What is it? The norovirus group of viruses are the most common
cause of gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, in the UK. It’s also
known as the winter vomiting bug, but you can get it any time of
year. Pregnant women, young children and the elderly are
particularly vulnerable. How do you catch it? Through contact
with an infected person, by touching something which has the
virus on it, or by coming into contact with infected food. What
are the symptoms? Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and sometimes a
fever, headache, stomach cramps and aching limbs. Diarrhoea may
cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can be
serious. Can it affect my baby? Noroviruses do not directly
affect your unborn baby. However, if you suffer from dehydration
and electrolyte imbalance, this can put you at risk of
developing urinary tract infections and, in the worst case
scenario, going into premature labour. What can I do? First of
all, you need to call your GP and tell them you are pregnant and
experiencing symptoms of gastroenteri