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Treatment of diarrhea during late pregnancy. Diarrhea during pregnancy: causes of development, what to do? What to do if a pregnant woman has diarrhea

During pregnancy, you should especially monitor your health and listen to every ailment of your body. During such a period, not even the simplest disease should remain aloof from your attention, not excluding the usual indigestion.

If you do not pay attention to it in time, you can bring the body to dehydration, which in the future can negatively affect not only the woman herself, but also the unborn child, up to premature birth or the threat of miscarriage. If any of the symptoms of stomach upset occur, you should definitely consult your doctor. Most often, the disorder manifests itself in the early stages of pregnancy, when the pregnant woman is most vulnerable and her body changes greatly.

Stomach upset may include more than one of the following symptoms, or just one of them:

  • sour taste in the mouth;
  • belching;
  • indigestion;
  • heartburn;
  • feeling of abdominal pain;
  • feeling of fullness in the stomach;
  • nausea, vomiting;
  • flatulence, diarrhea, bloating;
  • temperature increase;
  • weakness;
  • dizziness.

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

This symptom requires special attention, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, since many may confuse it with toxicosis or even with the first sign of pregnancy due to inexperience.

If nausea and slight weakness in the morning are a common sign of pregnancy in the early stages, then vomiting already appears either with acute gastric disease and poisoning, or with very severe toxicosis. But it also requires medical intervention from a doctor and special actions (drink more fluids, and the doctor, in turn, can prescribe a course of glucose drips).

Diarrhea, constipation during pregnancy

Diarrhea and constipation have the greatest impact on the body of a pregnant woman. They are the ones who deplete it the most and lead to dehydration. This symptom can be caused by consuming low-quality products, as well as a disorder of the nervous system.

Heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn is expressed as a burning sensation in the lower part of the epigastric region, which occurs due to increased secretion of gastric juice. Too high a content of gastric juice irritates the mucous membrane of the esophagus. It is worth noting that heartburn is not an independent disease, but is always a symptom of other diseases, most often reflux esophagitis.

Heartburn in pregnant women is quite common, occurring in more than 80% of women and stopping immediately after childbirth. This type of heartburn occurs for two reasons:

  • enlargement of the uterus, which prevents the complete closure of the sphincter;
  • failure to maintain proper nutrition, the excess of which enters the lower parts of the esophagus.

If heartburn appears, it does not come alone: ​​it is often accompanied by a feeling of melancholy and depression, chest pain and belching.

Loose stools during pregnancy

Loose stools during pregnancy are the main symptom of indigestion. A pregnant woman experiences frequent urge to go to the toilet, and the stool takes on a sour smell. After contacting your doctor with such a symptom, an ultrasound, urine, blood and stool tests are most often prescribed to diagnose the disease.

Stages of development of indigestion


Experts distinguish between 3 degrees of severity of gastric upset.

  1. Acute disorder. Appears in diseases of infectious, viral and bacterial types. Lasts no more than two weeks, depending on the cause of the disease.
  2. Severe upset. Longer treatment period: from two weeks to a month.
  3. Chronic disorder. With this disorder, the disease lasts for more than a month. In this case, it is no longer infectious. Common causes of chronic disease are inflammatory bowel disease, colon irritation and ulcers.

Causes of stomach upset in pregnant women

Different causes of indigestion may result in different symptoms. But most often the disorder occurs due to viruses and bacteria entering the body through food intake.

Let's look at common causes of stomach upset in pregnant women:

  • some medications and vitamins can cause diarrhea;
  • diseases of the digestive system, due to which foods are poorly digested;
  • hormonal fluctuations lead to constipation;
  • increased physical activity;
  • poor quality water and food;
  • activation of chronic diseases during pregnancy (gastritis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis);
  • binge eating;
  • sudden change of diet;
  • poor and unhealthy diet;
  • dysbacteriosis;
  • worms;
  • mental disorders and stress;
  • appendicitis and other pathologies requiring surgical intervention.

Treatment for indigestion during pregnancy

First of all, you need to take in as much water as possible. Any stomach upset leads to dehydration, which negatively affects the unborn child. It is best if the water contains sugar or salt for better absorption by the body (broth, sweet tea, etc.). Drinking plenty of fluids is required to control acetone in the blood and normalize the color of urine.

Secondly, you need to adjust your diet: more frequent meals in small portions. Eat the foods your doctor tells you to eat. It is also recommended to drink yogurt due to its high content of probiotics, which help get rid of diarrhea.

And thirdly, drug treatment from the attending physician. If any symptoms of stomach upset appear, you should definitely contact your specialist. He will conduct all the necessary research and prescribe you the right treatment that will be safe for your unborn child. And if there is a temperature or pressure, then immediately call an ambulance.

If the stomach upset is not so serious, then the doctor prescribes Loperamide, Imodium, Smecta, activated carbon, Regidron at his discretion. In more severe forms of the disease, Lomotil, Diphenoxylate are prescribed, but such medications must be taken with caution, because they can affect fetal development.

  • If the disorder causes severe abdominal pain, then it is necessary to take No-shpa to stop stomach and intestinal cramps.
  • If you have bloating, most of your diet should consist of liquid vegetarian soups.
  • If an intestinal infection is detected, the doctor prescribes antibiotics.
  • If symptoms of poisoning or surgical pathology appear, the pregnant woman is sent for treatment to a hospital, where she is rehydrated to combat dehydration.

Under no circumstances should you perform gastric lavage yourself; it is better to wait for emergency specialists to arrive.

Preventing stomach upset during pregnancy

All prevention of indigestion is based mainly on proper nutrition, proper preparation of your diet and food intake.
But, first of all, you still need to consult with your doctor so that your prevention, on the contrary, does not harm you.

