How long can I go without eating before worrying about harm to the baby?

[MyZymurgy]

I either have a bad case of the flu or food poisoning. Vomiting and diarrhea for two days now. I couldn't keep fluids down so I went to the hospital for IV rehydration (I was having contrations, which finally stopped with IV rehydration).

Today, about 48 hours after this all started, I am finally able to keep down small amounts of fluid. No food yet, though... and I don't really feel close to ready for that. Hopefully I can manage some saltines tomorrow, but who knows.

I'm 33 weeks along. Baby is kicking and seems oblivous to all of this, even though I've lost 8 lbs in two days.

Again, I don't know when I'll be able to start eating again. So I am wondering if anyone knows how long I can safely go without eating before it might effect the baby. If it is a concern, I'll try to start pushing myself to eat ASAP - but I can't promise it'll stay down. Fluids are a bigger concern than food - right?

Thanks...

[MaerynPearl]

yes, and if at all possible include some fluids that do have nutritional value.

likely though baby will be fine for as long as this goes on... some women have morning sickness throughout their pregnancy so bad they can only eat little bits here and there and are fine... as long as what you do eat is not completely void of nutrition... your body will take care of your little one.

[at_the_hip]

real fruit popsicles and chicken broth come to mind immediately... I would also try coconut water (not coconut milk, the water is a great rehydration drink) and drink some Emergen-C (I do half a packet at a time, in a big glass of water while pg). The latter really perks me up after being sick like that.

I am SOOO sorry that you had a stomach illness...that is truly the worst, and even moreso when pg! Feel better!

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

When I was pg with dd I couldnt eat. In the beginning it was because of m/s but then in the second and third tri I just could not make myself want food. I ate very little and only gained 4pds the whole pg dd. DD was born at a very healthy 7p 11oz with no issues.

[Realrellim]

The biggest thing you want to avoid is ketones and dehydration. Chicken broth or veggie broth, gatorade-type drinks, etc, are good choices for now.

You might also consider calling your dr or midwife and asking for a small prescription for phenergen or zofran to help you recover if you're worried about more food coming back up, and just to see what their guidelines are for stomach bugs. In all likelihood, baby is fine. They take what they need.

Hope you feel better soon. Stomach bugs are the worst thing ever.

[artemis33]

Originally Posted by at_the_hip

real fruit popsicles and chicken broth come to mind immediately... I would also try coconut water (not coconut milk, the water is a great rehydration drink) and drink some Emergen-C (I do half a packet at a time, in a big glass of water while pg). The latter really perks me up after being sick like that.

These were just the things I was going to suggest (though I didn't think of the fruit popsicles - good idea and I'm putting those on my 'for labor' list!)

Hope you are better fast!

[MyZymurgy]

Thanks for the advise, everyone!!! So far, I've been lucky to keep down water. I'll take your advice, though, and try to get some liquids with nutrition in them. As of this morning, I've now lost almost ten pounds. Yikes!

The upside of all of this is that my swelling has disappeared. LOL!

I'm seeing my doctor today to check in on my little girl and make sure she is getting through all of this OK. She been kicking me (in the stomach of course) all morning, so I feel pretty confident that she is doing OK.

This can't last much longer... right??

[Lilyoftheincas13]

Right! This too, shall pass.

[BlackSheepPDX]

You might find that something with a little nutrition actually stays down better than water at this point. Pedialyte and Recharge are good options. I dilute my recharge most of the time anyway.

[MaerynPearl]

Originally Posted by BlackSheepPDX

You might find that something with a little nutrition actually stays down better than water at this point. Pedialyte and Recharge are good options. I dilute my recharge most of the time anyway.

when I feel sick I can keep down a popsicle or other drink easier than water.