Definition – What does a Norovirus infection in pregnancy mean?
Noroviruses are globally spread pathogens that frequently cause gastrointestinal infections, especially in the colder season (October to March). Both children and adults can fall ill with so-called gastroenteritis, i.e. gastro-enteritis caused by noroviruses. The transmission occurs from person to person. A norovirus infection during pregnancy does not progress much differently than in non-pregnant women. However, since the body is already additionally challenged by the existing pregnancy, the disease can be particularly stressful for pregnant women and some essential measures must be taken to avoid endangering the child’s well-being.
What are the known risks for my baby?
If a pregnant woman becomes infected with noroviruses, this causes worries and fears. This is all too understandable, but is not necessary in principle. Noroviruses do not pose a direct risk to the unborn child.
This means that the infection cannot pass on to the child. There is therefore no risk that the unborn child will become infected with the viruses and fall ill itself. However, there are indirect risks for the unborn child that can arise from the fact that the body of the pregnant woman is burdened by the norovirus infection.
What are the indirect risks for my child?
If a pregnant woman becomes infected with noroviruses, there is no direct danger to the child, as the viruses are not transmitted to the child. However, there are indirect dangers. The body of a pregnant woman has more tasks to perform than that of a non-pregnant woman.
An infection – no matter what kind – can therefore more quickly lead to the body being overwhelmed. An infection with noroviruses leads to gastrointestinal problems, which in most cases manifest themselves as severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Repeated vomiting and diarrhoea carry the risk of developing dehydration desiccosis (dehydration-exsiccosis). This risk is even higher in pregnant women, as the unborn child must also be supplied with sufficient fluids and nutrients. The greatest risk in a pregnant woman infected with noroviruses is therefore the lack of fluid, which can have a negative effect on the unborn child.
