Learn more or change your cookie preferences. By continuing to use our service, you agree to our use of cookies. We use cookies why? You can change cookie preferences. Continued site use signifies consent. Pregnancy comes with a host of annoying and embarrassing symptoms —and this might include diarrhea. According to experts, diarrhea is having three or more watery, loose bowel movements in a day.
It can be triggered by hormonal and diet changes, but gastrointestinal bacteria may also be to blame. If left untreated, persistent diarrhea may cause dehydration in pregnant women , which could have negative effects on the fetus. Read on to learn more about diarrhea as a symptom of pregnancy, with tips for alleviating loose stool.
Pregnancy diarrhea could be triggered by hormonal shifts, new food sensitivities, and changes in diet. Other symptoms of gastrointestinal infections include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fever, and chills.
These cases rarely last more than 72 hours, according to Laura Riley, M. Other non-pregnancy-related causes of diarrhea include stress and medications. Experiencing pregnancy diarrhea near your due date? However, the bodily systems that each belong to are completely separate. The reproductive organs function independently from the digestive organs. Pregnancy can bring about all sorts of changes in your bowels, thanks to changes in your hormones as well as physical shifts that take place as your uterus grows, crowding your internal organs and interfering with how they function; the motility of your bowels; and the way your body uses fluids.
So although it's common to become constipated or to develop diarrhea during pregnancy, neither will be a threat to your baby. Even so, you may have to cope with the consequences. There are many common causes of diarrhea during pregnancy and it's rarely something to worry about. Usually, diarrhea will subside on its own within a day or two. An occasional loose stool can be normal, but if you have any of the following, call your doctor:.
If you do have diarrhea, staying hydrated is vital. Early during pregnancy, most women become constipated at least occasionally. Constipation is rarely dangerous, but it can be very uncomfortable. The best treatment for constipation is prevention. If you are having difficulty with bowel movements or passing hard, dry stools, you should benefit from the following at-home treatments:.
As with diarrhea medications, don't take anything for constipation without checking with your caregiver. Hormone changes. Hormones may make your digestive system slow down, so constipation may be an issue. Hormones can also speed up the digestive system, which may make diarrhea a problem. Diarrhea is more common in the third trimester As you near your due date, you may find that diarrhea becomes more common.
Remedies for diarrhea during pregnancy. How to treat diarrhea during pregnancy: Give it time. Most cases of diarrhea will clear up in a few days. This is often the case if your diarrhea is the result of food poisoning, a bug or virus, or bacteria.
Keep hydrated. Consider your medication. If not, talk with your doctor. See a doctor. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may draw blood to determine what is causing the diarrhea. Avoid problematic foods. Certain food groups can make diarrhea worse. Steer clear of high-fat, fried foods, spicy foods, milk and dairy, and high-fiber foods. Stay hydrated. When to seek treatment. Symptoms of dehydration include: dark yellow urine dry, sticky mouth thirst decreased urine output headache dizziness lightheadedness You can prevent dehydration during pregnancy by drinking at least 80 ounces of water every day.
Parenthood Pregnancy Pregnancy Health. Medically reviewed by Michael Weber, M.
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