During pregnancy, many physiological changes occur in a woman's body, and some of them may lead to problems in the gastrointestinal tract. The most common issues include nausea and vomiting, heartburn and constipation [1]. But if the expectant mother suffers from diarrhea, then the condition is almost certainly not caused by the pregnancy itself, but by other reasons [2].
Is one loose bowel movement considered diarrhea?
No. One loose bowel movement is usually a short-term reaction to an unusual or overly abundant meal. Diarrhea is considered by doctors to consist of three or more liquid bowel movements per day [2].
What can cause diarrhea?
Of every three expectant women, one of them will experience at least one stool disorder during pregnancy [2]. More often, this will happen to those who had digestive problems before pregnancy, such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. In these cases, treatment should be prescribed by a gastroenterologist together with a gynecologist [1].
If there are no chronic diseases, then the most common causes of diarrhea in pregnant women are the same as those in non-pregnant women:
Enteroviral infection. Women who already have children get sick more often because they can get infected by their older kids. This type of infection can also be transmitted by airborne droplets [3].
Bacterial infection. Salmonella and E. coli, which cause severe diarrhea, are most commonly transmitted by the consumption of raw vegetables, unpasteurized juices, undercooked meats, poultry, or eggs. Listeria is found in unpasteurized dairy products, especially soft cheeses [4].
Intolerance to certain foods. Often, an upset stomach and loose stools are due to dairy products (lactose), artificial sweeteners and/or food additives [5].
Antibiotics [5].
How do you treat diarrhea during pregnancy?
The main thing is to make up for the loss of fluids. Slowly sip on extra water or electrolyte beverages (such as sports drinks). Some over-the-counter antidiarrheal drugs are approved for use by pregnant women [6].
Do I need to see a doctor?
Seek medical attention if diarrhea does not resolve within 48 hours. And also if:
your stools contain blood or pus
you have a fever
you have severe abdominal pain
you have signs of dehydration (thirst, dry skin, fatigue, dizziness, less frequent urination, or dark-colored urine) [5].
Is my baby at risk if I get diarrhea?
Diarrhea by itself does not usually create additional risks during pregnancy. But a viral infection and high fever can be dangerous for the baby and require prompt medical attention [3].