  • Food must be fresh, of good quality and expiration date.
  • Eat only seasonal fruits and vegetables.
  • Observe the rules of personal hygiene and food hygiene (carefully handle food before consumption).
  • Chew your food well.
  • In the daily diet, it is preferable to consume the following foods: crackers, potatoes, bread, baked and boiled vegetables, dietary meats, yogurt.
  • Eat often and in small portions; if you constantly feel hungry, you can have light snacks (fruit is best).

What not to do to avoid stomach upset

  • It is necessary to refuse or, if possible, reduce the consumption of such foods as strong coffee, smoked meats, fried and salty foods, fast food, alcohol, dried fruits, milk, and various marinades.
  • Do not wear tight or tight clothing; it should be loose, especially around the abdomen and waist.
  • Stop smoking at least during pregnancy.
  • Avoid stressful situations, mental disorders, react calmly to everything.
  • Experts also do not recommend consuming sweet juices, especially apple, grape, or any carbonated drinks.
  • Do not resort to self-medication without consulting your doctor. Some stomach upset medications contain high amounts of sodium and bicarbonate, which can be very harmful to you and your unborn baby.
  • Avoid combining incompatible products (for example, milk and sour vegetables or fruits).
  • Contrary to all the instructions of relatives and friends - do not overeat! You should not eat FOR two, but FOR two.

If you have any stomach upset during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor. Only he will be able to give you a competent diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment that will not harm either you or your child. You should not delay and wait for the disease to develop, because in the early stages there are more opportunities to get rid of it in the most harmless ways.

Everyone has loose stools from time to time: nerves, eating something “wrong” the day before, or a contracted virus often cause diarrhea. As a rule, it goes away in 3-4 days and does not pose a great danger to a healthy person, with the exception of cases of intestinal infections and serious diseases of the digestive tract. But for a woman carrying a child, diarrhea creates an increased risk of pathology and even termination of pregnancy.

Diarrhea, or diarrhea in common parlance, is frequent stools with a high water content (90% or more), characterized by a sudden urge and difficulty controlling bowel movements. Diarrhea can be painless, but is more often accompanied by cramps and pain in the abdomen, general poor health: nausea, vomiting, weakness, fever.

Most expectant mothers monitor their diet with special care: they carefully choose foods for cooking, avoid “harmful foods,” and follow the correct diet. But even such measures do not always protect against intestinal upset. A pregnant woman’s body is weakened, her immunity is reduced (this is necessary to preserve the fetus) and is not able to resist numerous microbes.

In addition, the physiological characteristics of the “pregnant” body themselves are the cause of various dyspeptic manifestations: bloating, nausea, heartburn, stool disorders, both in the direction of consolidation and relaxation.

Symptoms of diarrhea and their danger for a pregnant woman

The risk associated with diarrhea depends on the severity and cause of the condition. Indigestion caused by errors in diet usually goes away quickly and painlessly. Infectious diarrhea begins acutely and continues violently for several days, manifesting itself with numerous unpleasant symptoms. Chronic diarrhea lasting more than 3 weeks may indicate the presence of gastrointestinal pathology or a general disease.

How can diarrhea in pregnant women harm the unborn baby and the woman?

  1. Severe spasmodic pain poses a threat of termination of pregnancy. Active intestinal peristalsis can provoke uterine contractions, which can result in detachment of the fertilized egg, death of the embryo, and premature onset of labor (depending on the period). Abdominal cramps are especially dangerous in the 1st and 3rd trimesters.
  2. Intestinal infections and viruses can penetrate the placental barrier, which in the early stages threatens pathologies of the child’s formation, and in the later stages – intrauterine infection, hypoxia, developmental delay, premature birth, and fetal death.
  3. An increase in body temperature at the beginning of pregnancy is also harmful to the developing fetus.
  4. Excessive diarrhea, especially with vomiting, quickly leads to dehydration and a deficiency of vitamins and nutrients in the expectant mother’s body, which can negatively affect the baby. Long-term disruption of food absorption in the intestines leads to chronic vitamin deficiency, which for a child means the development of pathologies and growth retardation.
  5. Symptoms such as nausea, weakness, chills indicate poisoning of the body with toxins, the likelihood of which entering the fetal bloodstream is high.

A pregnant woman needs to call an ambulance if diarrhea is accompanied by high fever and vomiting, dizziness and faintness. Also, immediate hospitalization requires the appearance of blood in the stool in the form of mucous streaks or staining of the stool almost black.

Signs of dehydration should also cause concern:

  • constant thirst and dry mouth;
  • feeling of dry skin and mucous membranes;
  • weakness, drowsiness, tinnitus;
  • the appearance of dark circles around the eyes;
  • rare urge to “small”, discharge of dark urine.

Treatment of diarrhea in pregnant women

Treatment of diarrhea during pregnancy is complicated by the fact that most medications are contraindicated for expectant mothers, especially in the early stages. This greatly limits the doctor’s freedom in choosing treatment methods. If possible, diarrhea can be eliminated by following a diet and using safe folk remedies. Every woman should remember that many harmless “herbs” during pregnancy can harm the unborn baby and even jeopardize the pregnancy itself. Before using this or that recipe, it is better to consult with your doctor.

In cases where the patient’s condition is alarming and pills cannot be avoided (for example, antibiotics), the doctor may decide to prescribe drug therapy, despite the potential risk to the fetus. Naturally, you cannot take any medications on your own, even if the woman was constantly “saved” from indigestion by them before pregnancy.

What can pregnant women do if they have diarrhea? Diet for illness

Following a diet is recommended for all expectant mothers, but for gastrointestinal disorders it should be especially strict. The purpose of special nutrition for diarrhea is to “unload” the digestive organs, create the correct regimen (frequent and fractional), and eliminate foods with a laxative effect. A pregnant woman should not starve; nutrients must be supplied to the body in a timely manner and in sufficient quantities, therefore strict restrictions are permissible only on the first day of the diet.

Spicy, smoked, fried foods should be excluded completely; milk should not be consumed if you have diarrhea. It is necessary to reduce to a minimum the consumption of fatty, sweet, sour and salty foods.

