diarrhea treatment when pregnant

Verywellhealth.com

1. Drink plenty of fluids...drink plenty of water, clear juices, clear broths, or an electrolyte-rich sports drink...

2. Eat a brat diet...it is comprised of four bland, low-fiber foods that will help to firm up stools: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast...

3. Use probiotics...probiotics are live bacteria and yeast...

Learn More...

Healthline.com

1. Hydration...small amounts of hydration solutions should be given frequently...

2. Probiotics...sources of good bacteria that work in your intestinal tract to create a healthy gut environment...

3. Foods to eat...stick to low-fiber brat foods that will help firm up your stool...

4. Over-the-counter drugs...

Learn More...

Medicalnewstoday.com

1. Rehydrating...consuming sugar and salt with water helps the intestines to absorb fluids more efficiently...

2. Eating a recovery diet...a diet of small, frequent meals can be better than eating three larger meals a day...

3. Avoiding certain foods...

4. Taking probiotics...

5. Trying medicines...

Learn More...

What to do when you're suffering from pregnancy diarrhea?

Method 1 of 3: Adjusting Diet

1. Follow the BRAT (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) diet. The BRAT diet is great for pregnant women who are suffering from diarrhea as the foods it contains are low in ...
2. Eat plenty of soups and broths. Clear soups and broths contain no solid particles so they require little to no digestion.
3. Avoid spicy and high-fat foods, as these are harder to digest. ...

More items...

How to naturally treat diarrhea during pregnancy?

How to Naturally Treat Diarrhea During Pregnancy. Download Article. Explore this Article. methods. 1 Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 2 Eat bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT). 3 Have smaller meals throughout the day.

What can a pregnant woman take for diarrhea?

• eating smaller meals
• eating foods that are easy to digest
• drinking plenty of fluids
• avoiding taste or smell triggers for nausea

Is diarrhea really a sign of early pregnancy?

Most women experiencing diarrhea usually associate it with an abdominal infection. Increased hormones of pregnancy such as progesterone and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) have an effect on the digestive system. Thus together with nausea, vomiting and food craving, diarrhea too can be an early sign of pregnancy.

What can I take for diarrhea while pregnant?

Imodium is an effective OTC medication for treating short-term diarrhea. However, the ACG do not recommend taking the antidiarrheal medications diphenoxylate-atropine (Lomotil) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) during pregnancy.

Can diarrhea hurt the baby when pregnant?

Although it doesn't cause miscarriage, diarrhea can affect a pregnancy. An occasional loose stool can be normal, but if you have any of the following, call your doctor: Diarrhea for more than 3 days.

Is diarrhea a miscarriage symptom?

Other symptoms of a miscarriage include: back pain. diarrhea. nausea.

What causes diarrhea while pregnant?

Sometimes hormones can cause your digestive process to slow down, and at times that can lead to diarrhea. Every pregnant woman has these hormonal changes, but some will experience diarrhea early in their pregnancy from those changes. Bacterial or viral infection can also cause diarrhea.

How to avoid diarrhea while pregnant?

Here are ways to help avoid diarrhea during pregnancy while traveling: 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 that you didn’t peel yourself. Avoid areas with inadequate sanitation.

What does it mean when you have diarrhea during pregnancy?

Diarrhea during pregnancy is one of the unfortunate discomforts that may be experienced. Diarrhea literally means “flowing through” and is defined as having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements in a 24 hour period. If you are experiencing three runny, watery bowel movements in one day, the main concern is to stay hydrated.

How to rehydrate yourself after diarrhea?

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 has 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.

What to do if your diarrhea doesn't clear up?

If your diarrhea doesn’t clear up on its own you may need to consult your health-care provider. If diarrhea during your pregnancy is caused by bacteria or parasites, you may need antibiotics. If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics will not help.

Can you get diarrhea while traveling?

Traveler’s 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.

Can you lose fluids while pregnant?

You will need to make sure you are re-hydrating yourself. Diarrhea is rarely life-threatening, but it shouldn’t be taken too lightly, especially while pregnant.

Can you have diarrhea during the third trimester?

If you are experiencing diarrhea during your third trimester, it does not mean your baby is coming right now, so you should not be alarmed. This is just a way some women’s bodies prepare for the labor that is going to start at some point. You may want to be aware of other labor signs as well.

What to eat when pregnant with diarrhea?

Examples of bland foods: applesauce. bananas. plain potatoes. rice. Saltine crackers. toast.

What causes diarrhea in the uterus?

Hormonal changes. One change that can cause diarrhea is a rise in prostaglandin levels. Prostaglandins, such as oxytocin, help stimulate contractions in the uterus but can also increase movement along the digestive tract. If stool passes too quickly through the bowels, it can result in diarrhea. Increased prostaglandin levels can also cause ...

What causes a person to have a watery stool?

Infectious diarrhea. Bowel infections are a common cause of diarrhea. In addition to loose, watery stools, people with infectious diarrhea may also experience the following symptoms: bloody stools. nausea and vomiting. fever and chills. dizziness or lightheadedness.

How long does diarrhea last?

