Everyone gets diarrhea from time to time, and many expectant moms may experience diarrhea during pregnancy. Read on to find out more about the causes of diarrhea during pregnancy, how it can be treated, and when to see your healthcare provider. The most common symptoms indicating diarrhea or related to diarrhea include.
Early on in your pregnancy, your body starts going through lots of changes, and these can affect your bowel movements, leading to either hard or loose stools. For example, as levels of the hormone progesterone increase, this can cause your digestive system to slow down, often leading to constipation.
Changes to your diet and nutrition as part of your pregnancy may result in changes in your bowels, too. For some people, consuming more fiber-rich foods — such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains — can help with constipation, but for others such a sudden change in diet can cause gas, cramping, and even diarrhea.
Drinking more water can help with constipation, and can help replenish the fluids lost by having diarrhea. Mild abdominal cramps with or without the presence of diarrhea before week 37 of pregnancy may be a sign of preterm labor.
Other signs of preterm labor may include. Call your provider immediately if suspect that you're going into preterm labor. Whether it strikes before, during, or after your pregnancy, diarrhea can be caused by a number of different things.
Here are some of the common causes worth knowing about:. You can try to lower your risk of food poisoning by avoiding certain foods that put you at risk. For example, stay away from deli meats, unpasteurized milk and cheese, undercooked seafood, and raw eggs. Be extra careful about how the food you eat is prepared. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.
This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Registry Builder New. Diarrhea During Pregnancy. Medically Reviewed by Lisa Hickman, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Are you experiencing diarrhea during pregnancy?
Here's everything you'll need to know, plus remedies if you find yourself visiting the bathroom too often. Back to Top. In This Article. Continue Reading Below. Read This Next. Sore and Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy. Weirdest Pregnancy Symptoms. If you have loose stools three or more times in one day, you have diarrhea. Causes of diarrhea during pregnancy include: A stomach virus , such as viral gastroenteritis or rotavirus Food poisoning, such as listeriosis or salmonella Certain antibiotics or antacids Sugar-free candies these contain sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, that may cause diarrhea in some people Dairy products if you're lactose-intolerant Digestive problems, such as celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis Medications.
Stool softeners are commonly prescribed to pregnant women, and some women are more sensitive to them than others. If you have diarrhea: Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to replace those you are losing. Avoid drinking dairy products, soda, and juices, which may make the diarrhea worse.
If the diarrhea continues for a few hours, drink fluids and liquid foods containing salt, such as broth or sports drinks. Also call if you have diarrhea and any of these symptoms: Stomach pain Fever Explosive diarrhea Diarrhea with blood or mucus Frequent vomiting Dry mouth, dizziness, dark-colored urine, less frequent urination, or lightheadedness signs of dehydration Contact your provider right away if you have diarrhea and also feel your baby moving less often or vigorously than usual or have signs of preterm labor such as: Regular or frequent contractions More vaginal discharge , or discharge that's watery, bloody, or mucus-like Cramps Pressure or pain in your pelvis or lower stomach that is persistent or gets worse Having a bout of diarrhea while you're pregnant isn't usually anything to worry about.
Learn more: Gas and bloating during pregnancy Hemorrhoids during pregnancy Frequent urination during pregnancy How to stay hydrated during pregnancy. Sources BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world.
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