On the first day, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, which will “flush” the gastrointestinal tract and replenish the fluid supply in the body. Strong tea is suitable for this, but it is better to prepare rice water: 1 tsp. rice half a liter of water, boil for 40 minutes and strain the resulting “jelly”. Take half a glass of the decoction every 2-3 hours. For a “snack” - white bread croutons.

On the second day, you can eat slimy porridge with water (rice, oatmeal), without adding salt and sugar. Drink: fruit juice, tea, still water. Diet bread and dried wheat slices are allowed. It’s better to avoid vegetables and fruits for now, but if you really want to, you can finely grate carrots and apples (without peel) and add a spoonful of vegetable oil. You can drink light chicken or vegetable broth. You definitely need fresh kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk, containing “live” lactic acid bacteria, which will help the intestines restore their function.

On the third day, you should add soft boiled or stewed vegetables (without coarse particles), a steamed cutlet, and light soup to the porridge. All food should be at a comfortable temperature - neither hot nor cold, so as not to irritate the digestive organs.

This diet should be followed for at least a week. Jelly, compote (not made from dried fruits), and herbal teas (chamomile, mint) are recommended as drinks.

What medications for diarrhea can pregnant women take?

During pregnancy, you should not take any medications unless prescribed by a doctor. As an exception, you can only take an adsorbent agent, for example, Eneterosgel, Polyphepan, Enterodes; regular activated carbon is also suitable, which, by the way, is now sold in purified form under the name “White Coal”. Sorbents should not be used simultaneously with vitamins and other medications - at least 2 hours must pass between taking charcoal and other tablets.

In case of severe diarrhea and profuse vomiting, Trisol, Gudron, Regidron saline solutions are recommended, which will maintain the body's water and electrolyte balance and prevent dehydration.

All other medications during pregnancy should only be taken in consultation with your doctor. This also applies to antispasmodics (No-shpa, papaverine suppositories), which relieve pain from excessive intestinal peristalsis, and sedatives (valerian, motherwort), if diarrhea is caused by increased nervousness of the expectant mother.

After the 30th week, it is permissible to prescribe antidiarrheal tablets based on loperamide - these are Loperamide, Imodium, Diara, Lopedium, Entrobene. These capsules help to quickly stop diarrhea and avoid large losses of fluid and nutrients from the intestines. Such remedies should not be used if loose stools are caused by pathogenic microorganisms (dysentery, salmonellosis, shigellosis and other infections) so as not to interfere with the cleansing of the intestines from pathogens.

For intestinal infections, pregnant women are allowed to be prescribed Nifuroxazide, an antimicrobial drug that suppresses the activity of most pathogens that cause diarrhea. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe other antibiotics.

To restore the intestinal microflora after treatment, you may need a course of probiotics (Linex, Bifidumbacterin, Bifi-form, Baktisubtil, etc.) For mild diarrhea, it is enough to regularly drink fermented milk drinks labeled “bio”.

Folk remedies for diarrhea during pregnancy

For acute diarrhea, the use of folk remedies is ineffective: the active substances in medicinal plants are in too low concentrations to quickly relieve unpleasant symptoms. Herbal medicine and “grandmother’s recipes” are justified when diarrhea is long-lasting and not associated with infection. Then regular intake of mucous drinks and herbal preparations based on “astringent” plants will help softly consolidate the stool and normalize intestinal function.

Here are some home remedies that can be recommended for women during pregnancy to stop diarrhea:

Pregnant women should take herbal infusions with caution, as they can cause allergies. Here are several formulations that are considered safe during pregnancy, if individual reactions are excluded:

  1. St. John's wort and chamomile flowers, plantain leaves, oak bark, Icelandic moss, cinquefoil root (1 part each).
  2. Veronica and strawberry leaves, water pepper grass, calamus root, white willow bark, marigold inflorescences.
  3. Thyme, wormwood, falcon grass, bedstraw and alder cones.

Prevention of diarrhea in pregnant women

If a pregnant woman did not follow a diet before becoming ill, the occurrence of diarrhea should be a good reason to reconsider her diet. The expectant mother is responsible not only for herself, but also for her unborn baby. Therefore, it is extremely important for her not to overstrain her body, which is already under double load, with heavy, unhealthy food. But you also need to treat healthy foods with caution: if you have problems with digestion, you should not indulge in raw vegetables and fruits; excess fiber can cause loose stools.

It is important to pay special attention to the prevention of poisoning and intestinal infections:

  • buy only fresh products;
  • eat freshly prepared food;
  • monitor expiration dates;
  • wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly;
  • heat-treat food: boil meat, fish, eggs well, boil milk and water;
  • during pregnancy it is better to refuse catering;
  • avoid public places, especially during viral epidemics;
  • observe hygiene rules.

Pregnancy is undoubtedly one of the most wonderful times a woman can experience. During this period, the body's condition may deviate from normal limits. Along with dizziness, nausea, and increased fatigue, diarrhea may appear in late pregnancy. Why it occurs and how to deal with it will be discussed below.

Table of contents:

Causes of loose stools

Diarrhea during pregnancy is much less common than constipation. Therefore, it is worth understanding the causes of diarrhea:

Poisoning is a pathological condition of the body in which indigestion occurs due to the consumption of poor quality food and medications.

Symptoms of poisoning:

  • nausea and vomiting;
  • stool disorder;
  • increased body temperature, chills;
  • flatulence and pain in the abdomen;
  • malaise, weakness and increased fatigue.

The clinical picture may vary slightly depending on the severity of the disease. For example, with a mild degree, symptoms reminiscent of early toxicosis may appear: dizziness, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. In more severe cases of the disease, diarrhea appears and the body temperature may rise.

Loose stools in the second and third trimester can occur as a result of eclampsia, along with vomiting and headaches, so it is very easy to confuse this condition with poisoning. That is why, if your health worsens, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to avoid the sad consequences of improper treatment.

