Diarrhoea in pregnancy – what you need to know

Pregnancy is a journey full of surprises, and diarrhoea, though rarely discussed, is one of them. While it’s not the most pleasant experience, it’s usually manageable.

Hormonal fluctuations, dietary intolerance, and occasional infections are often to blame for this unwelcome symptom.

For most, the condition is mild, but if you’re concerned you should seek medical advice to safeguard your and your baby's health.

Read on to learn more about diarrhoea during pregnancy, including tips for alleviating loose stools and guidance on when to contact a healthcare professional.

Diarrhoea Symptoms

Diarrhoea is when you have three or more bowel movements per day, or more frequently than normal for the individual, that are watery or looser in consistency than usual.

These symptoms are often mild and about half of diarrhoea episodes caused by viral infections last less than a day. Diarrhoea lasting about 2 to 3 days may be caused by a virus or by bacteria if it lasts up to a week without being treated.

If you’ve had diarrhoea for 2 days or more whilst pregnant, you should see your doctor immediately.

Common Causes of Diarrhoea During Pregnancy

Hormonal Changes

The only known physiological cause of diarrhoea in pregnancy is caused by prostaglandins. The increase in these hormone-like substances during pregnancy, trigger muscle contractions in the digestive system. They can also cause cramps, nausea, and vomiting, similar to what some women experience during their periods.

Food Intolerances

Pregnancy can also increase your sensitivity to certain foods. Foods that were well-tolerated before pregnancy may now cause digestive issues such as diarrhoea. Foods that contain fructose (natural fruit sugars), lactose (natural sugars in dairy products) or artificial sweeteners such as mannitol or sorbitol may be to blame.

Infections

Sudden diarrhoea in a healthy pregnant person is usually the sign of an infection such as a stomach bug or food poisoning. Viruses are the most common cause, followed by bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter which can cause acute diarrhoea.

Pre-Labour Signs

Diarrhoea that develops late in pregnancy just before due date, may be a sign that labour is near.

Bowel disorders

Although most digestive issues during pregnancy are normal, you should discuss any long-term conditions you may have had before you became pregnant. One of the long-term conditions that may cause diarrhoea, is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Your doctor will help identify and advise you on how to manage the symptoms including diarrhoea, that may be caused by long-term health conditions.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Although diarrhoea is typically not a serious problem, it may indicate an infection or lead to dehydration. Contact your healthcare professional if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• you’ve had diarrhoea for more than 2 days
• you still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
• you’ve had a fever
• you’ve had any stomach pain
• there is blood in your diarrhoea or you’re bleeding from the bottom
• you're also vomiting, can’t keep fluid down or can’t stop being sick
• you are worried about your symptoms

Signs of dehydration

Dehydration is the most dangerous complication of diarrhoea, because of the loss of fluids with each visit to the toilet. There are often no obvious signs that you’re dehydrated.

Signs of mild to more serious dehydration include:

• Tiredness or feeling lethargic, lack of energy
• Loss of appetite or feeling nauseous
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
• Feeling faint when standing up (low blood pressure)
• Skin that doesn’t bounce back quickly when pinched
• Pale skin when pressed
• Fast heartbeat
• Dry mouth and lips
• Urinating less than usual
• Urine that is very dark in colour

Remedies for Diarrhoea During Pregnancy

Most episodes of diarrhoea can be managed at home.

Hydration

The most important thing you can do when you have diarrhoea, is to avoid dehydration by having lots of fluids. Try to drink plenty of water or other liquids that contain electrolytes, such as

• Diluted squash can help replace lost sugar (avoid fizzy drinks or fruit juice as this can worsen diarrhoea)
• Broths and clear soups help to replace lost salt (avoid fatty or spicy foods)

If you're suffering from severe dehydration, your healthcare professional may recommend using an oral rehydration solution to help restore electrolytes loss.

Food

It’s important to eat a healthy balanced diet during pregnancy, however if you’re worried that certain foods might be causing or making your diarrhoea worse, then speak to your healthcare professional.

They might suggest following a bland diet to make it easier on your digestive system. The bland diet consists of gentler, easily digestible foods that are soft with low fibre and non-spicy.

Examples of bland foods include:

• low-fat dairy products,
• tea
• porridge
• Cooked foods including:
• eggs
• broth
• lean meat e.g. skinless chicken, fish
• bland vegetables e.g. beans, spinach, carrot

Food to avoid:

• spicy or fried foods,
• nuts or seeds
• acidic fruits, e.g. berries, grapes oranges or lemons
• whole grain foods such as wholewheat pasta, bread or cereal
• fatty dairy foods such as whipped cream, ice-cream or whole, full fat milk products
• fatty meat or meat with skin on
• vegetables that cause flatulence e.g. cabbage, cauliflower, onion, peppers
• pickles, sauces dressing, alcohol, strong cheeses

Preventing Diarrhoea During Pregnancy

1. Avoid High-Risk Foods: Stay away from raw or undercooked foods, incorrectly stored or expired foods.
2. Maintain Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly, especially before eating or preparing food.
3. Temporary Diet Changes: A bland diet as a temporary measure, can help restore normal digestion and allow the gut to recover from infection.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly throughout the day to avoid dehydration and promote good digestion.

All information presented on this web page is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health matters and for further information or medical advice, please speak to a medical professional.