What if I have diarrhea during pregnancy?

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Nguyen Thi Hong On - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital. The doctor has 10 years of experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology and has worked in all positions in the clinic area, delivery room, emergency room for obstetrics and gynecology, procedure room and treatment area on request.

If the diarrhea is severe, the mother is easily dehydrated, affecting the health of the mother and the development of the fetus. Pregnant women, it is necessary to take timely remedial measures to protect the health of the digestive system for pregnant women and the normal development of the fetus.

When a pregnant woman shows signs of having loose stools 3 or more times a day, this is a sign of diarrhea.
It is possible to mention some causes of diarrhea in pregnant women such as viruses, bacteria, intestinal bacteria, food poisoning, drugs ... or some common medical conditions can also be Causes of diarrhea in pregnant women such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, celiac disease and ulcerative colitis.
In addition, the causes of diarrhea in pregnant women that we can more easily recognize include:
Diet changes suddenly, causing the digestive system to not adapt, not getting used to it. diarrhea in early pregnancy. Sensitivity to new, unfamiliar foods, foods that have not been eaten before before pregnancy can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea when eaten during pregnancy. Taking a lot of vitamins will upset the stomach and cause diarrhea. Pregnant women should supplement with enough vitamins for the comprehensive development of the fetus. Hormonal changes slow down or enhance the functioning of the digestive system, leading to digestive problems such as constipation and diarrhea during pregnancy. Diarrhea is more common in the last 3 months of pregnancy, near the due date, diarrhea in pregnant women can become worse due to the reason that the pregnant mother prepares for delivery. However, not all pregnant women experience diarrhea during the last months of pregnancy, and some may not have it.

Pregnancy diarrhea can last from 1-10 days depending on the cause. However, prolonged diarrhea in pregnant women will cause certain dangers. It is common for pregnant mothers to be easily dehydrated, affecting the health and development of the fetus. During diarrhea, pregnant women need to know how to rehydrate, electrolytes to ensure health.
Pregnant women often have less resistance, so diarrhea is more severe than normal cases and the danger is also higher. The fetus whose mother has prolonged diarrhea during pregnancy will suffer adverse health effects, even malnutrition, growth retardation and the most dangerous can lead to fetal death.

Most cases of diarrhea during pregnancy go away on their own, pregnant women do not need to be too worried. However, pregnant women should know that if diarrhea is caused by food poisoning, viruses, bacteria, pregnant women need to drink a lot of water to shorten the duration of diarrhea. Knowing the cause of diarrhea will have a reasonable and effective treatment.
Pregnant women need to review the medicine they are using, ask for a doctor's consultation to know if the cause of diarrhea is due to the drug to adjust appropriately. If diarrhea persists for 2-3 days, there are no signs of improvement, pregnant women should visit a doctor to examine and perform tests to find out the cause of diarrhea.
Besides, the diet also needs to be carefully considered, avoiding foods with a risk of diarrhea such as fatty foods, fried foods, spicy foods, dairy products, foods rich in fiber ...
To treat diarrhea during pregnancy, pregnant women need specific advice from a doctor suitable for diarrhea.

To minimize the risk of diarrhea during pregnancy, pregnant women need to:
Drink plenty of water. Avoid fruit juices, soft drinks, carbonated drinks... Have more rest because diarrhea causes a lot of trouble and discomfort, the body is always tired. Eat cooked and drink boiled, do not eat raw vegetables that have not been washed, absolutely do not eat salads, blood soup or raw meat... Limit eating at restaurants when you are not really confident about food processing. Does the product ensure food safety and hygiene? Avoid foods that are rich in spices or contain excess fat. Limit the types of sea fish, shrimp, snails or foods you have a history of abdominal pain, diarrhea when eating them. Pregnant women in the first 3 months of pregnancy when having abdominal pain and diarrhea should eat foods such as: toast, apple sauce, rice, mashed potatoes (without additives), biscuits, noodles (without additives) ); bananas, cooked carrots, cooked squash, porridge and oatmeal. Adding yogurt to repel diarrhea is quite effective. Vinmec International General Hospital offers a Package Maternity Care Program for pregnant women right from the first months of pregnancy with a full range of antenatal check-ups, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and other routine tests to ensure that the mother is healthy and the fetus is developing comprehensively. Pregnant women will be consulted and checked for health under the close supervision of experienced and specialized obstetricians, helping mothers gain more knowledge to protect their health during pregnancy as well as minimize complications affecting mother and child.