Is it Normal to have Loose Stool During Pregnancy?

Experiencing loose stool during pregnancy is not necessarily an alarming concern. It is in fact quite normal for pregnant women to feel this way, because there are a number of changes taking place inside their bodies. In pregnancy, many women experience constipation problems and this is mainly because of the hormonal fluctuations taking place in the body. As opposed to this, diarrhea or loose stools during pregnancy are mostly caused by external factors. The food and extra water consumed could be responsible for causing loose stools during pregnancy. Sometimes loose stools may also be a result of prenatal vitamins and pregnancy workouts. These are some of the most common causes of loose stool during pregnancy. In some other cases intestinal parasites, a simple stomach flu, or even food poisoning can cause a bout of diarrhea in pregnancy. However, if you feel that the loose stools are a result of any one of these factors, it is best to contact your doctor immediately for the right course of treatment. Although the exact cause of diarrhea during pregnancy is unknown, doctors feel that loose stools during early pregnancy may also be the result of extra progesterone produced in a woman’s body.  

In general, loose stool during pregnancy is less common than constipation during pregnancy. It does not last for very long though. It is important to keep in mind that if loose stools last for more than a few days, it is best to report it to your doctor at the earliest. Prolonged diarrhea during pregnancy increases the risk of dehydration and premature labor. It must, therefore be taken very seriously, so that you avoid any major complications. Loose stool during late pregnancy are usually a sign of early labor. They are caused by the release of prostaglandins that cause cervical effacement. If loose stool during late pregnancy is accompanied by bleeding or mucus discharge, it may indicate a miscarriage, and it is therefore best to report it to your doctor immediately. In general, loose stool during pregnancy is preventable and treatable if you follow a few simple measures. Firstly, stay away from foods that can trigger diarrhea during pregnancy. These include fatty foods, dairy products, dried fruits, spicy foods and milk, especially if you are lactose intolerant. Eat foods that are easy on the stomach such as soups, cooked vegetables like carrots, rice, beans, lean meats and fresh yogurt.

Submitted by P T on October 14, 2011 at 01:40

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