Among the main symptoms of pregnancy1, some are more well-known than others. Famous examples include morning sickness, heightened sense of smell, or breast pain. But intestinal issues, on the other hand, aren’t mentioned as often. Because of these, women may experience stomach pain in the first trimester and may be unsure if it’s really the start of pregnancy that causes diarrhea.
The reassuring news is that both constipation and diarrhea are common2 and affect up to half of pregnant women. In principle, it isn’t serious. But if it lasts for more than two or three days, it’s important to look more deeply into its causes.
The first weeks of pregnancy are the most important for fetal development, so any illness should be prevented or treated as soon as possible. Diarrhea, just like nausea, dehydrates the body. Sometimes it’s necessary to replace nutrients through oral rehydration, as there is a risk of premature labor and miscarriage in early pregnancy.
The causes of diarrhea vary, and they’re not always strictly due to hormones. Therefore, a healthy diet and avoiding raw foods of unknown origin are the first measures you should take early in pregnancy.
Possible causes of diarrhea in pregnancy
Hormonal changes such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are the main culprit for stomach discomfort and hyperemesis gravidarum. Often, symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction can have a double effect, producing not only nausea and vomiting but also diarrhea. In all these cases, the best solution is rest and hydration. It’s important to ensure the body does not stop absorbing water, vitamins, and minerals that are so essential for the mother’s and baby’s health.
Additionally, since the pregnant woman’s body is more sensitive due to the changes, some alterations in diet in early pregnancy can also disrupt the digestive system. The result is recurring episodes of diarrhea. Prenatal vitamins, for example, can cause this.
Diarrhea caused by dietary changes is generally milder and goes away on its own as the body “gets used to” the new diet. However, if the issue persists for a long time, it might indicate that the woman has developed a food intolerance. The fact is that, during pregnancy, some women develop increased sensitivity to substances they previously tolerated3 – according to research conducted in the United States. The use of probiotics such as lactobacilli is beneficial. Diarrhea can also be caused by a change in gut flora. Lactobacilli are naturally part of this flora, so by restoring your intestinal flora, the discomfort should subside.
Infections
We should never forget that gastrointestinal intoxications are common throughout our lives due to foreign agents entering our bodies. And during pregnancy, we’re not immune to them. Viral or bacterial infections are also responsible for diarrhea and can cause the same symptoms at the beginning of pregnancy.
Viral infections are usually accompanied by fever, chills, body aches, and diarrhea. Harmful bacteria, such as those from the Listeria genus, are found in improperly handled foods and can also lead to diarrhea. They cause illnesses that appear with symptoms like fever, nausea, and diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by severe headache. That’s why it’s very important to know where your food comes from. Avoid eating raw foods without being sure they have been properly sterilized.
Testing and treatment
If a pregnant woman goes to the bathroom more than three times a day for more than two days, dehydration may already be present. In such conditions, it’s best to see your doctor, who can recommend the best treatment and request tests. If the stools gradually become more watery or the diarrhea contains mucus or blood, medical attention is urgently needed.
IMPORTANT: Never self-medicate. Antibiotics are only necessary in cases of serious bacterial infection, and only your doctor can prescribe them. Many medications are not recommended during pregnancy as they can be dangerous for the baby.
The recommended diet in cases of diarrhea includes:
- Drink plenty of water (2 liters a day) and juices
- Liquid and freshly cooked foods, such as broths and soups
- Foods containing potassium and sodium, such as bananas and coconut water
- Skinless fruits (banana and apple are great for helping to bind the stool), avoiding dried fruits
- Mashed cooked vegetables: carrot, potato, pumpkin, chayote, sweet potato, zucchini
- Choose lean meats, such as chicken
- For carbohydrates: white rice, cooked pasta, or cornstarch porridge
- Do not eat fried foods or raw fish
See Also: First Days of Pregnancy – What are the Early Symptoms?
