It’s not uncommon to experience constipation during pregnancy, but some women do report having mild diarrhea before they go into labor. If you’re experiencing diarrhea close to your due date, it could be a sign that labor is imminent.
Diarrhea can be caused by a stomach virus or food poisoning, just like when you’re not pregnant. Some antibiotics and antacids can sometimes cause diarrhea, as can some foods: Sugar-free candies are common culprits, as are dairy products for people who are lactose-intolerant. And women with gastrointestinal problems like inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and diverticulitis can suffer from occasional or chronic diarrhea.
If you’re constipated and haven’t had a bowel movement in a few days, and then suddenly develop watery diarrhea, you may have fecal impaction. In this condition, hard, impacted stool blocks part or all of the large intestine. Watery stool often leaks around it and appears as diarrhea. In this circumstance, you will probably have other indications or indicators, such as nausea, vomiting, abdomen discomfort, as well as a distended (or “bloated”) abdomen. These would be the indicators of an intestinal obstruction, for which you will need instant evaluation and remedy approach.
If you have a stomach virus or a mild case of food poisoning, you should be able to recover within 24 hours or less. In the meantime, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, and it can usually help to eat bland foods like bananas, rice, and toast. If diarrhea continues for more than a day, call your midwife or doctor. Also call your healthcare provider if your diarrhea is accompanied by belly pain or fever, if you have “explosive” diarrhea, if it contains blood or mucus, or if you start to become dehydrated.
Diarrhea during pregnancy can often lead to miscarriage during the first trimester. However, there are treatments and cures available for those who suffer from this condition. You can read more about these options at Diarrhea During Pregnancy, First Trimester Miscarriage and Causes And Cures For Diarrhea During Pregnancy.
