Diet To Treat Gastroenteritis In Pregnancy
Diet plays an important role in treating gastroenteritis in pregnancy. An adequate diet can help alleviate the effects that symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, typical of this condition, produce.
Although this condition can affect anyone, in the case of pregnant women it requires immediate intervention. When not treated in a timely manner, it carries risks for both mother and fetus. What must be considered?
Gastroenteritis in pregnancy
Gastroenteritis, especially that which occurs acutely, is a major health problem in pregnant women. It can be caused by an infection by bacteria, parasites, and enteropathogenic viruses. However, there is a lower percentage of cases due to non-infectious causes, such as Crohn’s disease.
Although there are different organisms that can produce it, in all cases the signs and symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, cramps and abdominal pain, which triggers a significant loss of water and mineral salts. In addition, it causes reduction or absence or hunger.
Because of this, when the pregnant woman goes through an episode of gastroenteritis, she must follow a proper diet. Thus, the diet should be aimed at stopping the loss of fluids, replenishing mineral salts and improving the associated symptoms.
It should be noted that, in most cases, it is not necessary to use drugs. However, if necessary, they are administered with the supervision of the professional.
What is the diet to treat gastroenteritis?
When it comes to diet, nutrition professionals suggest that it is best to follow an astringent-type diet. Although it is a valid recommendation for anyone with this disease, it is ideal that it be planned by a professional in the case of pregnancy.
The doctor or nutritionist can guide you towards adequate nutrition based on the requirements of this stage. In addition, it helps to determine which foods may be heavy or inappropriate for this condition.
Characteristics of the astringent diet
- Low in insoluble fiber.
- Low in fat
- Without lactose.
- No irritating or gas-producing foods and bloating.
Foods for the astringent diet
- Rice, thin rolled noodles and polenta.
- White bread.
- Clear tea, such as chamomile, herbs, boldo.
- Abundant amount of water (without exceeding it).
- Pumpkin or carrot.
- Lean meat, which is cooked without the skin and steamed or boiled.
- Soft, low-fat cheeses.
- Apple puree.
- Oil, just for seasoning.
- Egg white, in various preparations.
Foods to avoid
It is important to avoid foods that produce bloating or gas, such as the following:
- Milk, since lactose is not tolerated.
- Soda and sugary drinks, such as sodas or commercial juices.
- Legumes, which in addition to fiber, are highly fermentable and cause indigestion.
- Vegetables like asparagus, cabbage, and onion.
- Potatoes, sweet potatoes and corn, which are highly fermentable.
- Garlic.
- Whole egg.
General recommendations
- Avoid large meals, it is preferable to consume a small amount and several times a day. Ideally, divide them into 6 shots (breakfast, mid-morning, lunch, snack, dinner and something before going to bed).
- Eat slow.
- Rest sitting up to half an hour after the main meals.
- Drink liquids in small amounts, adjusting the amount ingested to the amount lost with bowel movements.
- Do not eat food that is neither very cold nor very hot.
- Carry out simple cooking (boiled, in its juice, grilled, steamed or baked).
- Season the dishes with salt and mild herbs.
Reintroduction of food after gastroenteritis
The astringent diet should be maintained until the symptoms cease, and the foods that are restricted can be introduced little by little according to the tolerance of each one. The most important thing is to do it progressively, so that it does not irritate the intestine.
Gastroenteritis in pregnancy: what to remember?
In case of gastroenteritis in pregnancy, it is important to see a doctor and avoid self-medication. A bad intervention in these cases can lead to complications for both your own health and that of the baby.
In general, it is enough to follow the recommendations of the diet to manage the sequelae caused by vomiting and diarrhea. However, sometimes certain medications may be necessary that should only be prescribed by the doctor.
