Among the various signs presented by a pregnant woman’s body when the baby is close to being born, it is common for women to complain about diarrhea. Both constipation and loose bowels are some of the symptoms that appear at the end of pregnancy1. It is especially important to pay attention when you reach 37 weeks, since loose bowels at this stage may indicate premature labor.
The safest option when noticing diarrhea at the end of pregnancy is to go to the maternity hospital and contact the obstetrician responsible for your delivery. This is even more important if the diarrhea is accompanied by nausea, frequent contractions, and cramps. In most cases, diarrhea at the end of pregnancy indicates that birth is about to happen, so be aware.
Other causes of diarrhea during pregnancy
Gastrointestinal discomfort can occur at any time, not just at the end of pregnancy. It is important to check whether the symptom is not due to some kind of viral infection or food poisoning. The use of antacids and antibiotics can cause nausea and lead to diarrhea. Eating sweets, fatty foods, or foods rich in lactose can also cause gastric irritation. Women who previously experienced symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome2 or gastrointestinal problems before pregnancy may also have diarrhea occasionally or chronically during pregnancy.
IMPORTANT: during pregnancy, never take medication to loosen or slow down the bowels without medical advice.
Simple cases of diarrhea usually resolve quickly with the introduction of light, natural, and low-fat foods. For those with diarrhea, the most important thing is to drink water to stay hydrated and replace the minerals lost from the body. If diarrhea is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, seek medical advice immediately.
What is fecal impaction?
Pregnant women do not suffer only from diarrhea. The opposite can also occur, such as constipation and the hardening of the stool. This complication causes total or partial obstruction of the large intestine. It is possible to experience diarrhea along with an obstruction, as liquid stool may pass around the blockage. Fecal impaction is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and abdominal bloating3. A healthy bowel should evacuate daily, and constipation is usually defined as fewer than 3 bowel movements per week. Upon noticing any sign of constipation, you should seek guidance from your obstetrician.
Signs that the baby’s birth is approaching:
- Lower back pain
- Diarrhea and stomach pain
- Contractions
- Mild pressure on the pelvis
- Noticing that the belly has dropped
- Feeling energetic and experiencing a burst of energy
- Rupture of the amniotic sac
Why does diarrhea appear at the end of pregnancy?
Many women wonder why this discomfort occurs as the baby’s birth approaches. What happens is that the body signals the need to empty the bowels so that the uterus can contract properly. Uterine contractions also occur more frequently during this period, which compresses the intestinal region and causes diarrhea.
Attention when diarrhea persists for several days
Symptoms persisting for more than two days require medical supervision, as diarrhea causes dehydration and increases the risk of premature labor. After medical supervision, invest in changing your eating habits. Avoid milk and dairy products and choose natural options, such as fruit, and drink at least two liters of water a day.
Vitamin supplements can also cause diarrhea. If you are taking them, inform your doctor and check if you need to switch to another option. Healthy foods to help combat diarrhea: banana, rice, applesauce, lean meats, and potatoes.
See also: Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy – How They Occur and How to Relieve the Symptoms
