From the Guidelines
The rate of spontaneous abortion in women with viral gastroenteritis during the first trimester of pregnancy is likely low or nonexistent, as the viral agents of gastroenteritis do not pose a particular threat to pregnancy. According to the study by 1, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance from any cause can pose a risk to pregnancy, but there is no evidence to suggest that viral gastroenteritis constitutes a specific threat. The study notes that viremic states from these agents are not known to occur in humans, and thus the risk of transplacental exposure, fetal demise, or malformation is probably low or nonexistent.
Key points to consider in managing viral gastroenteritis during pregnancy include:
- Supportive care with oral rehydration using electrolyte solutions
- Small, frequent meals of bland foods
- Acetaminophen (up to 650mg every 6 hours) for fever control, as high fever (above 102°F/39°C) may potentially increase risks
- Monitoring for signs of dehydration, such as inability to keep fluids down for 24 hours, and seeking immediate medical attention if severe symptoms occur
It is essential to prioritize preventing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, rather than direct fetal harm from the viral infection itself, as the primary concern with gastroenteritis during pregnancy. The baseline miscarriage rate in clinically recognized pregnancies is approximately 10-20%, and viral gastroenteritis is not directly linked to pregnancy loss, as noted in the study by 1.
From the Research
Spontaneous Abortion in Women with Viral Gastroenteritis
- The provided studies do not directly address the rate of spontaneous abortion in women with viral gastroenteritis during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- However, study 2 investigated the risk of early miscarriage in women with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first trimester and found that the rate of early miscarriage was 14% in the 'presumed infected' group.
- Study 3 reported an overall rate of miscarriage of 14.3% among women with threatened miscarriage, with older women having a significantly higher rate of miscarriage.
- Study 4 found that 43% of parous women reported having had one or more first trimester spontaneous miscarriages, with the rate rising to 81% among women with 11 or more living children.
- Study 5 compared the clinical and psychological outcomes of surgical, medical, and expectant management of first-trimester miscarriage, but did not provide information on the rate of spontaneous abortion in women with viral gastroenteritis.
- Study 6 reported a decline in the annual incidence of registry-identified miscarriage in Finland between 1998 and 2016, with non-surgical management becoming the dominant treatment.
Key Findings
- The rate of spontaneous abortion in women with viral gastroenteritis during the first trimester of pregnancy is not directly addressed in the provided studies.
- However, the studies suggest that the rate of miscarriage can vary depending on factors such as maternal age, parity, and the presence of underlying medical conditions.
- Further research is needed to investigate the specific risk of spontaneous abortion in women with viral gastroenteritis during the first trimester of pregnancy, as cited in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.