7 Medical Reasons You Might Experience Diarrhoea While Pregnant

As you embark on an extraordinary journey of pregnancy filled with excitement and anticipation, it can also bring unexpected health challenges, one of which is diarrhoea. While it is not uncommon for expecting mothers to experience gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhoea during their first trimester of pregnancy, it can be particularly concerning. This phenomenon, characterised by loose or watery bowel movements, often accompanied by abdominal pain, warrants attention and understanding to ensure both maternal and fetal well-being. 

In this article, we will explore seven medical reasons you might experience diarrhoea while pregnant, helping you navigate this challenging symptom better and seek appropriate treatment if necessary. Keep reading. 

Table Of Contents

1. What Are The Possible Reasons For Diarrhoea While Pregnant During The First Trimester?

2. Dietitian’s Recommendation

3. The Final Say

4. FAQs

5. References

What Are The Possible Reasons For Diarrhoea While Pregnant During The First Trimester?

Diarrhea is quite common when you are pregnant. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) suggests minimal research on how often it occurs in pregnant women. When you are expecting, diarrhoea might happen because of changes in your body from pregnancy. But it could also be caused by things not related to your pregnancy, like an infection or a problem with your bowels. The following are specific reasons which might be responsible for diarrhoea during the first trimester of pregnancy:

1. Hormonal Fluctuations

Your body experiences significant hormonal changes during early pregnancy, notably increased progesterone levels. Progesterone helps support the pregnancy by relaxing smooth muscles, including those in the digestive tract. This relaxation can slow digestion and lead to loose stools, contributing to diarrhoea. Also, prostaglandins such as oxytocin stimulate the uterus contractions and lead to frequent bowel movements. This is a similar effect that causes diarrhoea during menstruation.

2. Dietary adjustments

Pregnancy often prompts changes in nutritional habits, such as consuming more fibre-rich foods or starting prenatal vitamins. While these adjustments benefit both mother and baby, they can sometimes lead to digestive upset and diarrhoea as your body adapts to the new intake.

Also Read: A Guide To Healthy Diet During Pregnancy: Foods To Eat & Avoid

3. Heightened Sensitivity

Due to changes in immune function, pregnant women may become more sensitive to certain foods or pathogens. This heightened sensitivity can make the digestive system more reactive, potentially leading to diarrhoea when ingesting certain foods or encountering harmful bacteria.

4. Stress And Anxiety

Early pregnancy can be a time of heightened emotions and stress. Stress hormones like cortisol can impact gut function, potentially disrupting digestion and leading to diarrhoea in susceptible individuals.

Also Read: Mindful Body Scan Meditation For Relaxation And Stress Relief

5. Infections

Pregnancy alters the body's immune response, making pregnant women more susceptible to diseases caused by viruses (norovirus, rotavirus), bacteria (E. coli), or parasites (Giardia Lamblia and Cryptosporidium enteritis). These can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhoea, as the body works to fight off the invading pathogens.

6. Gestational Changes In The Gastrointestinal Tract

Pregnancy brings various physiological changes in the gastrointestinal tract, including motility and absorption. These alterations and hormonal fluctuations can affect bowel movements and contribute to diarrhoea during the first trimester.

7. Prenatal Vitamins

They are essential for supporting a healthy pregnancy but can sometimes cause diarrhoea during the first trimester. These vitamins contain high levels of nutrients such as iron and magnesium, which can upset the digestive system in some women. Iron, in particular, is known to cause gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhoea, as the body adjusts to higher doses.

Also Read: Importance of Nutrition During Pregnancy

Dietician’s Recommendation

As a dietitian, I recommend a few key strategies to manage diarrhoea while pregnant. First, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions. This helps prevent dehydration, which is crucial. Focus on eating bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet) to help firm up stools. Avoid dairy products, fatty or spicy foods, and high-fibre items, as these can worsen diarrhoea. Eating small, frequent meals instead of larger ones can also be gentler on your digestive system.

Dt. Aditi Upadhyay

The Final Say

Diarrhoea while pregnant is relatively common and can be caused by hormonal changes, dietary adjustments, increased food sensitivity, stress, and infections. Although it is typically not a significant concern, persistent or severe diarrhoea should be addressed to avoid dehydration and protect the health of both the mother and the baby. With the proper care, most cases of diarrhoea during pregnancy can be handled without severe problems.

FAQs

1. Is loose motion good or bad in pregnancy?

Loose motions are generally uncomfortable. While occasional loose stools are usually harmless, persistent diarrhoea should be addressed to prevent dehydration and other complications.

2. Can you have diarrhoea with morning sickness?

Yes, you can experience both diarrhoea and morning sickness simultaneously, as pregnancy can affect the digestive system in multiple ways due to hormonal and physical changes.

3. Can diarrhoea hurt the baby when pregnant?

You don't need to worry. If handled correctly, diarrhoea during pregnancy is relatively treatable and won't harm your baby. 

References

• Diarrhea during pregnancy: Is it normal, causes, and treatment (medicalnewstoday.com)

• Effect of Diarrheal Illness During Pregnancy on Adverse Birth Outcomes in Nepal - PubMed (nih.gov)

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