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Diarrhea in pregnancy often causes anxiety in pregnant women. Usually, however, this is not a serious symptom, because it results from changes in the woman’s body that are related to pregnancy. The most common cause of diarrhea in pregnancy is an incorrect diet. How can you deal with it? When should diarrhea in pregnancy induce us to a medical consultation?
Diarrhea in pregnancy can occur at any stage of pregnancy. However, if it is due to changes caused by the pregnancy, it usually occurs soon after conception and immediately before birth. If diarrhea during pregnancy lasts a long time, do not wait for it to pass by itself. Remember that diarrhea can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration of the body.
Diarrhea in pregnancy – causes
Diarrhea in pregnancy is often associated with numerous changes brought on in a woman’s body by the developing pregnancy. These reasons vary depending on the trimester a woman is in:
- first trimester – diarrhea in the first trimester of pregnancy is most often one of the first symptoms of a developing pregnancy. Nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain are often the result of fertilization and hormonal changes;
- Second trimester – Diarrhea in the second trimester of pregnancy may be associated with a rapidly growing fetus and compression of internal organs by the growing uterus. If, on the other hand, a woman notices that her stomach becomes harder with diarrhea, she may need to go to the hospital. This is one of the symptoms of a detachment of the placenta that puts the baby’s life at risk;
- third trimester – Diarrhea in the third trimester of pregnancy is usually a harbinger of the upcoming labor. The body then cleans the intestines and prepares for this enormous effort related to the birth of the baby.
In addition, the causes of diarrhea in pregnancy may be:
- food allergy – the effect of eating food to which a woman is allergic;
- viral or bacterial infections, e.g. stomach flu (intestine);
- food poisoning after eating stale food;
- poor diet, e.g. a heavy diet;
- stress related to the upcoming delivery.
Diarrhea in pregnancy – treatment
Treating diarrhea in pregnancy is not very different from traditional methods of dealing with diarrhea. The most important thing is to keep your body hydrated so that you do not become dehydrated during pregnancy. During pregnancy, doctors recommend that you treat diarrhea with home remedies. The expectant mother should therefore:
- take care of hydration;
- follow an easily digestible diet;
- drink herbal infusions (especially chamomile or mint, but in moderate amounts);
- eat foods that have a constrictive effect, such as bananas;
- limit foods rich in fiber;
- give up coffee;
- do not take any medications on your own – the doctor always decides about their administration.
Diarrhea in pregnancy – risk
Brief diarrhea in pregnancy does not usually pose a threat to the developing fetus and the course of the pregnancy. However, if the diarrhea is prolonged or very intense, you should contact your doctor promptly.
However, there are symptoms that should prompt a woman to see a doctor immediately, as they pose a danger to both the expectant mother and the developing fetus. These include the presence of blood, mucus or pus in the stools and a very high temperature in the pregnant woman. In such situations, medical assistance is necessary.
If you also experience vaginal bleeding or pain in the abdomen during pregnancy diarrhea, see your doctor. When this happens in the first trimester and the woman experiences severe abdominal pain, it may be a symptom of a miscarriage.
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