Understanding Diarrhea and Pregnancy

While it is commonly known that most women will experience some kind of digestive problems while pregnant, the most common stereotype includes the nausea and vomiting of morning sickness. Constipation is also experienced by a great many pregnant women. Though it is less prevalent, diarrhea in pregnancy does occur fairly often, and can be serious if not treated correctly. The many changes your body undergoes during pregnancy can make it difficult to deal with multiple conditions and symptoms at one time, but it can be done.

While Diarrhea and pregnancy are not considered as common as other problems like heartburn and constipation usually get more attention. While constipation can be a real problem, you need to be careful that your treatment of it doesn't swing your digestive system too far in the opposite direction. You might combat constipation by increasing your fiber intake, but if you consume too much, it could loosen your stool significantly, resulting in diarrhea in pregnancy.

It's important to understand that diarrhea and pregnancy don't have to go together. If you watch your diet carefully, and treat your constipation properly, you might never have a problem. If you do suffer from it, be sure to take it seriously. Diarrhea in pregnancy can result in severe dehydration and if severe enough, could lead to pre-term labor.

So, what is the best way to avoid diarrhea in pregnancy? First, pay close attention to your diet. If you are consuming a lot of fiber, try to balance it with foods that aren't perhaps quite as bulky. Eating some yogurt every day can also help keep the balance of helpful bacteria in your digestive tract, keeping your stools healthy and regular. Diarrhea can also be brought on by stress, as are many other bothersome pregnancy conditions, so try to keep your stress level low. You can do this by taking some time out to relax every day, get exercise and get plenty of sleep.

If in spite of your best efforts, diarrhea in pregnancy occurs anyway, be sure to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water. Eat foods that are easily digested and low in fiber, like white rice and meat broths. If at all possible, continue to take your daily vitamins and minerals, so they can replace what is leaching out with each bout of diarrhea.

Diarrhea in pregnancy can be extremely serious if left untreated, so if you experience it severely for more than a day, get in touch with your doctor. It is important for you to become healthy again as quickly as possible, and have your body's equilibrium restored as soon as possible. Severe diarrhea, if it is prolonged, can be very hard on the fetus, and you don't want to expose your baby to danger any longer than is necessary.

Even though it may seem difficult at times, just do your best to stay healthy, keep your stress level down, and don't hesitate to call for help if you feel unable to cope with a serious condition yourself.