Causes and Treatment of Diarrhea during pregnancy

Diarrhea means passing watery or loose stool more often than before. If you are passing watery stool up to three times in 24hours then you are having diarrhea. Diarrhea is very discomforting. The major concern while having diarrhea is staying hydrated. Dehydration can be fatal to the health of the intending mother and also to the growing fetus in the womb. You must make sure you are re-hydrating yourself. Diarrhea is rarely life-threatening.

What causes diarrhea during pregnancy?

Because of sudden change in diet some pregnant women engage in (in order to ‘improve’ nutrients made available to the fetus), they develop diarrhea during pregnancy. If you change what you eat abruptly, you may upset your stomach and have diarrhea. Diarrhea on its own has little correlation with pregnancy.

Also some women experience diarrhea due to hormonal change in the body. While most of the time the effect of these hormones slowing of the intestinal movement, it can occasionally cause diarrhea.

Diarrhea during Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Diarrhea during the third trimester is not as uncommon and is more likely to happen as you approach your due date. It could be a sign that labor is near; that could be right before labor or a couple weeks before labor will start. If it is a couple of weeks before your due date, a premature birth should not be expected. If you are experiencing diarrhea during your third trimester, that doesn’t mean your baby is coming right now and you shouldn’t be alarmed it is just a way that some women’s bodies prepare for the labor that is going to start at some point and you might want to be aware of other labor signs.

Treating Diarrhea during Pregnancy

Most cases of diarrhea will clear up on its own within a couple of days. The main concern of diarrhea is staying hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water, juice and broth to rehydrate yourself and replace the electrolytes your body will have lost. The water will help replenish your lost fluids. The juice will help replenish your potassium levels and the broth will help replenish your sodium.

If the diarrhea doesn’t clear up on its own you will want to consult your doctor. If your diarrhea during pregnancy is caused by bacteria or parasites, you may need antibiotics. If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics won’t help. To determine the cause you will need to speak with your health care provider. Not all antibiotics are safe in pregnancy hence avoid self medication.

Traveler’s Diarrhea and Pregnancy

Travelers’ diarrhea is a common illness that affects travelers each year. The onset of traveler’s diarrhea usually happens within a week of travel, but could start at any time while traveling. It is important to know the area of your destination. Higher risk areas are in developing countries in South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The main source of traveler’s diarrhea is consuming fecally contaminated food or water.

If you will be traveling during your pregnancy you will want to avoid traveler’s diarrhea. Here are ways to help avoid diarrhea during pregnancy and travel:

• Avoid tap water in high risk areas- Don’t drink it, brush your teeth with it or use ice cubes made from it
• Stay away from street vendors
• Avoid fruits that can’t be peeled or you didn’t peel yourself
• Avoid areas with lower levels of sanitation

If you do get diarrhea during pregnancy be sure to drink enough liquids to avoid dehydration.

Posted in: Pregnanacy