Can the flu be dangerous during pregnancy?

[alaysha]

So last night while at work I suddenly started feeling super sick. I ended up going home and within an hour of being there I started vomiting. At first it was maybe every hour and then after about 2 hours it was literally like every 3 minutes. I couldn't keep anything down not even water. I would vomit so hard that it would come out my nose. I also had diarrah that was like water. TMI I know. My back would kill me every single time I ended up throwing up. This started at 7;30 last night and now it is 3:30 pm and I just now actually ate a saltine cracker since I haven't thrown up water in 4 hours. I'm almost 23 weeks pregnant and I feel her move all the time but today I haven't felt really anything. There was a time I was getting stomach cramps and thought it may be her but I'm unsure. Do you think having the flu can be dangerous for baby and how long should I wait before I freak about not feeling her move?

[NicoleCherie]

Your back may hurt from the constant puking. You may have pulled a muscle. Drink sierra mist or sprite or gatorade. Water will make you vomit more. Never did understand why. Sprite works best for me. One day of pop won't hurt baby. its better than multiple days of water and puking.

Sprite/gatorade, crackers, toast, applesauce or soup. Give that a try for 12-24 hours. You should feel better quick. Those help stop vomiting and diarrhea quickly.
Watch your temp.
Cramps are normal when vomiting excessively from the quick movements.
You probably havent felt baby move as much due to all the movement you've been doing from puking and diarrhea. Check babys movements again after you stop getting sick for an hour or so. If baby doesn't move within a few hours call your doctor and ask if he wants you to go in or wait it out.

I'm sure everything will be okay. Everyone gets sick once in awhile. I wouldn't be too concerned unless it continues severely after your partial liquid 24 hour diet.

[mommabear745]

I am 32 weeks pregnant and 42 years of age. I have the stomach flu or some sort of stomach virus. I have been vomiting and having constant liquid dirreaha {sorry about the graphicness of the last comment}. I am concerned about the babies well being. I have been pregnant before but never pregnant with the flu so I am not sure if this could be harmful to the baby. Please any advice will be much appreciated.

[alaysha]

I'm pretty sure its the stomach flu since my babysitters daughter had it Sunday, Aspen had it Monday and she had it Tuesday. I don't have a fever or anything but I feel extrememly thirsty. I just tried chewing on some ice and I can feel baby a little bit now but my back is doing that cramping thing again. Ugh. This is the worst.

[spade22]

The "flu" can be very dangerous, even deadly during pregnancy.

The symptoms you describe are not indicative of the flu - sounds like a gastrointestinal issue (food poisoning, viral/bacterial infection etc) which is entirely different from what is classified as the flu.  In any case, this can also be dangerous during pregnancy.

It would be best for you to call your doctor for advice.  Its important to make sure you aren't dehydrated which can lead to complications during pregnancy and its possible you might have a bug that requires treatment.

[JoyRenee]

I had the flu around the same time in my pregnancy with my firstborn. I, too, didn't feel her move. The nurse on the phone told me I needed to get fluids in me and sure enough baby started moving away!

[mom2ariana]

i wouldn't worry too much about the vomiting as much as you need to monitor your temperature. if it's too high it's dangerous for the baby.
as far as her moving right now, at 23 weeks the baby is still relatively small and you won't be able to feel some movements based on her position. that is why doctor's don't suggest kick counts typically until 28 weeks. baby movement is not too much of a concern at 23 weeks. IF you get to where you haven't felt her in say 24-48 hours then i would call but other than that don't worry.

with all that said you may not have the flu and vomiting and diarrhea could indicate food poisoning which is very dangerous for your baby. listeria can pass to the baby and cause miscarriage and stillbirth. you might want to place a call in to your ob if you think its possible you have food poisoning. otherwise as long as your temp stays down don't worry. :)
prayers and hope you get to feelin better!!

[BTS1022]

I will be honest, I didnt read your whole post...making dinner. I believe it's only dangerous if you cannot keep down fluids and stay hydrated. As far as how long it should be until you freak over not feeling the baby move, I would say at 23 weeks I wouldnt wait no longer than 4-5 hours but I freak out over minor stuff all the time. You know her normal movements and how active she usually is, and if that changes at all in a dramatic way, I would call your OB.