Pregnancy means a great change and challenge for the female body. Sometimes there are a few symptoms, including diarrhea. Diarrhea during pregnancy however, it is usually not a cause for concern. Various measures provide relief from the symptoms.
What does diarrhea mean in pregnancy?
The organism reacts to various stimuli with diarrhea. The phenomenon is increasingly referred to as diarrhea among medical professionals. It is diarrhea if the bowel movement occurs at least three times a day.
This has changed in its consistency and can be soft, mushy or thin. The appearance of Diarrhea in pregnancy is normal. Many women also suffer from flatulence. A distinction is made between acute and chronic diarrhea. If the symptoms persist for at least four weeks, a doctor should be contacted.
For example, acute diarrhea is more noticeable after an infection. However, diarrhea during pregnancy is usually more moderate. If it is severe, an infection is likely. Affected women should definitely pay attention to their hydration. Otherwise there is a risk of serious consequences.
causes
Diarrhea is not a classic symptom of pregnancy. The intestine is less irritated by the hormonal change and reacts with increased bowel movements. The pregnancy hormones are more likely to cause constipation. Often the diet is behind the symptoms. Pregnancy is often the trigger for a healthier diet with a lot of fiber.
Because the intestines are not used to the new meals, diarrhea can occur. After a while, however, the body will get used to a healthy diet and the digestive system will regulate itself again. Increased bowel movements should not be a reason to forego the habits that have been acquired in favor of the child.
As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus puts more pressure on the digestive system, which can lead to diarrhea and constipation.In addition, diarrhea is sometimes a sign that childbirth is imminent.
As in all other life circumstances, food intolerance, allergies, infections with viruses or bacteria, stress or an improper diet lead to diarrhea in pregnant women. Traveller's diarrhea may occur when traveling.
Fluid loss: when does it get dangerous?
If properly treated during pregnancy, diarrhea is not a threat. The situation is different if the loss of fluid is not compensated for. Especially in the case of severe diarrhea, not only water but also minerals are lost and the body becomes dehydrated.
Potassium deficiency can result, which is a health hazard for both mother and child. In the event of severe diarrhea, a doctor should be consulted after three days at the latest. Overall, it is important to pay more attention to your fluid intake even if you have one-time diarrhea.
7 tips for diarrhea during pregnancy
Diarrhea during pregnancy can be treated well. It is not always necessary to take medication. Nevertheless, in some cases diarrhea should be clarified by a doctor. A visit to the doctor is inevitable if the pregnant woman feels dull and exhausted.
Caution is also advised if the symptoms do not go away or if other symptoms such as fever, pain, cramps, circulatory problems and blood appear. Because a bacterial disease can endanger the unborn child, diarrhea must be investigated even if an infection is suspected. Diarrhea can infect the vaginal environment with bacteria.
Bacterial vaginosis results in premature labor and premature delivery. Treatment of the complaints is therefore necessary. The self-treatment of diarrhea is therefore initially only recommended for milder complaints. If in doubt, a doctor should always be consulted.
Overall, the same applies to diarrhea during pregnancy as to non-pregnant women:
- 1. Tea: Fennel tea calms gas and has a calming effect. Chamomile tea relieves irritation of the stomach and intestines. Black tea contains tannins. These have constipating properties.
- 2. Grated apple: Grated apples and a mashed banana also help against diarrhea because they have a constipating effect. In addition, bananas are good suppliers of potassium and counteract a deficiency due to fluid loss.
- 3. Meat, eggs, milk: Animal products should be avoided as far as possible. They are often high in fat and cause flatulence.
- 4. No bloating vegetables: Cabbage and legumes cause gas for many people. To reduce the discomfort, it is better to avoid all flatulent foods.
- 5. Easily digestible: The menu should ideally consist of easily digestible foods. These include, for example, white bread and noodle soup.
- 6. Water: Diarrhea leads to severe fluid loss. This should be replenished with water and herbal teas.
- 7. Salt: With the increased diarrhea, a lot of salt is washed out of the body. Vegetable broth and pretzel sticks will help make up for the loss.
If nothing works: medication for diarrhea
Diarrhea can be uncomfortable, especially if it lasts for a long time or is severe. Sometimes natural remedies don't help. Then it is advisable to take medication. However, pregnant women should only take medication after consulting a doctor. Handling tablets independently can harm the unborn child.
Charcoal tablets, apple pectin and kaolin, for example, are considered harmless during pregnancy. But here, too, the following applies: no intake without medical approval. Pharmaceutical agents for diarrhea calm the muscles of the digestive system and thereby relieve the symptoms.
However, during pregnancy, a doctor must weigh such measures. Overall, diarrhea can be treated well. Adequate fluid intake is particularly important for mother and child.
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