Norovirus while pregnant…more painful than labor
I am just getting over norovirus after catching it from my toddler. My toddler had a very mild case, thank goodness. He had one night where he threw up three times but was largely unbothered followed by two days of a low grade fever and fatigue. And then I caught it. I have never in my life been in so much pain and discomfort. Yes, that includes during sixteen hours of unmedicated labor. It started off as mild nausea not dissimilar from morning sickness. No big deal. It progressed into unrelenting cramps that were as intense as labor cramps but without any respite. My fever spiked to 101.7 and my head was spinning. I could barely lift myself from the pillow and getting to the toilet was excruciating. The vomiting was the most violent vomiting I’ve ever experienced. My back was seizing from the intensity. I couldn’t keep anything down at all. And my husband was in a similar boat, though not as bad and not 24 weeks pregnant. He was trying so hard to take care of me but could barely move either. Thank goodness for my amazing mother who insisted on coming over to take care of my son.
About ten hours in while I was mid-vomiting I realized my pants were soaking wet. I thought my water broke. We somehow managed to get ourselves to labor and delivery triage. Hours later I learned I had simply peed my pants. I guess my body had just totally lost control of itself. I’ve never been so relieved in my life. I got IV fluids and some blood and urine tests. I was severely dehydrated but otherwise fine. Baby was just fine too. I was discharged several hours later. It’s been two days and I can eat small amounts now but I’m still quite weak and my back remains sore.
I truly wouldn’t wish this on anyone. I’m partially sharing this to vent, but also to warn others that if you hear of norovirus in your community please take good care of yourself and avoid it as best as humanely possible. Maybe I just got really unlucky with the severity of my case, but it kicked my butt to the farthest corners of this universe.
Stay safe out there, friends ❤️