Intestinal infection

Intestinal infections are a group of diseases characterized by damage to the gastrointestinal tract. There are many causative agents of ACI: rotavirus, vibrio cholera, dysentery bacillus, salmonella bacillus, bacterium escherichiosis, enterovirus and many others.

The main signs of an intestinal infection are:

  • nausea and vomiting;
  • high body temperature;
  • decreased or loss of appetite.

Diarrhea in late pregnancy does not pose a danger to the fetus, since the pathogen lives and multiplies only in the intestines. The main problem that may arise is dehydration of the body, which results in fetal hypoxia. During pregnancy, a large number of medications are contraindicated, so treatment is carried out with gentle antibacterial agents that do not affect the development of the fetus.

Worms

Food

The body's reaction to foods can manifest itself as diarrhea, accompanied by flatulence.

It is in this situation that it is necessary to establish the cause of diarrhea and eliminate it. It is important to follow a certain diet during this period. Nutrition should be rational, nutritious, and also contain strengthening products. The main thing is to know when to stop, otherwise you can get another ailment - constipation. Therefore, it is imperative to include meat, various cereals, low-fat soups and broths in your diet. Eliminate the consumption of raw vegetables and fruits for a while. Vegetables can be boiled, stewed and baked, and fruits in the form of compotes and jelly.

Physical exercise, even morning exercises in the later stages can provoke the appearance of diarrhea. This is characterized by the fact that when performing certain loads, intestinal peristalsis can begin to work in an enhanced mode, as a result of which the calla masses become liquid.

Due date

Starting from the 37th week of pregnancy, loose stools may appear. This is considered a physiological process, the so-called natural cleansing. It is caused by prolapse of the uterine fundus and its pressure on nearby organs, primarily the bladder and rectum.

Every woman's prenatal period is different. Some experience diarrhea accompanied by vomiting, while others experience only stool upset without any disturbances.

Diarrhea can be observed not only before childbirth, but also several weeks before it. Many women complain of diarrhea at 36-38 weeks, and those pregnant with a second or more child may not be affected by this disease at all.

Most women who give birth for the first time begin to be embarrassed by the fact that diarrhea has appeared. Those mothers who have already given birth know that in the maternity hospital they still use different methods for bowel movements: a cleansing enema or special suppositories. Don't get too hung up on this, bowel cleansing is necessary during the birth process, whether naturally or with some help. After all, a woman has to strain a lot, and the appearance of feces will complicate the process.

Why is diarrhea dangerous in later stages?

  1. The appearance of diarrhea during pregnancy can lead to significant dehydration of the body and the loss of all the necessary vitamins and microelements that mother and baby need so much.
  2. Increased intestinal motility can cause the uterus to contract. Then there will be a threat of miscarriage in the early stages and premature birth, starting from the third trimester.

To begin to take any measures, you must first see your doctor to determine the cause of diarrhea. It may happen that there is no reason to worry, in any case, reinsurance will not hurt.

When loose stools give way to constipation, we can immediately say that there are chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the body.

How to treat diarrhea during pregnancy

The appearance of loose stools at the end of the third trimester indicates the initial stage of the birth process. Diarrhea before childbirth frees the body of excess toxins and the mother in labor from the enema. In rare cases, the doctor may prescribe Smecta, Activated Carbon, Regidron.

Every pregnant woman should remember that her body works for two during pregnancy. Therefore, you need to take care of yourself and try not to overwork yourself. To do this, it is enough to eat fresh, healthy food, limit yourself to salt, smoked and fatty foods. We should not forget that following a diet has a positive effect not only on the health of the mother, but also on the well-being of the unborn baby.

Diarrhea during pregnancy (diarrhea) is not a disease, but a symptom that is often quite common and may indicate the occurrence of various disorders. Nausea and vomiting, loose stools during pregnancy may indicate disorders of the nervous system or the need to treat infectious diseases. Diarrhea can also be a sign of the onset of labor.

Diarrhea during pregnancy

Vomiting in the early stages of pregnancy is a sign of toxicosis

Diarrhea in the first weeks of pregnancy indicates the body's reaction to the changes that occur with the onset of pregnancy. This does not mean that this disease does not need to be treated. During the period of diarrhea, microelements and valuable vitamins are washed out of the body of the expectant mother.

The condition and development of the baby directly depends on the nutritional status of the expectant mother. To treat diarrhea in early pregnancy, you can prepare a drink with added salt, sugar and activated charcoal.

If diarrhea occurs in late pregnancy - from 28 to 39 weeks - this is a sign of the development of a pathological process, or a sign of the onset of labor. In the absence of nausea and vomiting, and there is no increase in temperature, this is a direct sign of the onset of labor. The body thus cleanses itself before childbirth.

Nausea, vomiting and fever may indicate poisoning or an intestinal infection.

Why does diarrhea occur?

Vomiting and diarrhea during pregnancy is a reason to consult a doctor

Causes of diarrhea:

  • Consumption of low-quality or stale products;
  • Disturbance in the functioning of the nervous system;
  • Development of intestinal infections;
  • The onset of labor.

What are the causes of diarrhea during pregnancy? As a rule, at the beginning of pregnancy the hormonal background in the body of the mother changes. “Hormonal changes” in most cases cause constipation. An exception is the period of the first and last weeks of pregnancy - at the beginning this may indicate fertilization of the egg, at the end - the beginning of labor.

If, along with diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever are diagnosed, then this is evidence of an intestinal infection. This condition poses a danger to the woman and the unborn child, so it is necessary to seek medical help.

The most common causes of diarrhea are irritation of the colon - “bear disease”, intestinal infection or toxification, that is, food poisoning.

"Bear Disease"

If diarrhea appears during pregnancy regardless of the duration of pregnancy, this can be caused by active movement of the colon, the activity of which is regulated by the nervous system. There is an increase in the number of urges and loose stools.

