As a pregnant woman, you are hyper-vigilant about your health. Because you are so attuned to every small change in your body and because your highest priority is the well-being of the baby, you have become well-versed in how to contend with maladies such as headache and the common cold. Perhaps, however, you never expected that diarrhea might come along, considering that constipation seems to be more of a problem for many women. Nevertheless, you now need to learn more about the causes of diarrhea during pregnancy, as well as the best treatments to relieve it as quickly as possible.
Diarrhea during pregnancy can have several causes. You may have caught a stomach flu which is, in fact, quite common in expectant mothers. Another potential cause of your diarrhea is food poisoning, especially if your symptoms came on suddenly and violently. In most of these instances, the problem will clear up within twenty-four hours. Yet another cause may actually stem from the chronic constipation you may be more familiar with. If impacted stool partially obstructs the bowels, abdominal bloating, cramps and diarrhea can result.
In all of these scenarios, it is important to note that severe diarrhea can cause dehydration. Although diarrhea in and of itself will not harm your baby, dehydration can. For this reason, consult your care provider if your symptoms are severe or protracted, particularly if you also have a fever. Also contact your doctor or practitioner if you see mucus in the diarrhea, as this may be a sign of more serious complications.
How should you treat diarrhea during pregnancy? Start by making sure you remain hydrated by drinking plenty of water and hydrating fluids that replenish your electrolytes. You may also find that a bland diet helps to resolve your symptoms. Foods such as rice, toast, and bananas are easy to digest and can also help to regulate your bowels.
One final note of caution: if your diarrhea is occurring very late in your pregnancy, it might be a sign that your body is emptying itself in preparation for labor. As uncomfortable as it can be, it may be the first of many changes that will precipitate the arrival of your new bundle of joy.