Diarrhea Causes

Diarrhea is a very uncomfortable situation. It is defined by textbooks as the condition of having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements per day. It may occur sometime during a pregnancy, and is often caused by lactose intolerance, dietary or hormonal changes or sensitivities to certain foods while pregnant.

There are many types of diarrhea in a pregnant woman, one of which is according to onset. Many women report having diarrhea right before they start labor. This may be the body's way of preparing room for delivery. Diarrhea that is severe may also result from viruses or food poisoning. Some women find that sugar free candies or other artificial products can contribute to bowel problems in late pregnancy. If you find you suffer from chronic diarrhea during pregnancy you may want to re-evaluate your diet.

Causes of Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be due to a number of causes. Secretory diarrhea means that there is an increase in the active secretion, or there is an inhibition of absorption. There is little to no structural damage.

Another type is osmotic diarrhea. Osmotic diarrhea occurs when too much water is drawn into the bowels. This can be the result of maldigestion. In healthy individuals, too much magnesium or vitamin C or undigested lactose can produce osmotic diarrhea and distention of the bowel. A person who has lactose intolerance can have difficulty absorbing lactose after an extraordinarily high intake of dairy products. In persons who have fructose malabsorption, excess fructose intake can also cause diarrhea. High-fructose foods that also have a high glucose content are more absorbable and less likely to cause diarrhea. You can prevent constipation related diarrhea from impacted bowels by eating a diet that is well balanced and contains plenty of fiber. Many women find they are constipated during pregnancy in part because of their prenatal vitamins, which contain high levels of iron that is often binding.

Knowing these facts, you should be able to prevent diarrhea during pregnancy by eating foods rich in fiber include fruits and vegetables. Some women find it helpful to drink prune juice or eat plenty of salads during pregnancy, which can help alleviate constipation during pregnancy. You should also be sure to drink plenty of water during pregnancy.

During Pregnancy