Loose Motions in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful journey, but it brings a variety of physiological changes in a woman’s body, including gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhoea. But is diarrhoea normal? Loose motions, or diarrhoea, are not commonly discussed as other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or constipation, but it does affect many pregnant women. In situations where the condition is only mild, it is not dangerous. However, if the condition becomes severe, then prompt medical advice should be sought to find the underlying issues. Generally, a pregnant woman's hormones and diet are responsible for her having loose stool most of the time. However, women expecting a child must still find ways to prevent the development of an infection. 

This blog discusses the causes of loose motions in pregnancy, associated risks and treatment for the protection of both the mothers and the ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌baby.

What is Pregnancy-Induced Diarrhoea?

Loose motions, or diarrhoea during pregnancy, involve frequent loose or watery stools occurring three or more times a day. Pregnant women are more susceptible to certain infections due to immune system modulation and their nutritional habits. Sometimes, diarrhoea can be identified by its type: 

• Green diarrhoea, which can result from a diet rich in chlorophyll-containing foods, iron supplements, or rapid digestion. 
• On the other hand, Travellers' diarrhoea is a situation when pregnant females eat or drink something contaminated while travelling, eating and drinking food from vendors. 

Different Causes of Loose Motion in Pregnancy

Diarrhoea can range from mild to severe conditions, and several factors could be the causes of loose motions in pregnancy, such as the following: 

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, particularly progesterone and estrogen, increase gut motility and sensitivity, which in turn causes constipation or quicker bowel movements, resulting in diarrhoea. 

Dietary Changes

Changes in diet, such as high-fibre food intake, artificial sweeteners, spicy food, new foods, fried foods and taking prenatal vitamins. It may irritate the digestive system and therefore result in diarrhoea.

Infections

Infections like viral or bacterial gastroenteritis are more common during pregnancy, as pregnant women may experience a weak immune system that makes it hard to fight off infections.

Prenatal Vitamins and Supplements 

Prenatal vitamins, especially iron supplements, can cause diarrhoea as a side effect. This is because of the high intake, which can irritate the digestive tract, leading to nausea and loose stools.

Lactose Intolerance 

Lactose intolerance may develop or worsen during pregnancy as it becomes harder to digest dairy products. The woman faces difficulty breaking down lactose properly, which can cause diarrhoea after dairy intake.

Medication Side Effects

Some medications, like antibiotics or certain supplements during pregnancy, may cause diarrhoea as a side effect. You must consult your doctor for any new medicines prescribed that cause diarrhoea.

Third-Trimester Diarrhoea

Third-trimester diarrhoea can occur as prostaglandins prepare the body for labour, which causes stimulation of the intestinal contractions resulting in loose stools.

Also Read: Skin changes during pregnancy

What are the Pregnancy Diarrhoea Symptoms?

Diarrhea‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ in pregnancy can indicate different health problems that require the help of a doctor. Promptly noticing these symptoms helps protect the mother and the developing fetus. Look for the following:

• Abdominal cramps
• Need to go to the toilet urgently
• Nausea or vomiting
• Slight fever
• Symptoms of dehydration: dry mouth, light-headedness, and dark urine
• Lack of appetite
• Frequency of loose stools
• Electrolyte ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌imbalance

What are Some Home Care Remedies for Loose Motions?

Most diarrhoea during pregnancy is relieved by itself within a few days and thus does not require medication. Nevertheless, you may use some of the following simple home remedies for loose motions in pregnancy to feel comfortable and better healing:

Stay Hydrated

Continue to drink water, preferably purified or boiled, juice, and broth, as these will help to replace the fluids and electrolytes that have been lost.

Warm Water

Prepare a mixture of water and 2-3 tablespoons of honey that will both strengthen the immune system and relieve symptoms.

Ginger Tea 

Helps to get rid of stomach cramps and gas. You can cook ginger in water, filter it, and add honey. However, it must be sipped in moderation so that the natural ingredients can speed gastric emptying, offering gentle relief.

Eat Bland Foods 

Consume only bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet). These foods are easy to digest, easing irritation in the gut and firming up stools, making it manageable during diarrhoea.

Avoid Certain Foods 

Do not consume fatty, fried, and spicy foods, or more than a small amount of dairy food and sweeteners, as they can irritate the gut in pregnancy, which is sensitive and can worsen diarrhoea.

Medications

If diarrhoea is the result of taking some medication, then talk to your doctor about it. Certain antibiotics can highly affect the gut flora, and a doctor can help you suggest a safer alternative to it.

Rest and Reduce Stress

Alleviate stress-related digestive issues by practising meditation, breathing and prenatal yoga. Too much stress can disturb the gut-brain axis, worsening gut motility and triggering diarrhoea.

Probiotics

Good bacteria may, once in a while, become helpful in balancing gut health by improving digestion during pregnancy. It also reduces the duration and severity of diarrhoea and related discomfort.

Psyllium Husk

This product can absorb the water that is in the intestines and, therefore, can be used as a natural anti-diarrheal agent.

Hygiene Care

Use only clean water for brushing and always keep your hands clean and sanitised, simply to reduce the risk of infections that can aggravate diarrhoea during pregnancy.

Seek Patience 

Most diarrhoea cases resolve within a few days without the need for treatment, so be patient for it to recover naturally as long as you maintain hydration in your body and show no warning signs.

Doctor Consultation

In case diarrhoea persists beyond 2-3 days, or you have a serious condition, consult ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌a doctor to prevent further complications like dehydration or display warning signs with pregnancy-related risks.

What are the Diet Recommendations for Loose Motions?

Safe foods to eat during pregnancy with loose motions should be foods that do not aggravate the stomach and are easy to digest. Here are some suggestions for you if you are pregnant: 

• Steamed vegetables and mild soups help calm your digestive tract and keep your body hydrated.
• Rice that is properly cooked, poha, and khichdi help the body to absorb water for nourishment, providing it with other necessary nutrients.
• Both bananas and apples are good sources of potassium and dietary fibre; however, you should stay away from oranges and other citrus fruits.
• Avoid foods from street vendors, and avoid raw meat or seafood.

When to Visit a doctor

Diarrhoea during pregnancy could be a self-limiting condition or treated without intervention, but certain symptoms warrant immediate intervention:

• Diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours
• Extreme dehydration accompanied by dry mouth, light-headedness
• Increased temperature greater than 100.4°F (38°C)
• Severe abdominal pain or cramps
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Preterm labour symptoms (contractions, back pain)

Empowering Mothers with Tailored Pre-Natal Care!

Diarrhoea is a frequently occurring change in the digestive system of a pregnant woman. Most of the time, it gets better by just having fluids and following a bland diet. In case the symptoms are intense or they continue for more than 2–3 days, you should definitely consult a doctor. If you wonder, "When to see a doctor for loose motions during pregnancy," you must consult a doctor and follow the essential instructions provided to you. Keeping drinking water, staying away from dangerous foods, and following the instructions of a specialist will ensure your safety. Every mother can count on Apollo Spectra for safe and convenient prenatal ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌care.