Norovirus in pregnancy

[SaraKatie]

I guess this is more of a moan post because I’ve spoken to my doctor and midwife and got some advice (sips of fluids etc.) but if anyone has any tips they are very welcome.

DD (22 months) came down sick with a vomiting bug on Friday evening. She was in a desperate way with vomiting non stop that night, and has had a few more vomits and horrible nappies ever since. She’s taking some fluids and a few bites of plain toast and pasta but that’s it. Poor little thing has the worst nappy rash I’ve ever seen. Trying to keep her clean and cream on it but she’s screaming in agony every time.

I (33 F, 23 weeks pregnant) came down with the same last night. The vomiting has been absolutely horrific. Can’t keep sips of water down. Throat completely raw. Stomach in agony from all the vomiting because I think my stomach muscles were already under strain as my bump is big (baby measuring 3 weeks ahead). Tbh it’s all I can do not to wet myself when I’m vomiting because it’s yuse violent. If I had fluid left in me I’m sure I would. It’s just so grim.

DH (34 M) was handling things as best he could today but he’s come down with same. It’s just so miserable. Any tips from anyone who has been in the same boat? I know we have to ride it out, but anything to alleviate the misery would be greatly appreciated.

Oh you poor thing.

Do you have any ice lollies in? Can sometimes be more palatable than water.

Lots of tv for the little one and rest as much as you can. Most of these things pass in 24-48 hours so hopefully you're over the worst of it.

Sounds awful, sorry. We had the same thing last year pre-covid and made the mistake of asking my parents to come and help and they then came down with it, so I regretted that. The pp is right that they usually pass quickly and kids typically recover quite quickly, so once your little one is back to nursery or whatever then maybe take longer to recover than you might normally to allow your stomach muscles to repair and build back a bit of strength through a few days of eating and drinking. Sending sympathy.

Hi, I had this at 26 weeks and it was absolutely horrific. I caught it from my toddler. I couldn't eat/drink for 3 days but baby was absolutely fine and he's 3 months old and smiling as I type.

If you're worried, check in with midwives after 48 hours or give them a call in the mean time. They can listen in to baby's heart to give you some reassurance

Oh god I have this atm. Was just coming on for some tips. Am 24 weeks pregnant, thankfully no kids to take care of. You’re a superstar for managing that. I’ve just eaten my first thing since last night, hope it stays down!

I’ve got this at 36 weeks pregnant, caught from my toddler.

It’s horrendous, so I feel your pain. My mum has taken my toddler today as he’s not been ill since Friday morning, so hopefully she won’t catch it!

I got it at 26 weeks and the stomach pains from vomiting so violently were so bad I thought I was going into early labour. I was physically shaking it was horrendous. You have my sympathies, do whatever you have to do to get through it, tv, iPad whatever!

Thanks for your advice. Ice lollies is a good tip. None in at the moment but I’ll try to get someone to drop some to our doorstep tomorrow. Our toddler has watched CBeebies for two days straight. I feel kind of guilty about it but there’s just honestly nothing else we could do. I could punch the Teletubbies though. 😂 She’s in better form and ate a small portion of plain pasta this evening. She did then have a nappy leak all over me/my hall/the stairs/the landing/her bedroom but hey. I’m hoping she’s at least turning a corner because that’d be one worry sorted. I couldn’t send her to creche tomorrow, but if she’s ok tomorrow she could maybe go in on Tuesday, idk. I’ve already told work I won’t be working tomorrow at least. Husband has gone downhill fast, grey and increasingly unhelpful in typical man with illness fashion. For me I think the stomach pains and fear are the worst part. I did speak to a midwife and was told to come in if I don’t pass urine for more than 8 hours, or if the pains feel like contractions (can be kind of hard to tell though because cramps are cramps, but I think these feel different) or if there’s any bleeding. Baby still moving at least. Sorry for everyone else who has gone or is going through this. I know it’s fairly minor in the grand scheme but it’s honesty the worst I’ve ever felt.

Oh that sounds horrendous! You poor thing. I had norovirus early 2020 and managed to give myself a black eye by fainting mid-vomit and bashing my head on the toilet bowl. I wasn't even pregnant and it got me crawling from the sofa to the toilet as I wasn't able to stand up. Brutal illness! It lasted 5 hours and those were the worst 5 hours of my life.

Grab some probiotic yog drinks to try and balance your gut bacteria- not sure if the science is true but we had the same back when I was in first trimester ( sending solidarity!) and 8 felt they helped a bit. Hang in there and definitely take extra time to recover once baby is back in nursery- they bounce back quicker than us!