Diarrhea Is A Common Problem During Pregnancy – You Are Mom

Pregnancy and diarrhea is a really uncomfortable combination for all expectant mothers. In addition, and unfortunately for many women, it is a very common occurrence. It is even more so than we think.

Diarrhea can be present throughout pregnancy without it signifying that we have a serious health problem. This is true, as long as the stool is not accompanied by blood, abdominal pain, and there is no associated fever.

This uncomfortable situation is very common, so much so that it could be considered one of the usual symptoms of pregnancy. The desire to go to the toilet increases in expectant mothers and their stools are more watery. This is especially the case during the first and third trimesters.

It should be taken into account that during pregnancy the changes that a woman’s body undergoes are significant. Therefore, these can also cause unwanted reactions.

In the first trimester, usually when nausea and vomiting begins, diarrhea also appears as a complementary component of the discomfort of early pregnancy.

In addition, when the pregnancy is near the end of the pregnancy, diarrhea usually returns. It is due to the pressure that the baby puts on the mother’s stomach. This causes less efficient digestion.

Pregnancy and diarrhea: what are the causes?

While there can be different triggers, here are the most common origins of this condition:

Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes play an important role among the causes of diarrhea during pregnancy. Hormones get out of order and affect the gastrointestinal system. Thus, they cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and also constipation in some cases.

Changes in diet

Sometimes pregnancy and diarrhea combine when the expectant mother changes her eating habits to healthier ones, due to her condition.

Consumption of fruits and fibrous foods is generally increased to prevent constipation. However, it sometimes triggers diarrhea. Fortunately, if it is due to changes in the daily diet, this discomfort will only appear for a few days.

Taking medications or consuming vitamins

Some vitamins prescribed to pregnant women can cause diarrhea during pregnancy. Unlike what happens with iron, which in turn causes constipation.

Digestion problems

Digestion problems, stomach heaviness, nausea and vomiting are very likely during pregnancy. Diarrhea often occurs in these cases due to poor digestion of food.

Lactose intolerance can cause diarrhea during pregnancy

Many expectant mothers increase their milk intake during pregnancy. This sometimes leads to sudden lactose intolerance, often accompanied by diarrhea.

This cause can be easily ruled out by stopping milk intake and consuming other calcium supplements. If you notice that the diarrhea has stopped, you should continue with the measures taken. Fortunately, after giving birth, you can probably continue to consume dairy products without any problems.

The vulnerability of the immune system

While a woman is pregnant, she is the ideal target for contracting diseases and infections due to the vulnerability of her immune system.

In this sense, bacteria, infections and viruses of the stomach choose her as the ideal candidate. The result is this unwanted combination: pregnancy and diarrhea.

Can I prevent diarrhea during pregnancy?

Fortunately, yes! You can avoid the terrible combination of pregnancy and diarrhea by just following these very simple tips:

• Maintain a balanced diet.
• Make sure your vegetables and fruits are thoroughly sanitized before eating them.
• Avoid eating a lot in one meal. Indeed, it is preferable to prepare several small meals per day.

• If you go for a walk, consume only bottled water in the eating places you visit.
• Also, avoid experimenting with dishes and condiments you don’t know.
• Dramatically reduce the consumption of drinks containing processed sugar. Like, for example, soft drinks and energy drinks.
• Finally, monitor the medications you are taking and your reaction to them. If you identify one as causing the diarrhea, see your doctor to prescribe another.

Some final suggestions

After pregnancy, when your routines are rearranged for your new life, this type of discomfort will surely be greatly reduced.

In the meantime, if this happens during pregnancy, you need to remember that it is perfectly normal. However, if you think this is happening excessively, see your doctor to avoid complications.

Also, if you have episodes of diarrhea, have sports drinks that contain electrolytes on hand. Indeed, these drinks prevent dehydration.

Finally, don’t let this discomfort ruin your days. Continue your routine with the best possible attitude. You are strong and able to overcome this and much more.