Dealing with Diarrhea During Pregnancy

No woman wants to deal with diarrhea during pregnancy. After all, being pregnant already comes with plenty of physical symptoms, like backaches, sore feet, and general fatigue.

But diarrhea during pregnancy is a condition many women have to face.

What Causes Diarrhea During Pregnancy?

Diarrhea isn't actually a symptom of being pregnant. In fact, being pregnant is more likely to cause constipation.

If you are experiencing diarrhea during pregnancy, it's for the same reason you'd experience diarrhea at any other time. Diarrhea is usually just the symptom of some other condition, usually a viral infection like stomach flu.

Is Diarrhea During Pregnancy Dangerous?

No, diarrhea during pregnancy usually isn't dangerous. And the bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhea usually won't affect your baby.

However, if the diarrhea you experience during pregnancy seems severe, you should probably think about seeing your doctor. They can tell you the best ways to deal with the diarrhea, as well as finding safe treatments for the infection that is causing this symptom.

It's especially important to talk to your health care provider if you're experiencing other symptoms, like vomiting.

How Should You Deal With Diarrhea During Pregnancy?

While diarrhea, and even the viruses and bacteria that cause it, might not be harmful to your baby, the dehydration caused by diarrhea can be.

The most important thing you should do if you suffer from diarrhea during pregnancy is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, like water and juice. There are also drinks you can buy at your local supermarket that can help you stay hydrated. Ask your doctor for suggestions.

There are many ways to tell if you aren't getting enough water. Is your mouth dry? Do you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or lethargic? Do you feel the urge to urinate infrequently? Is your urine darker than what you consider normal? Do you feel really thirsty? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, your body is telling you you need more water.

Drink a tall glass of water before, during, or after each meal. Whenever you feel thirsty, drink a tall glass of juice. And, if you do any kind of exercise, or physically exert yourself in any way, drink something before, during, and after you engage in that activity.

And these aren't just things you should do while suffering from diarrhea. Drinking plenty of water is good for your overall health at any time.

Diarrhea during pregnancy might be annoying, but it isn't necessarily cause for alarm. In fact, it's a condition that can easily be dealt with.