Causes and Treatment for Diarrhea During Pregnancy

Based on the research carried out on the rural South Asian population, it was noted that diarrhea during pregnancy was correlated with a significantly increased risk of SGA infants. Here are a few home remedies and treatment

Introduction

Difficulties linked with the digestive system, such as constipation and diarrhea, may often occur during pregnancy. It can be due to shifting of hormones, diet changes, and added stress due to pregnancy. It has been noted that pregnant women suffer from diarrhea quite a lot. If they are not cautious enough, it may result in serious problems such as SGA (Small for Gestational Age) infants, resulting in indirect infant mortality.

Based on the research carried out on the rural South Asian population, it was briefly noted that diarrheal illness during pregnancy was correlated with a significantly increased risk of SGA infants. Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) has been found to contribute 60–80% of infant mortality worldwide. Programs to reduce diarrheal illness during pregnancy may have a positive impact on SGA births in resource-limited environments.

The association between diarrhea during pregnancy and adverse effects on newborns is a discussion to be considered seriously. We already know that women with diarrhea during pregnancy are considerably more likely to have SGA newborns. However, Low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth incidence did not differ between women without diarrhea and women with diarrhea during pregnancy.

Why diarrhea is common during pregnancy

If you are experiencing more than three loose bowel movements in a single day, there's a chance that you may have diarrhea. The problem of diarrhea during pregnancy is very common. Here are some pregnancy-related causes for diarrhea:

1. Diet changes

Many women tend to make drastic diet changes when they find out that they are pregnant to eat healthy for the developing baby. This immediate shift in food intake can become a reason for your upset stomach, and this can potentially cause diarrhea.

2. New food sensitivities

Food sensitivities are one of the many transitions you'll experience during your pregnancy. This means that foods that never disconcerted you before pregnancy may now cause you an upset stomach, diarrhea, and gas.

3. Prenatal vitamins

Putting up prenatal vitamins during pregnancy is good for the health of both you and your developing baby. However, sometimes the intake of these vitamins can make your stomach upset, resulting in diarrhea.

4. Hormone changes

Hormone changes may make your digestive system slow down, so this may result in a constipation problem for you. But, hormones can also speed up your digestive system, which may give rise to diarrhea.

Diarrhea commonly occurs in the third trimester

As you'll come near to your due date, you'll find that diarrhea's problem becomes more common. This may happen because your body is preparing itself for labor. Diarrhea does not always mean that your labor day is just a few days away, so you don't need to be too concerned due to the increased frequency of diarrhea.

However, some women will not even encounter frequent diarrhea in their third trimester, though other women will. It differs from person to person, and each woman's experience will be distinct from others. Pregnant women should go for week-by-week pregnancy guidance and healthcare experts' tips to better understand their unique condition.

Sometimes the reason for getting diarrhea during your pregnancy period is not necessarily due to pregnancy. Some other factors may lead you to diarrhea during your pregnancy.

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