex, Hilak forte to restore the natural intestinal microflora.

The doctor decides on the advisability of taking antibacterial agents. You cannot do without these drugs if tests show that the cause of vomiting and diarrhea was not rotavirus, but salmonellosis or dysentery. Antibiotics are prescribed until the 38th week of pregnancy, with the expectation that the expected benefits of treatment will outweigh the potential danger to the fetus.

Treatment of rotavirus infection with folk remedies during pregnancy

If a pregnant woman cannot bring herself to drink a single pill, because she is very worried about her baby, you can try to overcome rotavirus with the help of “grandmother's” recipes. However, do not forget that the use of herbs is also not without contraindications, so the attending physician should be aware of this method of treating his patient.

We offer several recipes that use herbs that gently normalize the condition and activity of the intestines:

1. An old proven remedy for the virus is rice water. Rinse the rice in running water, fill it with water in a ratio of 1 to 7 and cook until completely boiled over low heat. Insist the finished dish for 40 minutes, then drain the broth into a separate container. The liquid is taken in several sips at intervals of 2 hours during the day.
2. A decoction based on oak bark is also suitable for treatment. Astringent active components of natural raw materials contribute to the elimination of harmful substances during intoxication of the body and improve intestinal motility. Pour 40 g of chopped oak bark into 1 liter of water and bring to a boil. Drink half a glass of hot drink 4 to 5 times a day.
3. It is easier to endure all the excruciating symptoms of rotavirus with a compote made from light raisins. The agent retains fluid in the cells, which is especially important with rotavirus, due to which the body loses this fluid. For a delicious medicine, toss 100 g of raisins in boiling water and simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes. A small pinch of salt, sugar to taste and soda on the tip of a knife are added to the finished product. Compote is recommended to take 1 glass before meals during the entire illness, as well as several days after recovery.

Prevention of rotavirus during pregnancy

To protect yourself from the causative agent of a serious illness, remember what you were taught as a child. Simple tips are at the heart of reliable rotavirus prevention:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when you get home from the street and before every snack and main meal.
2. Be sure to wash vegetables and fruits in hot water before eating them.
3. Drink only bottled or well-filtered water.
4. Follow good personal hygiene practices.
5. Carry out wet cleaning of living quarters every day (as a last resort, every other day).
6. Make sure there are no insects in the kitchen. In any case, do not allow them to come into contact with food.
7. Always watch your diet - the diet should be varied and balanced.
8. Do the heat treatment of food in accordance with all the rules to destroy the microbes that can colonize them.
9. Don't eat mushrooms (at least during pregnancy).
10. Avoid swimming in natural bodies of water - this is one of the main sources of rotavirus.

To summarize, we summarize the most important information about rotavirus infection. The disease does not threaten the life of the fetus, but it can significantly affect the quality of its development if the child begins to feel a lack of oxygen due to dehydration of the mother's body. In the case of rotavirus, it is better not to risk it and refuse self-medication in favor of medical care. Lack of timely competent treatment gives the infection a red light, and the disease becomes chronic. This affects the health of a woman extremely deplorably: the work of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted, pancreatic dysfunction and functional dyspepsia develop.