A rollercoaster of emotions and physical changes with a twist at every turn – what came to your mind first? Yes, pregnancy it is! Amid feeling your baby move and planning for a cute little nursery for the baby, having to deal with diarrhea during pregnancy is one of the less glamorous moments of this journey. Digestive changes might be the reason behind diarrhea while pregnant, but let’s find out. This blog will cover the details, including what causes diarrhea in pregnancy. 

So, let’s begin. Shall we?

Symptoms of Diarrhea during pregnancy

Although diarrhea during pregnancy is surprisingly very common among women, let’s have a look at the symptoms that you should be mindful of. Just know that minor discomfort due to diarrhea is totally fine until it starts disrupting your daily routine. 

• Frequent, loose and watery stools throughout the day

• You may feel abdominal pain or cramps 

• Bloating and gas are hallmarks of diarrhea during pregnancy.

• Nausea or vomiting are also very common symptoms of diarrhea. 

• Diarrhea causes severe dehydration in the body, and you may notice flaky hands and breakouts on the skin. 

These are not very serious symptoms, but if they persist for more than 2 days or you see blood in stool, consult your doctor immediately. Your healthcare provider will look into the case and prescribe some medications according to your medical history to control the situation. 

What Causes Diarrhea during pregnancy?

Pregnancy brings so many beautiful moments for the mother-to-be, but it also brings some significant changes in the body. Don’t forget to check the symptoms of pregnancy and when they start. Pregnancy cravings and hormonal shifts can be a significant cause of diarrhea, but that’s not it. Iron in prenatal vitamins can cause diarrhea. Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, including food poisoning and stomach bugs, can lead to diarrhea. 

Pregnancy also brings along emotional changes in a woman’s life, which may cause stress and anxiety. That’s why women also experience diarrhea when they are near to giving birth due to stress and anxiety. 

But most importantly, diarrhea during pregnancy can also be nature’s way of preparing your body for labor. It clears out your digestive system. So, if you’re frequently experiencing diarrhea, maybe your due date is near. 

Is Diarrhea a Sign of Labor?

This might be surprising for you, but diarrhea in pregnancy can be a sign of labor. There’s a hormone called prostaglandin. It helps soften the cervix for delivery. Due to this hormonal change in the body, women experience diarrhea while pregnant and close to labor. However, diarrhea alone is not a definite sign that labor is imminent. It's just one of many possible signs. 

Although diarrhea during pregnancy is a common thing, still avoid self-medication. Do not take any medicines that your provider didn’t prescribe, as it can put you and your baby in danger. While dealing with pregnancy symptoms, it can be hard sometimes to keep your calm, and that’s fine. Now that you know what causes diarrhea during pregnancy, it should be easier for you to handle things.