Diarrhea During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms And Remedies

The symptoms can be managed at home with simple interventions, including hydration and diet modification.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shashwat Jani, MS Dr. Shashwat Jani Dr. Shashwat JaniMS MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Obstetrics & GynaecologyExperience: 14 years
Written by , BDS, CLC Dr. Ritika Shah BDS, CLC Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Dental and General Health, LactationExperience: 10 years
Edited by , BSc Rebecca Malachi BSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years
Fact-checked by , M.Pharm, PhD Dr. Joyani Das M.Pharm, PhD Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pharma, Health and WellnessExperience: 3.5 years
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Women Suffering From Diarrhea During Pregnancy

Image: iStock

Gastrointestinal issues during pregnancy are very common. Diarrhea and constipation are common in pregnancy and occur in about one-third of all pregnant women (1). Diarrhea is having three or more loose bowel movements during the day that may or may not be accompanied by stomach cramps (2).

Diarrhea in pregnancy is mostly caused by bacteria or viruses (3). Loose stools that continue for more than one day warrant medical care. It may lead to dehydration, which may lead to other health issues (3). Diarrhea accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, rectal bleeding, fluid leakage, or vaginal blood discharge, might need immediate medical attention.

This post explains the symptoms, causes, and remedies for diarrhea in pregnancy.

In This Article

Symptoms Of Diarrhea

Loose and watery stools for three or more times a day may point to diarrhea.

The following symptoms may also be seen along with diarrhea (3).

  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Constant urge to have a bowel movement
  • Vomiting
Some women may also have vomitting along with diarrhea

Image: Shutterstock

  • Weakness
  • Loss of appetite

Causes Of Diarrhea In Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings several hormonal and other changes. Changes in hormones could also bring along certain variations in the gastrointestinal tract.

The following possible factors may lead to diarrhea in pregnancy (3).

  • Elevated levels of prostaglandinsiA group of lipids with hormone-like actions that help induce labor in pregnant women. may lead to diarrhea (4). Some hormones may cause one’s digestive process to slow down, leading to diarrhea gradually (5).
  • Some women make drastic changes in their diet once they know they are pregnant. These sudden dietary changes may sensitize the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea. This is seen more commonly in the first trimester of pregnancy.
  • Excess binge eating of junk food due to pregnancy-related cravings may cause diarrhea.
  • Many women are stressed regarding the baby’s well-being during pregnancy. Stress could be a predisposing factor for diarrhea in pregnancy.
  • Some women are advised bed rest in pregnancy for certain medical reasons. A sedentary lifestyle may lead to a weak digestive system, causing diarrhea eventually.
A sedentary lifestyle may lead to a weak digestive system, causing diarrhea.

Image: Shutterstock

  • Some women may develop diarrhea due to prenatal vitamins. You may change the brand of the vitamins and see if it helps.
  • Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting), acidity, and heartburn during pregnancy are common, especially during the first trimester. Doctors may prescribe some antacids to help you. However, exercise caution when taking antacids during pregnancy and do not take more than the recommended dose, as the magnesium in these antacids may cause diarrhea in some women (6).
  • Some food items may cause sensitivity in the GI tract. Even if these items were well-tolerated pre-pregnancy, they might cause an upset stomach during pregnancy.
  • If nausea and vomiting return after mid-pregnancy, it could be a sign of preeclampsia, which is estimated to occur in five to seven percent of all pregnancies, as per a CDC report.
protip_icon Be watchful
Dairy products could also cause diarrhea during pregnancy if you are lactose intolerant (13).
  • Diarrhea may occur a week or two before the labor. However, if you experience diarrhea during the third trimester, it does not necessarily mean that labor is approaching. You should also check other signs of approaching labor before getting alarmed (5).

Becky, a mother to two, shares her experience of dealing with diarrhea during the last trimester of her pregnancy. Having already lost her mucus plug and being in the process of dilation, she wonders if this could be a sign of approaching labor. She says, “A couple of weeks ago, I started to have loose stools… Things loosened up for me these last few weeks. When it first happened, I thought, ‘Maybe this is a sign!’ Well, today, I’ve had a little diarrhea. Nothing too major, but enough to get me thinking (once again), ‘Maybe it’s time!’

