The vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps that come with a stomach bug magnify the symptoms you already feel from your pregnancy. Keeping your body strong and healthy helps prevent contagious illnesses like gastroenterisis, the medical term for many stomach bugs. Reducing your exposure to germs also helps reduce the risk of catching a stomach virus. If you do become infected, focus on hydration and rest to help your body fight off the virus for a faster recovery.
Step 1
Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching any part of your face or eating and preparing food. Wash the hard surfaces of your home to remove germs that make it into the house. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Instead, use a nontoxic cleaner or homemade solution of vinegar and water.
Step 2
Limit contact with people who are infected with a stomach bug. Avoid crowded locations if a virus is actively circulating in the community.
Step 3
Let someone else care for other members in the family who become sick with the stomach flu. Avoid direct contact as much as possible if someone in the household is sick. Disinfect frequently to avoid catching the stomach bug yourself.
Step 4
Skip the community snacks at the office, especially with items like bowls of candy that people reach into with their hands. Pack your own snacks to avoid the temptation and to keep your body and baby nourished.
Step 5
Keep yourself healthy by eating a variety of foods high in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits and vegetables. Engage in a low-impact form of exercise that is safe during pregnancy, such as walking, yoga or swimming.
Step 6
Rest throughout the day and get a full night's sleep so your immune system isn't worn down. Most pregnant women already feel fatigue, so the rest also helps with that.
Step 7
Contact your prenatal care provider if you catch a stomach bug and don't start getting better after 48 hours, or if you have a high fever.
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