Pregnancy has to deal with lots minor ailments. We have already published a blog post on Constipation today let’s talk about how to handle diarrhea during pregnancy.
Diarrhea is less common during pregnancy and is not the result of fluctuating hormones; generally diarrhea tends to be caused by something that originates outside the body.
“Diarrhea is nothing but the passage of loose or watery stools at least 3 or more times in a day (or more frequently than usual).”
Ok now let’s have a look on what puts any pregnant lady at risk of Diarrhea?
- Virus / bacteria / stomach flu / intestinal parasites /food poisoning – If you suspect any of these people then contact doctor immediately.
Medications: Sometimes prenatal Calcium / vitamin cause loose stools, in that case change of brands makes you feel better. - Dietary changes.
- Eating foods that contain lots of sugar or alcohol.
- If you not having a good pregnancy walks.
- Had something uncooked.
My personnel experience:
I experienced diarrhea near my due date, which might be because our body prepares itself for labour. But that doesn’t mean your labour is very close, so don’t get alarmed.
Some MoMsters will not even experience diarrhea, each mother’s experience will be different.
Action steps /Remedies for dealing with diarrhea:
Pregnant women should talk to health professionals before consuming any herbal medicines/ home remedies.
- In the Morning, drink ginger water: Add a few tablespoons of freshly grated or finely chopped ginger to a cup of water and boil for 5 minutes.
This remedy helps to removes gastritis and reduces intensity of diarrhea. - Drink ajwain water: Add 1 teaspoon to a cup of boiling water. Stir, let it cool and then drink.
- Take probiotics like curd.
- ORS should be continued as long as diarrhea lasts.
- Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body.
- For dinner: have jeera rice which is good for easy digestion
- Till loose motion stops try to avoid milk products.
Avoid colas, coffee, tea and other soft drink, high sugar in these drinks can draw water from your stomach, making diarrhea even worse.
Stay at home and get plenty of rest.
Dear MoMsters even after implementing all of these elements and still struggling to recover, then you need to consult doctor for further investigation.
Note:
- Do not take an antidiarrheal medication without consulting your doctor.
- Please don’t lift weight.
Prevention:
“Don’t get frighten by seeing the long list, in short these are very common precautions for your good health.”
- Avoid junk food during pregnancy.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Consume more fruits, at least three servings a day.
- Don’t lie down immediately after eating; go for a short walk which helps in proper digestion.
- Use clean washroom; make sure the toilet seats, flush handles, taps are cleaned daily.
- Do not eat foods from unhygienic place.
- Do not drink juice or milkshake from outside vendors, because adding raw milk for the preparation of milkshake will leads to infection. Moreover avoid an ice cube which is made of tap water.
- Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly rinsed in clean water.
- Avoid raw or uncooked meat/egg.
- Do not leave the left over food for next day.
- Avoid fatty and spicy foods: because pregnant women are prone to acidity having those will increase the acidity.
When do I need to see a doctor?
Generally Diarrhea doesn’t last as long and infact it is less common during pregnancy.
Mild case isn’t anything to really worry about, but if you find you have severe diarrhea (more than 3 watery stools a day)
- Stools that is bloody.
- experiencing fever.
- severe abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration
If you have any of these symptoms, then visit your doctor ASAP.
Have a safe pregnancy.
Hope this post is helpful….
Take care.”