How to get Pregnant » Diarrhea During Pregnancy
Diarrhea During Pregnancy
Most women who are pregnant experience constipation, but there are others who complain about the opposite effect, diarrhea. An expectant mother has enough to deal with without having to spend her time running to the bathroom several times during the day. Add this problem to other issues she may have as the pregnancy progresses, and the outcome can be quite unpleasant.
Diarrhea Causes
More than one thing can cause diarrhea during pregnancy. Nerves and stress are common factors, along with the change your body is going through. Hormones, and the way they change during pregnancy, play a big role in how your body acts and reacts to certain things. Foods that a pregnant woman may have eaten before pregnancy with no problem may now play havoc with the digestive system, and cause this condition. Luckily, most women who are expecting learn to recognize and avoid whatever is causing this to happen.
How to Cope
It's extremely important to keep your body hydrated during bouts of diarrhea, and doubly so if you are pregnant. Getting enough liquids throughout the day is very important. Make sure water, and plenty of it, is included in the daily diet. Certain foods will help to prevent or ease the symptoms. Have a little rice with the meal, or add dry toast, cereal, or even bananas. The key to consuming these foods is to do so in moderation to avoid having the opposite effect and becoming constipated.
When to Call the Doctor
If the diarrhea doesn't seem to ease, or if it gets worse and is accompanied by stomach cramps or pain, scheduling a visit with the doctor for a checkup is a very good idea. If there is evidence of blood in the stool, or any signs of mucous, this may be a sign that something more serious is going on and should be treated right away. Most of the time there is no cause for concern, but a pregnant woman should not take anything for granted, even for something as common as this.
Tips for Preventing Pregnancy Related Diarrhea
Diet and exercise will go a long way toward keeping the digestive system functioning as it should. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables with your meals, and make sure you get enough fiber. Keep your fluid intake high to prevent becoming dehydrated if you are experiencing diarrhea regularly. Get some type of exercise each day to help your body cope with the changes, and to help with the digestion of the food you eat.
If diarrhea happens during the pregnancy, keep in mind that is as common to some women as constipation may be to another. There may be nothing wrong other than the body adjusting to being pregnant. If you are concerned, or if it continues for any length of time in spite of dietary changes, then by all means call your doctor and discuss it with him or her.