Therefore, anxiety and stress are the main signs of this disease. A characteristic feature of diarrhea in bear disease is the absence of urges at night, which is associated with dulling of the nervous system.

This form does not involve nausea, vomiting, or fever. Bear disease should be treated from the nervous system. Therefore, it is recommended to take sedatives that will not harm the unborn baby.

Food poisoning

Vomiting and diarrhea during pregnancy may indicate the onset of labor

Signs of food poisoning appear very quickly. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea are the main symptoms of food poisoning. Flatulence and fever can also accompany poisoning.

Intoxication of the whole body occurs, which is accompanied by weakness, chills, and headache. Even fainting may occur due to a decrease in blood pressure.

Food poisoning is accompanied by dehydration and can be very dangerous as it causes blood to thicken. This condition can provoke thrombosis and varicose veins, and the threat of miscarriage.

Food poisoning is especially dangerous during the period of 36-39 weeks, since the woman’s body is weakened and it is not easy for the immune system to cope with the negative load. Usually only the pregnant woman suffers from the manifestations of food poisoning; the child practically does not feel this condition.

Only in case of dehydration is the child's health at risk, since this condition reduces blood circulation. This in turn leads to a lack of nutrition through the placenta and the production of the corresponding hormone, which can provoke the threat of miscarriage. Therefore, food poisoning must first be treated by replenishing the lost fluid in the mother’s body.

Intestinal infection

Vomiting and diarrhea during pregnancy are dangerous due to dehydration

The presence of diarrhea due to an intestinal infection practically does not pose a threat to the child, since the causative agent of the disease affects the woman’s intestines. The most negative symptom is dehydration and the inability to take popular medications.

In such cases, intestinal infections should be treated with “gentle” antibiotics that do not have a negative impact on the baby’s development. The main symptoms of an intestinal infection are nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

Fever and loss of appetite are also common. It is important not to delay treatment in such cases. Promptness will help avoid problems with dehydration, which can cause hypoxia in a child.

Treatments for diarrhea during pregnancy

Vomiting and diarrhea during pregnancy can also affect the condition of the child

If a woman is bothered by diarrhea during pregnancy, but there is no serious reason to contact a specialist, then there are some rules that, if followed, will help maintain the pregnancy and minimize all risks associated with the baby’s health.

During diarrhea, it is important to drink more liquids containing sugar and salt, since during this period most of the minerals are washed out of the body. The best drink at such times would be still mineral water, chicken broth or “sports drinks”.

To determine the required amount of fluid for the normal functioning of body systems, you need to monitor the color and amount of urine. Light yellow color and transparency of urine are a sign of normality.

As for nutrition, it is important to eat in small portions. You can eat fast-carbohydrate foods - bananas, pasta, crackers. Salty foods will be a good addition to your diet, as they will help replenish mineral deficiencies. You should not consume dried fruits, milk, spicy and fatty foods, which provoke weakening of the intestines.

It is imperative to take a medicine that has no contraindications. The medicine should have a mild effect and eliminate the causes of the disease. You should not self-medicate, and if the temperature is elevated or bleeding is observed, you should consult your doctor.

Moderate diarrhea during pregnancy is not a cause for concern. Only cases of complex manifestations of diarrhea can cause irreversible processes and harm the baby and his health.

Some forms of diarrhea can be eliminated with regular bifidoyogurt without filler. Yogurt is a source of healthy bacteria that helps normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, this product has no contraindications during pregnancy at all stages.

Diarrhea during pregnancy can bother almost every pregnant woman. In such cases, it is especially important not to panic and to understand the causes of this disease. And if diarrhea is not accompanied by complications such as vomiting, nausea and fever, then you can limit yourself to home treatment. But still, consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist is also necessary.

Video presents n Traditional remedies for toxicosis during pregnancy:

Every person has experienced diarrhea. An unpleasant symptom can occur for various reasons. Stressful situations, poor nutrition, and inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract are the causes of loose stools.

During conception, immunity decreases, this is necessary for preserving and bearing the baby. For a woman during pregnancy, intense diarrhea poses a threat to the fetus. Therefore, it is important for the expectant mother to know how to act in case of diarrhea, what helps to cope with the symptom, what medications to take, and when to seek medical help.

Causes of diarrhea during pregnancy

Diarrhea is frequent bowel movements, more than 2 times a day, accompanied by discomfort and cramps in the abdominal area. The stool is watery. Diarrhea can be painless, but usually with an upset stomach the patient feels nausea, vomiting, weakness, poor health, and high fever.

Causes of loose stools in pregnant women:

At the beginning of the term, you should be careful about your health. A successful pregnancy is the key to normal fetal development.

Symptoms of diarrhea

Depending on the severity of diarrhea, they talk about possible harm to health and complications. If diarrhea occurs as a result of poor nutrition, the symptom is painless and goes away quickly without special treatment. Stomach upset of an infectious nature requires careful attention and surgical therapy. Chronic diarrhea lasting a month indicates serious gastrointestinal disorders.

Diarrhea during pregnancy is marked by symptoms:

  • Frequent loose stools;
  • My stomach is churning;
  • Watery stool;
  • Lack of appetite;
  • Discomfort in the stomach after eating in the form of heartburn, nausea;
  • Cramps, pain in the stomach;
  • Aching, sharp, prolonged pain in the abdominal area;
  • Weakness;
  • Drowsiness, apathy;
  • There is an increase in body temperature;
  • A sign of dizziness, darkening of the eyes when changing body position.

If you have diarrhea, a woman should monitor her well-being. If the condition worsens, if there is a tug, a stomach ache, loose stools with water, or the baby in the stomach behaves restlessly (calms down), contact an ambulance immediately. Self-medication during pregnancy is fraught with consequences for the health of the expectant mother and child. Before using medications to relieve unpleasant symptoms, consult your doctor.

