Causes of diarrhea during pregnancy

Diarrhea is defined as a change in the number of stools (more than usual) and / or a change in bowel characteristics: stools become soft or watery, and usually accompanying the increase in the urgency of going to the service. Episodes of diarrhea may occur during pregnancy, which are usually not ser

Episodes of diarrhea may occur during pregnancy, which are usually not serious. Occasionally, during the nine months there are women who report that they have a change in the depositional habit, going much more to the bathroom than usual. Although the most common is to present the opposite picture, ie constipation due to pregnancy hormones, to iron taken by some ...

As a general rule, these episodes of diarrhea are not usually serious unless they are accompanied by blood in the stool, fever and abdominal pain.

5 common causes of diarrhea in pregnancy

Some experts point to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy as the 'culprits' of diarrhea. We analyze other possible factors:

1.Nausea or heaviness of the stomach: nausea, digestion problems or vomiting cause food to not digest well in the stomach, diarrhea being a consequence of pregnancy poor digestion of food.

2.Changes in the diet: It may happen that the woman changes her diet for a healthier one or chooses to consume foods with a large amount of fiber to avoid constipation typical of pregnancy. However, the higher intake of fruits and vegetables can cause diarrhea in pregnancy. It is a temporary reaction of the body, which will disappear after a few days.

3.Lactose intolerance: Because many women increase their milk intake (to avoid heartburn, for example), they may develop an episode of lactose intolerance, which in turn manifests as diarrhea. If you suspect that this may be the reason for your diarrhea in pregnancy you can try to stop drinking milk (but continue to take calcium foods) to check if your stools return to normal.

4.Prenatal vitamins or medication: Prenatal vitamins or certain medications during pregnancy can cause changes in bowel movements. In the case of multivitamins, these contain some principles can be the cause of diarrhea in pregnancy but also iron, which causes constipation.

5.Viruses, bacteria and diseases: Stomach viruses or food poisoning are an important cause of diarrhea in women who may be more vulnerable to this type of attack. Also, women who have problems such as inflamed bowel, irritable bowel syndrome or diverticulitis may suffer from occasional or chronic diarrhea during their pregnancy.

Prevention of diarrhea during pregnancy

Diarrhea in pregnancy can be prevented if the mother maintains a balanced diet and meets a series of basic hygiene standards. As for food, it is necessary not to binge in one sitting, eat in clean places and wash fruits or vegetables that are going to be consumed, and if they have skin they should be peeled. If you are going to eat in unusual places, drink only bottled water and do not ask for dishes or condiments that you are not used to.