What should you know about cholera and pregnancy?

Cholera is an intestinal infection that can cause sudden watery diarrhoea and vomiting. Losing water and salts may lead to dizziness, weakness, reduced urination and changes in circulation. Pregnancy increases the need for careful assessment because dehydration can affect the pregnant person’s wellbeing and may contribute to contractions or reduced blood flow. Fever is not necessary for cholera, and diarrhoea can have many other causes. A maternity or medical clinician considers symptoms, exposure to unsafe food or water, pregnancy stage and signs of dehydration.

See [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/) for more on symptoms that need attention.

Contact your maternity team or an urgent medical service as soon as cholera is suspected. Begin correctly mixed oral rehydration solution in frequent small sips while arranging care, unless a clinician has given different instructions. Continue usual pregnancy medicines only as advised, and do not take anti-diarrhoeal or antibiotic medicines without checking that they are suitable in pregnancy. [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) may be used under guidance; [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) can restore fluids when drinking is not adequate. Wash hands and use safe water to reduce spread.

Seek emergency care for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, or signs of labour. Reduced fetal movement, vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage also requires immediate maternity assessment. Do not wait for fever: severe watery diarrhoea itself can cause dangerous dehydration.

Ask which rehydration product and medicines are suitable, whether observation is needed, how to monitor fetal movement, and which maternity symptoms should prompt an emergency visit.