Rotavirus during pregnancy: features of treatment, prevention and possible consequences

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Rotavirus during pregnancy is not uncommon. Of course, the expectant mother should take care of herself, but this possibility cannot be completely ruled out. Therefore, today we will talk about the main ways of infection, the features of prevention and treatment of expectant mothers. I would like to immediately reassure women: rotavirus does not pose a danger to the fetus, and with a competent approach, it is treated quickly enough.

General Description

Intestinal flu, or rotavirus, during pregnancy develops according to its classical pattern. This is an infectious disease that is caused by a viral pathogen. The disease is very insidious and highly contagious. It affects the intestines and leads to severe diarrhea. The very name of the virus sometimes surprises the layman, because its effect does not extend to the oral cavity. In fact, it comes from the Latin rota, which means wheel. The shape of the carrier under the microscope is very reminiscent of it.

Pathogen

A person must at leastin general terms to know what his body had to face. Rotavirus during pregnancy develops quite acutely, so the sooner you diagnose and prescribe competent treatment, the better for you.

The causative agent is a member of the Reoviridae family, each of which has a similar antigenic structure. They were discovered relatively recently. Only in 1973, doctors discovered it when examining the contents of the small intestine. Since then, a systematic study of these pathogens has begun.

Source of infection

How does rotavirus develop during pregnancy? The answer to the question will give us information on how to protect ourselves from this disease. The fetus in the mother's womb does not suffer, but the consequences of infection can indirectly affect it.

The source of infection is the same for everyone, pregnancy does not make any adjustments. However, forewarned is forearmed. The main source of infection is the contact-household route. Let's look at the most common transmission methods:

• Contact with a sick person. While the incubation period lasts, it is almost impossible to determine that he is infected.
• When eating low-quality products, poorly washed vegetables and fruits, as well as water from dubious sources. Therefore, a pregnant woman needs to carefully monitor what she eats.
• Through contaminated surfaces.
• Dirty hands.

Mechanism of infection

How does rotavirus develop? It's stillone key to how to protect yourself. The scheme is classical, rotavirus is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Once in the body, viruses multiply rapidly. The incubation period in a pregnant woman lasts 1-2 days, after which pathogens begin to be released along with the feces. They are easily spread by household means and begin their activity in a new organism. Therefore, if a case of infection has already been noticed in the family, it is necessary to observe an increased caution regime, disinfect the bathroom and wash hands thoroughly.

Diagnosis of disease

Rotavirus during pregnancy is carried in a mild form, the natural defense mechanisms of the expectant mother work. However, all the classic symptoms are observed. If you notice some of the above signs in yourself, then you should definitely consult a doctor, because only an experienced specialist who will weigh the pros and cons should choose the method of treatment. So the symptoms are:

• Watery diarrhea every hour. The disease itself is not dangerous for the fetus, but provokes severe dehydration of the mother, so this condition requires correction.
• Heat temperature.
• Profuse vomiting.

In the most severe cases, there may be a strong palpitation. It is not difficult to diagnose the disease, however, to complete the picture, it is necessary to take into account the totality of symptoms and the results of a fecal analysis.

Peculiarities of diagnosis and treatment in the first trimester

Sometimes it is difficult to identify rotavirus earlypregnancy. The expectant mother at this time often does not yet visit a doctor, and writes off vomiting and diarrhea as a manifestation of toxicosis. There is no treatment and medical control, which can lead to disastrous consequences for the mother's body. The other extreme is self-administration of medications, most often antibiotics, which is also strictly prohibited.

Your actions

What to do if you suspect rotavirus during pregnancy? How to treat this disease? These are questions that should be asked of your doctor. Therefore, be sure to ask for help in time. Only a specialist can prescribe the correct recommendations and treatment. If the situation is difficult, then hospitalization is possible. In fact, even with a mild form of rotavirus, it is advisable to go to the hospital. Here the patient is isolated, provided with separate utensils and care. A sick pregnant woman needs rest and comfortable conditions. Carrying the virus on your feet is highly undesirable so as not to lose strength.

How dangerous is the intestinal flu

At first glance, rotavirus does not pose any threat to the mother and fetus during pregnancy. The consequences are reduced to minor inconvenience, pain in the abdomen and bed rest. Viruses do not cross the placental barrier and cannot harm the baby. Only possible dehydration is dangerous, which is natural with high fever, vomiting and diarrhea. This is a highly undesirable state. With dehydration, the fetus suffers from hypoxia, and the mother's body can decide on an extreme measure, that isinduce premature birth. However, properly selected treatment and compliance with all the recommendations of the doctor will allow you to completely remove the symptoms in just 2-3 days. On the fifth comes recovery.

Treatment of a pregnant woman

The main difficulty is that most drugs can harm the fetus, and therefore should not be used. It is especially difficult for a doctor to make an appointment when rotavirus occurs in the first trimester. During pregnancy, treatment should be as safe as possible. In the first 12 weeks, medication is strictly prohibited. An expectant mother should not even take herbal preparations on her own without first consulting a doctor.

The second and third trimesters of pregnancy differ in that the placental barrier works at this time. Therefore, the list of approved drugs is much longer. The treatment regimen primarily includes drinks designed to restore the water-s alt balance. It can be "Rehydron" or just drink plenty of water. You can use fruit drinks and mineral water without gas, compotes. You need to drink often and in small sips so as not to provoke vomiting.

Additionally, adsorbent preparations are prescribed, most often "Smekta". It is recommended to take Linex capsules or Hilak Forte solution to restore bowel function.

Prevention

Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Therefore, especially during pregnancy, you need to wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet, riding public transport and stayingin crowded places. Do not forget to carefully process vegetables and fruits with hot water. Drink boiled water and regularly wet clean the room.