How to Treat Meningitis Naturally during Pregnancy

 

How do you treat meningitis during pregnancy? Meningitis occurs when the membranes around the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. This inflammation will usually result in a fever, headache, and/or stiff neck. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can all cause brain infections resulting in meningitis. It is also possible to develop meningitis through non-infectious means such as cancer, SLE (lupus), and brain injury.

Below you will find information on bacterial and viral meningitis since these are the most commonly experienced types of meningitis.

How to Prevent Meningitis While Pregnant

For meningitis, prevention is the best course of action. Depending on the cause of meningitis, there are different measures you can take to avoid its development.
A couple of types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to developing meningitis from a Listeria infection.
In order to prevent an infection from Listeria, also called listeriosis, you can follow these tips:

  • Avoid hot dogs and deli meats such as ham, turkey, and salami, unless they have been heated to the point of steaming.
  • Avoid soft cheeses unless you are absolutely sure they have been prepared with pasteurized milk.
  • Avoid all refrigerated meat spreads.
  • Avoid refrigerated smoked seafood unless it is part of a cooked casserole that has been heated all the way through.
  • Avoid unpasteurized milk.
  • Make sure to avoid cross-contamination of hot dogs and deli meats with anything else in your kitchen, and wash your hands thoroughly after touching them.
  • Eat refrigerated, prepared foods as quickly as possible.
  • Make sure your refrigerator is at 40°F or lower at all times.
  • Clean your refrigerator and kitchen periodically.

While bacterial meningitis is typically more serious, viral meningitis is the most prevalent form of meningitis. In order to prevent viral meningitis, it is advised to follow typical procedures for preventing the flu.
These procedures include washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, avoiding contact with those infected, and cleaning touched surfaces regularly.
These procedures include washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, avoiding contact with those infected, and cleaning touched surfaces regularly.
Although not natural, getting vaccinated against some of the viruses that can cause viral meningitis, if safe during pregnancy, can reduce your risk of developing it. Consult your
Consult your health care provider on what vaccines would be appropriate for you during your pregnancy.

How to Treat Meningitis Naturally during Pregnancy

Unfortunately, there are no natural remedies for treating bacterial meningitis.  This will require intervention from your healthcare provider. Viral meningitis is a different story. Coming in contact with someone with viral meningitis may result in you contracting the virus, but it is unlikely you will develop meningitis as a result. If you do develop meningitis from a viral infection, it is likely you will recuperate on your own after plenty of bed rest and fluids.

How to Treat Meningitis during Pregnancy when Naturally Doesn’t Work

Unfortunately, as meningitis can be attributed to a variety of causes, it is best to seek out your doctor for treatment.  Treatment may vary depending on the cause of your meningitis.

For bacterial meningitis, it is imperative that your doctor starts treatment promptly as infection can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, early delivery, infection in your infant, or even maternal death. Your doctor will likely treat your infection with IV antibiotics and a cortisone medication. As you are pregnant, they will have to determine which antibiotic will be best to administer. In addition, draining infected sinuses and mastoids may be required.

If you suspect you may have meningitis due to a virus, it is also important to contact your doctor. If your meningitis was caused by herpes or influenza, they may want to prescribe an antiviral medication.
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Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (December 1, 2011). Listeriosis (Listeria) and Pregnancy.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (December 26, 2014).Meningitis.

https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.html

3. Mayo Clinic. (March 19, 2013). Diseases and Conditions: Meningitis

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/basics/definition/con-20019713