Diarrhea is a condition when a person has “at least three loose or liquid bowel movements each day.”  It literally means “flowing through.”  A person can experience associated cramps that cause discomfort before or during bowel elimination. For the pregnant woman, diarrhea can be serious. Understanding the cause and how to care for yourself when you have it is important, even lifesaving.

Personal Story

Running to the bathroom due to frequent urination needs is normal for a pregnant woman, especially as the baby grows and presses on the bladder. Running to the bathroom to have diarrhea is not normal until late in pregnancy the body is preparing for labor and the baby’s birth. I have had diarrhea in the past, though I don’t remember if it was while I was pregnant. I would want to know the following information if I ever have diarrhea.

Causes

The cause of diarrhea is chronic or acute. For a pregnant woman it would most likely be acute, meaning a short-term situation.

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Prenatal vitamins
• Pregnancy-caused food sensitivities
• Third trimester body preparation for labor
• Bacteria in foods
• Drinking diet sodas
• Eating too much fruit
• Food allergy
• “Flu”- gastrointestinal influenza
• Gluten sensitivity
• Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Lactose intolerance
• “Traveler’s diarrhea”- parasites can cause this type
• Tumors, benign or malignant

Note: A pregnant woman who has diarrhea accompanied by pain or that lasts more than three days should seek medical advice.

Healthful Endeavors for Self-Care

When experiencing diarrhea, the main thing to remember is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Also, try these liquids:

• Broth
• Ice cubes
• Juice
• Popsicle
• Soup- eat a non-milk-based soup with rice and vegetables or a soup made from dried blueberries or dried black currents
• Tea

Specific beverages to consider:

• Ginger tea- boil grated fresh ginger and tea in water. Cool, strain, and drink.
• Honey- add three tablespoons honey to a glass of water once a day.
• Peppermint tea- make fresh or dried tea and drink two times a day.

Frequent intake of liquids is important to prevent dehydration and a possible serious situation.

Foods to consider:

• BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are easy on the digestive system.
• Lean meats
• Vegetables
• Yogurt

Light meals eaten more often is better than eating heavy meals.

Action

Take time to prepare yourself with knowledge about diarrhea so you are ready to care for yourself, whether you are pregnant or not.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. What do you do when you get diarrhea? Please leave a comment.

Resources:

http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-concerns/diarrhea-during-pregnancy/

Naturally Healthy Pregnancy, by Shonda Parker