“Anyway, I suppose it could just be a coincidence, but with the dilation and loss of mucus plug, I can’t help but think labor is going to start very, very soon (i).”

The following causes are not pregnancy-related but may still lead to diarrhea.

  • Food poisoning
  • Viral or bacterial infections
  • Intestinal parasites
  • Traveler’s diarrheaiAn intestinal bacterial infection one may contract from eating contaminated food.
  • Crohn’s diseaseiA chronic condition causing inflammation of the digestive tract.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Celiac diseaseiAn autoimmune and genetic condition characterized by an immune reaction to gluten, the protein found in barley, rye, and wheat.
Though not pregnancy-related, celiac disease may cause diarrhea

Image: Shutterstock

  • Ulcerative Colitis

Remedies For Diarrhea In Pregnancy

Most cases of diarrhea resolve without medications within a couple of days. The following might help you manage your diarrhea better.

  1. Hydration: Drink adequate water, broth, and oral rehydration solutions and lemon water to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and minerals (5).
  1. Diet: Eat a healthy balanced diet that has the right amount of fiber to aid proper digestion. Identify and avoid foods that may make diarrhea worse. Avoid tap water and street food when traveling.
  1. Exercises: Try to include some exercises in your routine. Decide the intensity of your workout under your obstetrician’s guidance. Exercising improves blood flow to all organs, including the bowels (3).
Decide the intensity of your workout under your obstetrician’s guidance.

Image: Shutterstock

  1. Medicines: If diarrhea does not resolve on its own, the doctor might prescribe some medications for it. The doctor will prescribe the safest dose and medicine, depending on your overall health (3).

If diarrhea continues to persist or gets worse, you must contact your healthcare provider. The doctor will help you identify the cause of diarrhea. If it is caused by bacteria, the doctor will prescribe a pregnancy-safe antibiotic (5).

When To Call The Doctor?

Consult your OB-GYN if you experience severe stomach pain or other symptoms

Image: Shutterstock

You should call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of these symptoms, along with diarrhea (3) (7) (8).

  • Severe stomach pain
  • Pain in rectum
  • Lower abdominal cramps
  • Vomiting blood
  • Pus in stool
  • Signs of dehydration ( thirst, dry skin, fatigue, dizziness, less frequent urination, and dark-colored urine)
  • Blood in stool
  • Fever
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Leaking of fluid from the vagina
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Decreased fetal movement

protip_icon Point to consider
If you are not feeling your baby move like before, having continuous contractions, pressure or pain in your pelvis, or any other preterm labor symptoms besides diarrhea, you should contact your doctor (8).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can diarrhea during pregnancy cause miscarriage?

Diarrhea does not always indicate an impending miscarriage. However, diarrhea may occur due to food poisoning caused by salmonella, toxoplasmosis, or listeriosis. These pathogens are associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. If you suspect food poisoning to be a cause of miscarriage or stillbirth, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible (9).

2. Is diarrhea a bad sign in early pregnancy?

Diarrhea in the third trimester is most common. However, some women experience diarrhea in the first trimester as the body takes some time to adjust to the hormonal changes. It is not necessary to consider diarrhea as a bad sign in early pregnancy, but you must inform your doctor about it.

3. Can I take diarrhea tablets when pregnant?

Loperamide is the choice of drug for short episodes of diarrhea in adults. Research done on about 750 pregnant women who took loperamide showed no adverse effect on the baby. However, more research is needed to establish the safety of loperamide in pregnant women. Your healthcare provider will weigh the risks and benefits and prescribe a safe drug and dosage for you (10).

4. What can I eat if I have diarrhea during pregnancy?

Generally, it is advised to consume a bland diet during diarrhea. The BRAT diet: Banana, rice, apples, and toast; is the most common diet prescribed. It is also advisable to hydrate frequently and drink oral rehydration solutions. Confirm with your doctor if you may follow a similar dietary pattern when suffering from diarrhea during pregnancy (11).