If diarrhea lasts for more than 48 hours, speak to a doctor. Seek immediate medical care for symptoms such as fever, dehydration, bloody stools, or frequent vomiting. Also, it is important to speak to a doctor before taking any medications for diarrhea.

How to prevent dehydration?

A person can prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water. It is also important to drink liquids containing electrolytes, such as: For pregnant women with severe hydration, a doctor may suggest an oral rehydration solution. Many doctors also recommend a bland diet to help restore electrolytes lost from diarrhea.

What organisms can cause diarrhea?

Some organisms that can cause infectious diarrhea: bacteria, such as Escherichia coli or any in the Campylobacter, Salmonella, or Shigella genera. viruses, including norovirus and rotavirus. parasites, such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium enteritis.

Can diarrhea cause dehydration?

Doctors consider diarrhea to be three or more loose, watery bowel movements in a day. Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. During pregnancy, this can harm the woman and the fetus, and pregnant women with severe or lasting diarrhea should seek immediate medical attention.

Why does diarrhea occur during pregnancy?

Unlike constipation, which can be caused by pregnancy's fluctuating hormones, diarrhea tends to be caused by something that originates outside your body — and something that's not necessarily harmful either.

How long does diarrhea last?

Have diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours, despite dietary changes. Have stools that are bloody, contain mucus or are purely liquid. Were recently in close contact with someone known to have a parasite or stomach flu. Suspect that your diarrhea is a sign that you’re in labor.

Can you take stool softener while pregnant?

Ask about medications. Always check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter diarrhea medications. And of course, if you’re on a stool softener for cons tipation in pregnancy, be sure to stop taking it until your stools return to a normal consistency.

Can you stop up during pregnancy?

While lots of women complain about being stopped up during pregnancy, the opposite can happen too — though not as often, and it generally doesn't last as long. Medically defined as loose (or watery) and unusually frequent bowel movements, diarrhea is definitely one of those "you'll know it if you have it" pregnancy symptoms.

Is diarrhea a sign of labor?

Suspect that your diarrhea is a sign that you’re in labor. Diarrhea that persists for more than a couple of days, no matter how mild, is worth a call to your practitioner: It’s not only a pain in the rear, but it can also quickly lead to dehydration, a major risk factor for premature labor.

Can pregnancy cause diarrhea?

That said, there are things that can cause diarrhea during pregnancy that have nothing to do with hormones or lifestyle changes. Food poisoning, intestinal parasites or a simple stomach flu may be behind a nasty bout of stomach bugs during pregnancy.

What to do if you have traveler's diarrhea?

If you do get traveler’s diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids to keep from getting dehydrated. Avoid dairy products and caffeinated drinks, which might make diarrhea worse. To be on the safe side, you may want to see a healthcare provider just in case you need antidiarrheal medication or some other treatment.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

The most common symptoms indicating diarrhea or related to diarrhea include. loose and watery stools. an urgent need for a bowel movement. abdominal pain or cramping. feeling gassy or bloated. nausea. having blood in your stool. fever.

How long does diarrhea last?

Contact your healthcare provider if your diarrhea lasts for more than two days. He might prescribe an anti-diarrheal medication. If you think your diarrhea may be a sign of preterm labor or if you’re at all concerned about how you’re feeling, contact your provider immediately.

How to lower your risk of food poisoning?

You can try to lower your risk of food poisoning by avoiding certain foods that put you at risk. For example, stay away from deli meats, unpasteurized milk and cheese, undercooked seafood, and raw eggs. Be extra careful about how the food you eat is prepared.

Is diarrhea a sign of pregnancy?

Diarrhea is not a topic that’s fun to talk about, but it’s nothing to be embarrassed about either. Everyone gets diarrhea from time to time, and many expectant moms may experience diarrhea during pregnancy. Although diarrhea may be a sign ...

Can pregnancy cause constipation?

For example, as levels of the hormone progesterone increase, this can cause your digestive system to slow down, often leading to constipation. Changes to your diet and nutrition as part of your pregnancy may result in changes in your bowels, too.

Does drinking water help with constipation?

For some people, consuming more fiber-rich foods — such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains — can help with constipation, but for others such a sudden change in diet can cause gas, cramping, and even diarrhea. Drinking more water can help with constipation, and can help replenish the fluids lost by having diarrhea.

What to do if you have diarrhea?

If you have diarrhea: Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to replace those you are losing. Avoid drinking dairy products, soda, and juices, which may make the diarrhea worse. If the diarrhea continues for a few hours, drink fluids and liquid foods containing salt, such as broth or sports drinks.

How long does diarrhea last?

Call your practitioner if you have accompanying symptoms, if your diarrhea lasts longer than a couple of days, or if you think you might have food poisoning (which can be serious during pregnancy).

What are the signs of preterm labor?

Contact your provider right away if you have diarrhea and also feel your baby moving less often or vigorously than usual or have signs of preterm labor such as: Regular or frequent contractions. More vaginal discharge, or discharge that's watery, bloody, or mucus-like. Cramps.

Is diarrhea a cause for alarm during pregnancy?

