Diarrhea in Pregnant Women

Diarrhea during pregnancy must be very uncomfortable, especially if accompanied by complaints of nausea and vomiting. If not handled properly, this condition can cause dehydration which can be dangerous for both mother and fetus. Pregnant women are said to have diarrhea if the stool texture when defecating becomes liquid with a frequency of more than three times a day. Diarrhea is a complaint that is quite common during pregnancy. It is estimated that almost 34% of pregnant women have had diarrhea.

Causes of Diarrhea during Pregnancy

Diarrhea during pregnancy can be caused by various things, such as:

1. Hormonal changes

During pregnancy, of course, hormonal changes occur. Certain hormonal changes can affect the digestive process that leads to digestive disorders, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Certain hormones can also cause pregnant women to experience constipation (constipation).

2. Infection

The most common microorganisms that cause diarrhea in pregnant women are viruses, bacteria (for example Salmonella, Shigella, E. Coli, or Campylobacter), and parasites (for example protozoa).

3. Food intolerance

Pregnant women will usually change their diet and choose healthier foods to meet the nutritional needs of the fetus. There are some foods that may unknowingly trigger diarrhea. This condition is called food intolerance. In addition, incompatibility of cow's milk (lactose intolerance) and its processed products, such as cheese or yogurt, also often cause diarrhea in pregnant women.

4. Drug side effects

Some types of drugs, such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and ulcer drugs containing magnesium hydroxide, can cause diarrhea in pregnant women. In addition to medication, pregnancy supplements can also cause diarrhea during pregnancy.

5. Certain diseases

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease are some medical conditions that can cause diarrhea in pregnant women.

6. Sign of delivery

Sometimes diarrhea can be a sign that labor is imminent, especially if diarrhea occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy or a few weeks before the estimated day of birth. Diarrhea that indicates labor is usually accompanied by uterine contractions. Because it can be caused by many things, diarrhea in pregnant women need to get a doctor's examination, especially if diarrhea occurs more than 2 weeks or accompanied by other complaints, such as weight loss, fever, and dehydration. To ascertain the cause, the doctor will perform a physical examination accompanied by additional examinations if needed, such as blood tests, stool analysis, and endoscopic examination.

Management of Diarrhea in Pregnant Women

Most diarrhea in pregnant women will heal itself in a few days, especially diarrhea caused by a viral infection or food intolerance. The thing to do is drink enough water or rehydration drinks to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Drink a glass of water or rehydration drink every time you defecate or vomit. During diarrhea, avoid foods that are high in fiber, high in fat, or spicy, and avoid milk and its processed products. If the diarrhea does not go away or it gets worse, consult a doctor immediately to get further examination and treatment. Do not carelessly take antidiarrheal drugs, because not all drugs are safe for pregnant women.