How diarrhea can harm a pregnant woman

Severe diarrhea is dangerous for the body of a woman and child due to dehydration. In addition, diarrhea during pregnancy:

If a woman notices extreme thirst, dry skin, weakness, fainting, or a decrease in the number of urinations, you should immediately call an ambulance. These signs may indicate dehydration.

How to treat diarrhea

If diarrhea does not stop, then it is necessary to establish the cause and select treatment. Only the attending physician has the right to prescribe medicine.

Drug therapy for pregnant women should be under the supervision of a physician. Many drugs are contraindicated due to pregnancy, especially in the first weeks. If possible, treatment is carried out by prescribing a dietary menu, using traditional methods. Traditional medicine should be taken no less seriously. Not all herbal remedies are suitable for pregnant women. Starting from the 35th, 36th week of pregnancy, some medicinal plants can cause contractions and premature birth.

Antibiotics are prescribed as a last resort if the disease without serious treatment will cause more harm to the mother and child. The treatment method is determined by the doctor. During the period of recovery of the body, it is necessary to constantly observe a gynecologist.

Depending on how long the woman has, the optimal treatment is selected.

Medicines for diarrhea during pregnancy

Adsorbent drugs will help remove toxic compounds from the body. During pregnancy, Enterosgel, Polyphepan, Activated Charcoal (in purified form White Charcoal) are allowed. Sorbents are not recommended for use simultaneously with other medications. The time interval must be respected.

If there is a risk of dehydration, you can take rehydration solutions: Regidron, Trisol. They restore water-salt balance and promote fluid retention from the body.

Papaverine and No-shpu are used to relieve stomach cramps. As a sedative - valerian, motherwort. Take these medications only with the permission of a doctor.

To restore the gastric microflora, probiotics are prescribed - Linex-Forte, Bifidumbacterin, Biogaya.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, the doctor may prescribe Imodium, Enterobene, Loperamide for diarrhea.

Intestinal infections in pregnant women are allowed to be treated with an antimicrobial drug - Nifuroxazide. If necessary, other tablets may be prescribed at the discretion of the doctor.

Remember! If diarrhea is caused by intestinal infections, food poisoning, you should not immediately stop loose stools or drink astringents. The body must be cleansed of pathogenic microorganisms and toxins.

Traditional methods of treatment

Traditional methods are safe for treating diarrhea during pregnancy. But you should be careful when choosing herbs, decoctions, and tinctures.

Recipes for diarrhea:

  • Starch. You can make jelly with the addition of a tablespoon of starch or potato broth. For the broth, take three medium potatoes, peel and boil. Cool the broth. Take 200 ml in the morning, afternoon, evening. Starch strengthens stool, helps stop diarrhea, normalizes digestion, and has a beneficial effect on the stomach.
  • Pomegranate. Pomegranate peel relieves symptoms of diarrhea. Grind the dry peel, pour a glass of boiling water, and put on fire. Do it for 20 minutes. Cool, filter. To get rid of diarrhea, you need to drink a tablespoon of decoction before meals.
  • Rice porrige. Rice has an astringent effect. Prepare rice porridge with water for breakfast. Eat within 3-5 days. Afterwards the symptom should go away.
  • If stress is the cause of diarrhea, it is recommended to drink herbal tea with peppermint leaves. Medicinal plants can easily cope with anxiety.
  • Ginger tea. Ginger root is recommended for women to strengthen the immune system and improve digestion. Ginger tea copes well with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

On a note. At the 39th week or 40th (last month) diarrhea is a physiological process, an early harbinger of childbirth. This is a natural phenomenon, the body is cleansed before childbirth, and the stomach should not hurt. In the first weeks of pregnancy, the cause is most often toxicosis.

Be careful when treating diarrhea during pregnancy. Consider the duration, individual intolerance to food additives and medications. Strictly follow the doctor's instructions and dosage of the drug. Monitor changes in the body during therapy with medications and folk remedies.

It is recommended to eat foods that help strengthen stool. If food is the cause of loose stools, adjust the menu. Pregnant women are recommended to eat different foods to replenish their body with vitamins and microelements.

To prevent stomach upset, it is advised to maintain personal hygiene, eliminate stomach problems before planning a child, and avoid contact with sick people during pregnancy. An active lifestyle, proper nutrition, and walks in the fresh air will help make pregnancy an enjoyable period in your life.

Expecting a child is a joyful period in a woman’s life. However, it can be overshadowed by the “uninvited guest” - diarrhea. Diarrhea during pregnancy, treatment and prevention are issues that concern many mothers.

Causes of diarrhea during pregnancy

In the early stages, diarrhea may be associated with toxicosis.

Diarrhea does not belong to the category of diseases that require long and persistent treatment. Sometimes it is enough to take one tablet and everything goes away.

Cramps are especially dangerous in the 1st and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

As a rule, women in an interesting position choose their diet very carefully, trying to avoid junk food, and are attentive to the choice of products used in cooking. But even taking such measures does not guarantee that you can protect yourself from intestinal disorders.

The body of pregnant women is weakened, immunity is reduced and it is difficult for it to resist numerous microorganisms. Diarrhea that occurs in a pregnant woman can cause significant harm not only to the expectant mother herself, but also to her unborn baby.

The occurrence of severe spastic pain can lead to termination of pregnancy. Intestinal peristalsis can provoke contractions of the uterus, which in turn can cause detachment of the fertilized egg, death of the embryo or the development of premature birth. Spasms of this kind are especially dangerous in the 1st and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

If we are talking about viruses or infections, then they have the ability to penetrate the placental barrier. If this happens at an early stage, then there is a high probability of pathologies developing in the developing fetus. In the later stages, hypoxia and developmental delay may develop.

Possible development of premature birth and death of the child. Fever, which often accompanies diarrhea, is extremely harmful to the fetus, especially at the beginning of pregnancy. Vomiting that accompanies diarrhea can lead to dehydration, leaching of nutrients from the body and vitamins , which adversely affects the growth and development of the child.