Medically reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn. |. October 5, 2020. Diarrhea during pregnancy isn't usually cause for alarm. Culprits might include a stomach virus, medication, or something you ate. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and talk with your healthcare practitioner before taking any antidiarrheal medications.

Can food poisoning cause diarrhea?

Having food poisoning during pregnancy can be serious. Listeriosis, for example, can cause serious complications for your baby. Also call if you have diarrhea and any of these symptoms: Stomach pain. Fever. Explosive diarrhea. Diarrhea with blood or mucus. Frequent vomiting.

Can you take stool softener while pregnant?

Medications. Stool softeners are commonly prescribed to pregnant women, and some women are more sensitive to them than others.

Can you take antidiarrhea medication if you have a fever?

On the other hand, if your diarrhea is serious, she may recommend you take one to avoid dehydration. Antidiarrhea medications shouldn't be taken if you have any signs of a bacterial infection, though, such as a fever or blood in your stool.

How to know if you have diarrhea?

The expectant mother should go to the doctor when diarrhea takes more than three days to pass or when there are other symptoms, such as: 1 Stool with blood; 2 Strong abdominal pain; 3 Frequent vomiting; 4 Fever over 38 °C; 5 More than 3 liquid bowel movements in one day; 6 More than 2 liquid bowel movements in several days.

What are the effects of pregnancy on the digestive system?

1. Hormonal changes. Natural hormonal changes resulting from pregnancy can change the way the body works quite significantly, including the digestive system. So, depending on the stage of pregnancy, some expectant mothers get constipation or diarrhea, depending on the hormones that are causing or delaying the digestive process. 2.

How long does it take for diarrhea to pass?

The expectant mother should go to the doctor when diarrhea takes more than three days to pass or when there are other symptoms, such as: Stool with blood; Strong abdominal pain; Frequent vomiting; Fever over 38 °C; More than 3 liquid bowel movements in one day; More than 2 liquid bowel movements in several days.

Why do pregnant women have food intolerances?

Amongst the many changes that pregnant women may undergo, new food intolerances are some of them due to the increased sensitivity of the intestines to some foods. That means that foods that were well tolerated before, can start causing gastrointestinal changes, such as increased gas and diarrhea.

Is it safe to take imodium while pregnant?

Some medication for diarrhea, such as Imodium, Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol are considered safe during pregnancy, however they should only be used under doctor supervision, as this type of medication may end up worsening the situation, depending on the cause of the diarrhea.

Can diarrhea cause labor?

However, the classic signs of labor do not include diarrhea.

Can pregnancy supplements cause stomach sensitivity?

Even though these supplements are safe and have been indicated by obstetricians, many times they can cause diarrhea and stomach sensitivity, especially in the first days.

How to get rid of diarrhea while pregnant?

Diarrhea can cause you to lose a lot of fluid, which is never a good thing if you’re pregnant. Keep a water bottle or a glass of water nearby at all times. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day to replenish the fluids you’re losing.

How to get stool to be normal while pregnant?

COMING SOON. 1. Wait until your stool returns to normal consistency. Constipation is pretty common during pregnancy, and your doctor may recommend that you start taking stool softeners to help relieve your symptoms. But if you have diarrhea, the stool softener can actually make your symptoms worse.

How to make electrolyte replacement drink?

To make your own, combine 16 fluid ounces (470 mL) of cold water with 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of maple syrup and 1 tsp (5 g) of coarse sea salt. Add a little lemon juice to give it some zest and improve the taste. Method 2.

Does drinking juice help with potassium?

This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>n</p><p><br />n</p></div>"}. 1. Drinking juice is a simple way to boost your potassium levels. Diarrhea can strip you of important electrolytes like potassium.

Can prenatal vitamins cause diarrhea?

1. It could cause diarrhea or make your symptoms worse. If you’re taking prenatal vitamins as recommended by your doctor, stick to a consistent schedule and try not to suddenly stop taking them or doubling up if you miss a day. Additionally, try your best to stick to a consistent, healthy diet.

Is it safe to take over the counter diarrhea pills while pregnant?

Diarrhea is a super common and usually harmless condition. But if you’re pregnant, some prescription and over-the-counter diarrhea medications may not be safe for you and your baby. Don’t worry. There are actually plenty of ways you can naturally treat your diarrhea.

What to do if you are dehydrated from vomiting?

He may choose to rehydrate you with an intravenous solution in the doctor’s office or emergency room.

Is imodium A-D good for diarrhea?

Therefore, we have put these two medications in the “yellow light” or caution category. If your doctor feels that it would be better in your situation to slow down diarrhea, Imodium A-D may be the best choice.

Can you take antidiarrhea while pregnant?

Pregnancy diarrhea can be uncom fortable, however, no antidiarrhea medications (even those obtained over-the-counter) should be taken without your doctor’s advice. Increased intestinal motility and consequent diarrhea is the body’s natural way of getting rid of harmful bacteria/toxins.

Is kaolin safe to take during pregnancy?

The combination of kaolin and pectin (Kaopectate), even though it is safe to take during pregnancy, is not very helpful. Imodium A-D is a more effective pregnancy diarrhea medication and is reported to be safe to take during pregnancy.