A Midwife’s Guide to Pregnancy, Fevers, and the Stomach Bug
If it feels like everyone around you is sick right now, you aren’t imagining things. This year is shaping up to be a tough one for immune systems. At the Santa Clarita Birth Center, our phones have been ringing off the hook with the same urgent questions:
- “I’m pregnant and I have a fever. Is the baby okay?”
- “Can I take anything for this?”
- “I’m breastfeeding and sick. Should I stop feeding the baby?”
When you are pregnant, getting sick isn’t just physically draining. It is also emotionally stressful. You worry about every symptom.
To help you navigate this “sick season,” our founder Renee Sicignano, LM, CPM, IBCLC, is breaking down the safety guidelines for the flu, the stomach virus, and everything in between.
The Two Main Culprits: The Flu vs. “The Barfing Thing”
Right now, we are seeing a “one-two punch” of illnesses circulating.
- The Flu (Influenza): This is a respiratory virus. It presents with high fever, body aches, and heavy congestion.
- The Stomach Virus: Renee calls this “the barfing thing.” It is highly contagious and distinct from the flu. It often involves vomiting every 30 minutes for about 12 hours and can take down an entire family like dominoes.
While they are different viruses, the management strategy for pregnancy is similar: Hydration and Temperature Control.
The #1 Rule: Manage Your Fever
If you are pregnant, your main priority is keeping your body temperature regulated.
While fevers are generally beneficial for non-pregnant adults because they help kill the virus, we do not want a sustained high fever during pregnancy.
- The Danger Zone: A sustained fever above 100.4°F can cause the baby’s heart rate to rise and generally “heats up” the environment inside the womb.
- The Solution: It is appropriate to use Tylenol to keep your fever down.
- Myth Buster: You can take a warm bath to soothe your aches, but avoid jacuzzis or hot tubs, which can raise your core body temperature to unsafe levels (102°F+).
Natural Remedies: What is Safe?
Many moms in our community prefer to start with natural support. Here is the “Midwife Menu” of what is generally safe across all trimesters:
- Hydration (The Big One): Dehydration can cause preterm labor, especially in the third trimester. If you can’t keep water down, sip bone broth or water just one teaspoon at a time every 15 minutes.
- Oscillococcinum: This homeopathic remedy (look for the blue tube at pharmacies) is safe in any trimester. It is most effective if taken at the very first sign of illness.
- Elderberry Syrup: Safe for pregnancy and helps boost the immune system.
- Garlic & Lemon Tea: Renee recommends chopping a clove of raw garlic and steeping it in hot water with lemon juice and honey. Garlic is naturally antibacterial and antiviral.
- Herbs to Avoid: Be cautious with immune blends containing Astragalus during the first and second trimesters.
The Medical Route: Vaccines & Tamiflu
- The Flu Shot: The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for all pregnant women. However, at SCV Birth Center, we view this as a personal choice and encourage you to weigh the effectiveness of the current year’s vaccine against your own health history.
- Tamiflu: This antiviral drug can shorten the duration of the flu. In pregnancy, it is a Category C drug, meaning we don’t fully know its safety profile. It is generally used when the benefits outweigh the risks, such as for mothers with asthma or risk of pneumonia. Always consult your care provider.
The Breastfeeding Question: “Should I Stop?”
As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Renee is adamant about this: DO NOT stop breastfeeding if you have the flu.
If you are sick, your body is producing specific antibodies to fight that exact virus. By breastfeeding, you are passing those super-charged antibodies directly to your baby to actively protect them.
- Safety Note: If you are taking Tamiflu, it is generally considered safe for breastfeeding, as the molecule is too large to pass into breastmilk in significant amounts.
- A Note on Garlic: If you are using “Fire Cider” or heavy garlic remedies, be aware that some babies may get gassy or fussy from the taste changes in your milk.
Prevention: Build Your Shield
The best offense is a good defense. To keep your immune system strong during the 2026 season:
- Vitamin C: Up to 3,000mg daily is generally safe. It is water-soluble, so your body flushes out the excess.
- Zinc: A great immune booster for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Rest: If you feel something coming on, don’t push through. Go to bed.
Stay hydrated, wash your hands, and hang in there, mamas. This season will pass!
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your midwife or doctor before starting new supplements or medications.
Santa Clarita Birth Center (661) 254-3000