If the disruption of food absorption in the intestines lasts for a long time, then chronic vitamin deficiency develops, which is fraught with consequences for the baby - the development of pathologies and growth retardation. Cases in which loose stools are accompanied by chills, weakness, and nausea indicate that the body is poisoned with toxins. At the same time, they are highly likely to enter the fetal bloodstream.

Important! If, in addition to diarrhea, the expectant mother experiences fever, vomiting, and dizziness, then she should immediately contact an ambulance.

For more information about diarrhea during pregnancy, watch the video:

Treatment of diarrhea in pregnant women, diet

You need to refrain from eating fatty foods.

Dieting for women preparing to become mothers should be observed in any case. But in situations where gastrointestinal disorders are involved, it is especially important.

Adhering to strict nutritional rules when loose stools appear is necessary, first of all, in order to provide the digestive organs with some “unloading”, create the most favorable and comfortable conditions for them to work and exclude all laxative foods.

  • If you have loose stools, milk should be excluded from your diet.
  • You should refrain from eating fried, smoked, and spicy foods. And reduce the presence of fatty, sweet, sour, salty foods to a minimum.
  • It is important to drink a lot on the first day. In this way, it will be possible to ensure flushing of the gastrointestinal tract and replenish the fluid lost by the body. You can drink strong tea, but it is much healthier to drink rice water. To cook it, you will need 1 teaspoon of rice and 500 ml of water. The rice is boiled for 40 minutes and then strained. The resulting drug is taken every 2-3 hours, 0.5 cups.
  • On the second day of the development of the disease, it is recommended to introduce mucous porridges into the diet (rice or oatmeal cooked in water without salt and sugar). For drinks, give preference to fruit drinks, tea, and still water. You can eat diet bread or dried wheat slices. It is better to completely avoid eating vegetables and fruits during the treatment period.
  • Consuming kefir, fermented baked milk or other products containing “live” lactic acid bacteria will help restore intestinal functions.
  • On the third day of treatment, the menu can be diluted with soft boiled or stewed vegetables, light soup, and a steamed cutlet.

The food consumed should be at a comfortable temperature. In this case, it will be possible to avoid irritation of the digestive organs. It is recommended to follow a similar diet for 7 days, no less. It is preferable to drink jelly, compote, and herbal teas.

Folk remedies for the treatment of diarrhea in pregnant women

An effective way to stop loose stools is blueberry jelly.

If acute diarrhea occurs, then the use of traditional methods will not bring the desired effect, since the content of active substances in medicinal herbs is noted in negligible quantities and is not able to relieve unpleasant symptoms.

However, grandmother’s recipes can help in solving the problem of loose stools when we are talking about long-term diarrhea that is not associated with infection.

In this case, taking mucous drinks and herbal preparations based on “astringent” components will only help softly consolidate the stool and normalize the functioning of the intestines. Among the most effective ways to stop loose stools in pregnant women are the following:

  1. Starch water. To prepare it, you need to add 1 small spoon of potato starch to 0.5 cups of boiled, cooled water and stir thoroughly. The resulting composition should be drunk in one go.
  2. The expected effect can be achieved by taking tincture of blackberry leaves, 1 large spoon three times a day.
  3. Jelly made from blueberries is also effective. You should drink it three times a day after meals.
  4. Pomegranate infusion will also help get rid of loose stools. To prepare it, you need to pour 1 large spoon of chopped pomegranate peel with a glass of boiling water and leave the product to infuse for 24 hours.
  5. If the development of diarrhea is based on neurogenic causes, then drinking mint tea and motherwort decoction can relieve the problem.

Important! Pregnant women should take herbal teas very carefully, as they can cause an allergic reaction. Below are several recipes that are as safe as possible (if you do not take into account individual reactions).

Treatment of diarrhea in pregnant women with medications

Important! There are serious situations in which it is extremely dangerous to self-medicate, if only because it is first necessary to determine the exact cause of loose stools. Only a qualified specialist can do this.

If it is not possible to consult a doctor promptly, then you can try to relieve intoxication and unpleasant symptoms of diarrhea using products approved for use in pregnant women. Among such safe drugs, it is worth noting Smecta, Enterosgel, Regidron, and activated carbon. Before using any of the listed drugs, you need to carefully study the instructions.

Prevention of diarrhea during pregnancy

For prevention, follow simple hygiene rules.

In cases where the expectant mother did not follow a diet before encountering an unpleasant illness, she needs to seriously think about revising her diet.

The woman now has responsibility for two people - herself and her unborn baby. Therefore, it is especially important for her to avoid overstraining the body, which is already under increased stress.

But it is recommended to treat healthy products very carefully. For example, if you have problems, it is not recommended to eat a lot of raw vegetables and fruits, since excess fiber can cause loose stools. You need to pay due attention to prevention:

  • poisoning and intestinal infections:
  • When purchasing, choose only fresh products;
  • eat only freshly prepared food;
  • When purchasing products, be sure to check expiration dates;
  • Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating;
  • subject products to heat treatment: meat, fish, eggs must be well-cooked, milk and water must be boiled;
  • During pregnancy, it is advisable to forget about catering places;
  • try not to visit public places, especially during periods when viral epidemics are active;
  • follow simple hygiene rules.

Remember that diarrhea, like any other disease, is easier to prevent than to treat it later. Basic observance of personal hygiene rules can protect you from many different diseases and infections.

Every person has experienced diarrhea. An unpleasant symptom can occur for various reasons. Stressful situations, poor nutrition, and inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract are the causes of loose stools.

During conception, immunity decreases, this is necessary for preserving and bearing the baby. For a woman during pregnancy, intense diarrhea poses a threat to the fetus. Therefore, it is important for the expectant mother to know how to act in case of diarrhea, what helps to cope with the symptom, what medications to take, and when to seek medical help.

