When your body is preparing itself to give birth, the muscles of the entire body starts to loosen up. This includes the muscles responsible for regulating bowel movements. Before this, you might have been experiencing constipation as the digestive process is slowed down during pregnancy. But all this can change within a moment’s notice. According to some doctors, diarrhea occurs so that it can empty the bowel and make room for the baby. It makes passing through the birth canal easier.
It is very common for a pregnant woman to get diarrhoea at the end of the pregnancy. At times this can be a pain but there is nothing to worry about. If your diarrhoea is accompanied by contractions and cramping, it might mean the baby is about to enter the world.
When a person is suffering from diarrhea, more water is pulled out of their body. As the water reserves decrease, it can lead to dehydration causing contractions and false labor. When a pregnant woman gets diarrhea, she should drink more water to ensure the health of her and her baby. For dealing with pre-labor diarrhea, you should eat light meals and stay close to the bathroom.
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Diarrhoea is a common condition to occur during pregnancy. This unusual and frequent bowel movement condition lasts for about 2 to 3 days. Usually, it is accompanied with abdominal pains. Some women face this as they get close to the end of their pregnancy while some others suffer from this condition throughout their pregnancy. In some cases, diarrhoea is caused by an infection and needs to be checked, especially when it is accompanied by nausea and lasts for more than 2 bowel movements.
Diarrhea in pregnancy isn’t necessarily normal. Unlike constipation, it is not caused by hormonal changes. Loose stools can be associated with pregnancy. It may be because the woman is not drinking enough water or eating healthier foods.
Food poisoning can cause gastroenteritis. This results in the stomach and intestines inflammation. This is one of the major causes of diarrhea. It results from infectious agents like a viral infection or bacterial toxins. It can turn into a serious problem for a pregnant woman. So, it should be treated immediately.
Staying hydrated while being pregnant is very important. Diarrhea can cause an imbalance in electrolytes leading to dehydration. Dehydration can kick the body into feeling symptoms of labor. This is why IV fluids are used for treating the labor symptoms early in the pregnancy. If the diarrhea gets out of control and the pregnant woman feels cramping and loss of energy, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
There are certain foods like fried foods, prunes, high fibre grains, and dried fruits that can lead to diarrhoea. You should try a modified BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) diet. All of these foods are easy on the digestive system. For getting all the nutrients and vitamins while being pregnant, you should add starches like carrots and potatoes to your BRAT diet. You can also try eating yoghurt, lean meats, and soups.
