Pregnancy can prove to be one of the most trying periods in a woman’s life, especially considering that a woman has to be extra careful during this period, for the benefit of her unborn baby. Women experience a wide range of changes during this time. The initial weeks of pregnancy see a tremendous change in hormone structure in the body. These alterations are responsible for most of the changes that women experience during pregnancy ranging from mood swings and nausea to a change in bowel movement.
More often than not, women face the problem of constipation during pregnancy, mainly caused by the intake of iron supplements as well as a surge in hormone levels that affects the digestive system. However, in some rare cases, women are also known to experience diarrhea in early pregnancy. The most common cause for this is the fact that a small number of women are known to become lactose intolerant while pregnant. Since the body loses its ability to digest milk properly, it results in diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea in early pregnancy could also be a sign of lactose intolerance. In addition, these symptoms could also be the result of a bacterial infection that affects the stomach or the intestines. A change in diet and lifestyle as well as prescribed medication could trigger a mild vomiting and diarrhea bout during pregnancy and would normally cease after a day or two. Severe diarrhea could be triggered by food poisoning. Since, excessive vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, consulting a doctor at the earliest is recommended if the condition worsens or persists for over two day. In addition, drinking plenty of fluids and consuming coconut water and juices rich in vitamin C is also recommended in order to maintain the electrolyte level in the body, to prevent dehydration and to boost the immune system.
Many women wonder if diarrhea in early pregnancy is a sign of miscarriage. This is usually not true. However, there is a link between diarrhea and miscarriage. When a person suffers from diarrhea, the bowels work extra. Excessive bowel movement is known to stimulate the uterine muscles causing them to start contracting. These contractions cause a cramping sensation in the abdomen and leave most pregnant women confused. Since contractions are a sign of early labor, if cramping and diarrhea in early pregnancy are not controlled, it can result in miscarriage. A woman who has just miscarried may also experience diarrhea as a result of the medication administered.
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