Diarrhea is frequent bowel movements, more than 2 times a day, accompanied by discomfort and cramps in the abdominal area. The stool is watery. Diarrhea can be painless, but usually the patient feels nausea, vomiting, weakness, poor health, and high fever.

At the beginning of the term, you should be careful about your health. A successful pregnancy is the key to normal fetal development.

Symptoms of diarrhea

Depending on the severity of diarrhea, they talk about possible harm to health and complications. If diarrhea occurs as a result of poor nutrition, the symptom is painless and goes away quickly without special treatment. Stomach upset of an infectious nature requires careful attention and surgical therapy. , lasting a month, indicates serious gastrointestinal disorders.

Diarrhea during pregnancy is marked by symptoms:

  • Frequent loose stools;
  • My stomach is churning;
  • Watery stool;
  • Lack of appetite;
  • Discomfort in the stomach after eating in the form of heartburn, nausea;
  • Cramps, pain in the stomach;
  • Aching, sharp, prolonged pain in the abdominal area;
  • Weakness;
  • Drowsiness, apathy;
  • There is an increase in body temperature;
  • A sign of dizziness, darkening of the eyes when changing body position.

If you have diarrhea, a woman should monitor her well-being. If the condition worsens, if there is a tug, a stomach ache, loose stools with water, or the baby in the stomach behaves restlessly (calms down), contact an ambulance immediately. Self-medication during pregnancy is fraught with consequences for the health of the expectant mother and child. Before using medications to relieve unpleasant symptoms, consult your doctor.

How diarrhea can harm a pregnant woman

Severe diarrhea is dangerous for the body of a woman and child due to dehydration. In addition, diarrhea during pregnancy:

If a woman notices extreme thirst, dry skin, weakness, fainting, or a decrease in the number of urinations, you should immediately call an ambulance. These signs may indicate dehydration.

How to treat diarrhea

If diarrhea does not stop, then it is necessary to establish the cause and select treatment. Only the attending physician has the right to prescribe medicine.

Drug therapy for pregnant women should be under the supervision of a physician. Many drugs are contraindicated due to pregnancy, especially in the first weeks. If possible, treatment is carried out by prescribing a dietary menu, using traditional methods. Traditional medicine should be taken no less seriously. Not all herbal remedies are suitable for pregnant women. Starting from the 35th, 36th week of pregnancy, some medicinal plants can cause contractions and premature birth.

Antibiotics are prescribed as a last resort if the disease without serious treatment will cause more harm to the mother and child. The treatment method is determined by the doctor. During the period of recovery of the body, it is necessary to constantly observe a gynecologist.

Depending on how long the woman has, the optimal treatment is selected.

Medicines for diarrhea during pregnancy

Adsorbent drugs will help remove toxic compounds from the body. During pregnancy, Enterosgel, Polyphepan, Activated Charcoal (in purified form White Charcoal) are allowed. Sorbents are not recommended for use simultaneously with other medications. The time interval must be respected.

If there is a risk of dehydration, you can take rehydration solutions: Regidron, Trisol. They restore water-salt balance and promote fluid retention from the body.

Papaverine and No-shpu are used to relieve stomach cramps. As a sedative - valerian, motherwort. Take these medications only with the permission of a doctor.

To restore the gastric microflora, probiotics are prescribed - Linex-Forte, Bifidumbacterin, Biogaya.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, the doctor may prescribe Imodium, Enterobene, Loperamide for diarrhea.

Intestinal infections in pregnant women are allowed to be treated with an antimicrobial drug - Nifuroxazide. If necessary, other tablets may be prescribed at the discretion of the doctor.

Remember! If diarrhea is caused by intestinal infections, food poisoning, you should not immediately stop loose stools or drink astringents. The body must be cleansed of pathogenic microorganisms and toxins.

Traditional methods of treatment

Traditional methods are safe for treating diarrhea during pregnancy. But you should be careful when choosing herbs, decoctions, and tinctures.

Recipes for diarrhea:

  • Starch. You can make jelly with the addition of a tablespoon of starch or potato broth. For the broth, take three medium potatoes, peel and boil. Cool the broth. Take 200 ml in the morning, afternoon, evening. Starch strengthens stool, helps stop diarrhea, normalizes digestion, and has a beneficial effect on the stomach.
  • Pomegranate. Pomegranate peel relieves symptoms of diarrhea. Grind the dry peel, pour a glass of boiling water, and put on fire. Do it for 20 minutes. Cool, filter. To get rid of diarrhea, you need to drink a tablespoon of decoction before meals.
  • Rice porrige. Rice has an astringent effect. Prepare rice porridge with water for breakfast. Eat within 3-5 days. Afterwards the symptom should go away.
  • If stress is the cause of diarrhea, it is recommended to drink herbal tea with peppermint leaves. Medicinal plants can easily cope with anxiety.
  • Ginger tea. Ginger root is recommended for women to strengthen the immune system and improve digestion. Ginger tea copes well with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

On a note. At the 39th week or 40th (last month) diarrhea is a physiological process, an early harbinger of childbirth. This is a natural phenomenon, the body is cleansed before childbirth, and the stomach should not hurt. In the first weeks of pregnancy, the cause is most often toxicosis.

Be careful when treating diarrhea during pregnancy. Consider the duration, individual intolerance to food additives and medications. Strictly follow the doctor's instructions and dosage of the drug. Monitor changes in the body during therapy with medications and folk remedies.

It is recommended to eat foods that help strengthen stool. If food is the cause of loose stools, adjust the menu. Pregnant women are recommended to eat different foods to replenish their body with vitamins and microelements.

To prevent stomach upset, it is advised to maintain personal hygiene, eliminate stomach problems before planning a child, and avoid contact with sick people during pregnancy. An active lifestyle, proper nutrition, and walks in the fresh air will help make pregnancy an enjoyable period in your life.