Pregnancy means a big change and challenge for the female body. Sometimes some complaints make themselves felt, which include diarrhea. However, diarrhea during pregnancy is usually not a cause for concern. Various measures provide relief from the discomfort.
What does diarrhea during pregnancy mean?
The organism reacts to various stimuli with diarrhea. Among physicians, the phenomenon is increasingly called diarrhea. It is then diarrhea, if the bowel movement if at least three times a day. This is changed in consistency and can be soft, mushy or thin. The occurrence of diarrhea in pregnancy is normal. Many women additionally suffer from flatulence. A distinction is made between acute and chronic diarrhea. If the symptoms persist for at least four weeks, a doctor should be contacted. Acute diarrhea is more noticeable after an infection, for example. Diarrhea during pregnancy, however, is usually more moderate. If it is severe, an infection is the obvious cause. Affected women should definitely pay attention to their fluid intake. Otherwise, there is a risk of serious consequences.
Causes
Diarrhea is not a classic symptom of pregnancy. The intestine is less irritated by the hormonal change and reacts by increased bowel movements. Pregnancy hormones are more likely to cause constipation. Often the diet is behind the complaints. Indeed, pregnancy is often the trigger for a healthier diet with lots of fiber. Because the intestines are not used to the new meals, diarrhea may occur. After some time, however, the body will have become accustomed to the healthy diet and the digestive system will regulate itself again. Increased bowel movements should not be a reason to give up the habits you have gained in favor of your child. As pregnancy progresses, the uterus puts more pressure on the digestive system, which can cause diarrhea and constipation. In addition, diarrhea is sometimes a sign of the imminent birth. As in all other circumstances of life, food intolerances, allergies, infections with viruses or bacteria, stress or a poor diet also cause diarrhea in pregnant women. Traveler’s diarrhea may occur when traveling.
Fluid loss: at what point does it become dangerous?
If diarrhea is treated appropriately during pregnancy, it is not threatening. The situation is different if fluid loss is not compensated. Especially in cases of severe diarrhea, minerals are lost in this way in addition to water, and the body becomes dehydrated. A potassium deficiency can develop, threatening the health of both mother and child. In case of severe diarrhea, a doctor should be consulted after three days at the latest. Overall, it is important to pay increased attention to fluid intake even with a single episode of diarrhea.
7 Tips for diarrhea during pregnancy
Diarrhea in pregnancy can be treated well. It is not always necessary to take medication. Nevertheless, diarrhea should be clarified medically in some cases. A visit to the doctor is inevitable if the pregnant woman feels dull and exhausted. Caution is also advised if the symptoms do not subside or if other symptoms such as fever, pain, cramps, circulatory problems and blood are added. Because a bacterial illness can endanger the unborn child, diarrhea must be investigated even if an infection is suspected. Diarrhea can possibly infect the vaginal environment with bacteria. Premature labor and delivery result from bacterial vaginosis. Therefore, treatment of the symptoms is necessary. Self-treatment of diarrhea is therefore initially recommended only for weaker symptoms. In case of doubt, a doctor should always be consulted. Overall, the same applies to diarrhea in pregnancy as in non-pregnant women:
- 1st tea: fennel tea stops flatulence and has a calming effect. Chamomile tea soothes irritation of the stomach and intestines. Black tea contains tannins. These have constipating properties.
- 2. crushed apple: crushed apples and a mashed bananas also help against diarrhea because they have a constipating effect.In addition, bananas are good sources of potassium and counteract a deficiency due to fluid loss.
- 3. meat, eggs, milk: animal products should be largely avoided. They often contain a lot of fat and promote flatulence.
- 4. no flatulent vegetables: cabbage and legumes cause flatulence in many people. To reduce discomfort, it is better to avoid all flatulent foods.
- 5. easily digestible: the menu should ideally consist of easily digestible foods. These include, for example, light bread and noodle soup.
- 6. water: diarrhea leads to a strong loss of fluids. This should be replenished with water and herbal teas.
- 7. salt: With the increased diarrhea, a lot of salt is washed out of the body. Vegetable broth and salt sticks help to compensate for the loss.
If nothing else helps: medication for diarrhea
Diarrhea can be unpleasant, especially if it lasts a long time or is severe. Sometimes natural remedies do not help. Then it is recommended to resort to medication. However, pregnant women should always take medication only after consulting their doctor. Handling tablets independently can harm the unborn child. For example, charcoal tablets, apple pectin and kaolin are considered safe during pregnancy. But here, too, the following applies: Do not take them without a doctor’s approval. Pharmaceutical remedies for diarrhea immobilize the muscles of the digestive system and thus lead to relief of symptoms. During pregnancy, however, a physician must weigh such measures. Diarrhea can be treated well overall. Adequate fluid intake is particularly important for both mother and child.