5. Can diarrhea during pregnancy affect the baby?

Persistent diarrhea during pregnancy could impact your eating patterns, which may, in turn, affect your nutritional status. Further, nutritional deficiency during pregnancy could affect fetal growth and development and cause low birth weight and fetal distress (12). Hence, if you have diarrhea during pregnancy, consult a doctor for prompt medical attention.

Diarrhea during pregnancy may occur due to several pregnancy-related factors, such as hormonal changes and excessive eating due to cravings. It may also occur due to food poisoning or ulcerative colitisiA chronic disease of the large intestine characterized by inflammation and ulcers. , which are not related to -related. Staying hydrated and making the right dietary changes can help manage diarrhea at home. However, consult your doctor if diarrhea persists or worsens even after taking appropriate measures. Immediate medical intervention is required if you experience additional symptoms, such as fever, abdominal pain, and dehydration.

Infographic: When To Seek Assistance For Diarrhea During Pregnancy

Watery stools during pregnancy may occur for various reasons, from spicy food to stress and hormones. In most cases, diarrhea can resolve independently; however, if you observe any of the symptoms in the infographic below, promptly call your healthcare provider or visit the clinic.

signs you need a doctor for diarrhea during pregnancy (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Bloating, nausea, abdominal cramps and pain, and weakness are some of the many symptoms of diarrhea in pregnancy.
  • It may be caused due to prenatal vitamins, stress, binge eating, and a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Consult your doctor immediately if you have severe stomach ache, pus in stool, vaginal bleeding or other serious symptoms.

Illustration: Diarrhea During Pregnancy: Causes Symptoms And Remedies

diarrhea during pregnancy_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Pregnant women may have higher chances of getting diarrhea. Learn about the risks and symptoms of diarrhea and get tips and advise on how to protect yourself and your baby.

Personal Experience: Source

MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. I’m going to make it (after all);
https://becky-shattuck.blogspot.com/2011/11/still-here.html

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. E.S. Bonapace Jr and R.S. Fisher, Constipation and diarrhea in pregnancy; National Center for Biotechnology Information
2. Problems of the Digestive System; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
3. Gastrointestinal Issues During Pregnancy; Lifespan Health System
4. Cameron Body and Jennifer A Christi, Gastrointestinal Diseases in Pregnancy: Nausea, Vomiting, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Constipation, and Diarrhea; National Center for Biotechnology Information
5. Diarrhea in Pregnancy; American Pregnancy Association
6. M. Wienbeck, J. Erckenbrecht, and G. Strohmeyer, Effect of antacids on intestinal motility; National Center for Biotechnology Information
7. Diarrhoea and vomiting in pregnancy; Tommy’s
8. Premature Labor; Cleveland Clinic
9. Signs of Miscarriage; European Commission
10. Loperamide; UK Teratology Information Service
11. Mom’s advice is still the best for treating diarrhea; Cleveland Clinic.
12. Maternal nutrition; UNICEF.
13. Treating Lactose Intolerance During Pregnancy; American Pregnancy Association

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Dr. Shashwat Jani
Dr. Shashwat JaniMS
Dr. Shashwat Jani is a consultant obstetrician & gynecologist in Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad. He has 14 years of experience with a special interest in high-risk pregnancy, infertility, and endoscopy.

Read full bio of Dr. Shashwat Jani
Dr. Ritika Shah
Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC
Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College.

Read full bio of Dr. Ritika Shah
Rebecca Malachi
Rebecca MalachiBSc
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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Dr. Joyani Das
Dr. Joyani DasM.Pharm, PhD
Dr. Joyani Das did her post-graduation from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and PhD in Pharmacology. Previously, she worked as an associate professor, faculty of Pharmacology, for two years. With her research background in preclinical studies and a zeal for scientific writing, she joined MomJunction as a health writer.

Read full bio of Dr. Joyani Das