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

Rotavirus during pregnancy is not a rare occurrence. Of course, the future mother should take care of herself, but you can not completely exclude this possibility. Therefore, today we will tell you about the main ways of infection, the features of prevention and treatment of expectant mothers. I would like to immediately calm women: there is no danger to the fetus of rotavirus, but with a competent approach it is treated quite quickly.

general description

Intestinal flu, or rotavirus, during pregnancy develops according to its classical pattern. It 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 came from the Latin rota, that is, the wheel. The shape of the carrier under the microscope very much resembles it.

Causal agent

A person should, at least in general terms, know what his body had to face. Rotavirus during pregnancy develops quite sharply, so the sooner the diagnosis and the appointment of a competent treatment, the better for you.

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

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 ailment. The fetus does not suffer from the mother's womb, but the consequences of infection can indirectly affect it.

The source of infection is one for all, pregnancy does not make any adjustments. However, warned - it means armed. The main source of infection is the contact-household way. Let's consider the most common methods of transmission:

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

The mechanism of infection

How does rotavirus develop? This is another key to how to protect yourself. The scheme is classical, transferred rotavirus fecal-oral route. Once in the body, the viruses multiply rapidly. The incubation period in a pregnant woman lasts 1-2 days, after which, together with the feces, the pathogens begin to separate. They are easily spread by the household way and start their activity in a new organism. Therefore, if a family has already seen a case of infection, it is necessary to observe the regime of increased caution, disinfect the bathroom and wash hands thoroughly.

Diagnosis of the disease

Rotavirus during pregnancy is transferred in mild form, natural mechanisms of protection of the future mother are triggered. However, all the classic symptoms are observed. If you notice some of the signs listed, you should always consult a doctor, as only an experienced specialist who will weigh up the pros and cons will have to choose the method of treatment. So, the symptoms:

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

In severe cases, a strong palpitation may occur. It is not difficult to diagnose the disease, however, for the sake of completeness, the combination of symptoms and the results of the stool analysis must be taken into account.

Features of diagnosis and treatment in the first trimester

It is sometimes difficult to identify rotavirus in early pregnancy. The future mother at this time often does not visit the doctor, and vomiting and diarrhea writes off to the manifestation of toxicosis. Treatment and medical control is absent, which can lead to disastrous consequences for the mother's body. The other extreme is the self-administration of medications, most often antibiotics, which is also strictly prohibited.

Your actions

What if you suspect rotavirus during pregnancy? How to treat this ailment? These are questions that should be asked by your doctor. So be sure to ask for help on time. Only a specialist can prescribe the right recommendations and treatment. If the situation is complicated, then hospitalization is possible. In fact, even with a mild form of rotavirus, it is advisable to go to a hospital. Here the patient is isolated, she will be provided with separate dishes and care. An ill pregnant woman needs rest and comfortable conditions. It is extremely undesirable to carry the virus on your feet, so as not to lose strength.

What is dangerous intestinal flu

At first glance, no threat to the mother and fetus is borne by rotavirus during pregnancy. The consequences are reduced to minor inconveniences, painful sensations in the abdomen and bed rest. Viruses do not penetrate the placental barrier and can not harm the crumbs. It is dangerous only possible dehydration, which is natural at high temperature, vomiting and diarrhea. This is an extremely undesirable condition. When dehydrated, the fetus suffers from hypoxia, and the mother organism can decide on an extreme measure, that is, provoke premature birth. However, correctly selected treatment and observance of all the recommendations of the doctor will completely remove the symptoms in 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 happens in the first trimester. At pregnancy treatment should be as much as possible safe. In the first 12 weeks, medication is strictly prohibited. A future mother should not take herbal supplements on her own without first consulting a doctor.

The second and third trimesters of pregnancy are different in that at this time the placental barrier works. Therefore, the list of approved drugs is much broader. The treatment regimen primarily includes drinks designed to restore the water-salt balance. It can be "Regidron" or simply a plentiful drink. You can drink fruit and mineral water without gas, compotes. Drink often and in small sips, so as not to provoke vomiting.

Additionally, adsorption drugs are prescribed, most often Smecta. It is recommended to take capsules "Linex" or solution "Hilak Forte" to restore bowel function.

Prevention

Any disease is easier to prevent than treat. Therefore, especially during pregnancy, you should carefully wash your hands after going to the toilet, driving public transport and staying in places of large crowds. Do not forget to carefully treat vegetables and fruits with hot water. Use boiled water and regularly perform a wet cleaning of the room.