Is Loose Motion a Sign of Pregnancy? Causes and What to Expect
Time to read 5 min
Time to read 5 min
Breast changes, exhaustion, frequent sickness, dizziness, and irregular periods are some of the early pregnancy symptoms alongside other symptoms . Pregnancy is not the only time for many of these symptoms, and some may be non pregnancy related . Some may be signs of impending menstruation or that you're becoming ill. Similarly, you may be pregnant and not exhibit many of these signs.
Though digestive changes and digestive issues related to certain foods a prevalent, loose motion is not a typical pregnancy indication. All the healthy stuff you're eating today might be the cause of your diarrhea during pregnancy. It can be because of the exercise you've started or the additional water you're consuming.
Your daily routine and the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy may make sporadic bowel movements more likely. Let’s talk about loose motion as a sign of pregnancy in detail, especially focusing on experiencing diarrhea during pregnancy and its accompanying symptoms.
Constipation rather than loose stools is more prevalent among pregnant women, especially when avoiding fried foods . Many of the factors that cause diarrhea during pregnancy are the same as that for non-pregnant people, including various gastrointestinal disorders .
There are special hormonal and physiological changes that occur in the digestive tract during pregnancy, which can be influenced by prenatal vitamins . Levels of progesterone and estrogen rise sharply. Additionally, they undergo alterations in the quantity and functionality of several additional hormones. These alterations extend beyond mood and are related to hormonal changes .
Progesterone causes your bowels to relax, which lessens the effort required to expel waste from your body. The pause gives your digestive system extra time to absorb water and nutrients from your food, which may also alleviate abdominal pain . The longer food stays in your colon, and your big intestine, the longer it must absorb the moisture. When attempting to defecate, the feces becomes dried out and difficult to pass.
When they learn they are pregnant, many people alter their diet. Dietary adjustments may induce diarrhea and upset your stomach. During pregnancy, you may experience a variety of changes, including food allergies and food sensitivities . You may now have gas, upset stomach, or diarrhea from foods that you were able to handle well before getting pregnant.
Now, what causes diarrhea during pregnancy, including dietary changes, includes the following -
Food Modifications
During pregnancy, food preferences frequently shift. These alterations might occasionally also cause a shift in bowel movements, including reactions to soft drinks which can lead to mild diarrhea; incorporating bland foods can help mitigate this.
Vitamins for a baby
Vitamins may occasionally result in diarrhea symptoms, loose stools, and watery bowel movements, while artificial sweeteners or a viral infection can cause an upset stomach, similar to traveler's diarrhea, if you believe your prenatal vitamin may cause the latter.
Anxiety and Stress
The stomach muscles are impacted by emotional variables in the early stages of pregnancy. It causes abdominal pain, an uncomfortable stomach, and also a cause of diarrhea during pregnancy, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Stomach Infections
Pregnancy-related diarrhea can also be due to gastrointestinal bacteria contracted by consuming contaminated food or drink or from another person. This results in food poisoning.
However, there is some good news if you are wary of taking drugs during pregnancy. There are certain actions you can do, nevertheless, if you wish to attempt some home treatments.
Having loose, watery bowel motions can lead to dehydration symptoms. Serious consequences can arise from dehydration, particularly during pregnancy. The easiest way to stay hydrated and replenish the fluids you've lost during diarrhea, including those lost fluids due to certain medications , is to drink water. Consuming juice and broth might help replenish your body's depleted electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals.
Consume blanched food. Eating fancy foods can make diarrhea worse. When it comes to stomach problems, such as diarrhea, the right diet is frequently advised. These meals aid in the firming of stools. A healthy diet consists of rice, applesauce, bananas, and toast.
Foods that are fried, spicy foods, or high in fat should be avoided. Try consuming less dairy products, dairy and milk as well. Diarrhea can be made worse by certain meals.
Your body will be able to adapt to the drug you're taking for your diarrhea, and it will cease. Otherwise, discuss with your physician the possibility of switching medications. If, after two or three days, your diarrhea doesn't improve, schedule a visit with your doctor.
If a pregnant woman has the following dehydration symptoms, including less frequent urination, she should see a doctor very away:
Dehydration Symptoms
Severe dehydration can result from diarrhea. Dark urine, thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, or decreased frequency of urination are warning signs. Get medical help right now.
Prolonged or Severe Diarrhea
Seek medical attention if your persistent diarrhea lasts for more than 48 hours, and ask how to safely treat the condition . It is normal for pregnant women to have three or more bowel movements in a day. Six or more loose stools in a 24-hour period might indicate a serious case. A healthcare professional should assess persistent loose movements.
Illness and Fever
Pregnant women should be closely watched for indications of food poisoning. Immediately visit a doctor if you are experiencing bloody or pus-filled stools. In extreme situations, you will also have a temperature of 102°F (39°C) or higher.
A frequent ailment that may afflict anybody, even pregnant women, is diarrhea. Pregnancy-related diarrhea may be caused by bowel infections, hormonal changes, or underlying bowel diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Consume simple soups or beverages and ample water to prevent dehydration. See a healthcare provider if the diarrhea continues for a couple of days longer than expected. Fever, dehydration, bloody stools, or frequent vomiting are indications, particularly worrisome symptoms, that should prompt medical attention. Additionally, you should see a physician before using any diarrheal drugs.
Yes, all pregnant women experience these hormonal changes; however, some of them will result in diarrhea in late pregnancy, which can sometimes be considered diarrhea normal.
Diarrhea is a common PMS symptom, not an early sign of pregnancy.
Generally speaking, diarrhea does not indicate an early pregnancy loss.
Here are a few natural solutions, including the brat diet, for loose movements during pregnancy:
Have a lot of water.
Maintain a balanced diet.
Avoid eating from street sellers.
Seek medical advice if it becomes severe.
Mild diarrhea during pregnancy is not severely harmful to the baby. However, prolonged diarrhea can cause dehydration that affects the baby's oxygen and nutrient supply. In such cases, the pregnant person should be more careful during the third trimester. To prevent dehydration or other symptoms of diarrhea during pregnancy, one must make dietary changes to improve the digestive system.
**Medical Disclaimer: The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice about your condition(s).
