Some women experience diarrhea while some have constipation during pregnancy – yet others experience diarrhea in late pregnancy which is not an unusual symptom.
Diarrhea is said to occur when loose motions or watery motions take place three or more times in a 24 hour period.
Many women report to having had diarrhea in late pregnancy just before going into labor.
According to some experts this is the body’s method of creating room for the baby to pass out of the birth canal.
Other reasons for diarrhea in late pregnancy could be same as diarrhea experienced at any other time; viz. due to food poisoning or infection – women may be more susceptible to these during pregnancy than otherwise due to lowered immunity.
Certain food products could also contribute to digestive tract problems in late pregnancy, such as artificial sugars and so on.
Watery diarrhea in late pregnancy could also have another underlying reason, such as block in the blockage in the digestive tract or fecal impaction.
This causes an obstruction in the big intestine, and only the watery stool that can leak around the blockage may be able to pass.
If it this the reason for diarrhea in late pregnancy, then it will typically be accompanied by other symptoms as well – such as distension of the abdomen, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.
For many women diarrhea in late pregnancy will disappear with the delivery of the baby. Also if it is a mild case of food poisoning or a non-acute infection, this should subside within a day or two. However, it is important to determine the reason behind the diarrhea and opt for the proper treatment if required.
- If you have diarrhea in late pregnancy one of the most important things to take care of is proper hydration. Â So it is important to keep drinking plenty of fluids to keep from getting dehydrated.
- There are of course many medications that are not suitable for pregnant women, so any medication that is to be taken for diarrhea in late pregnancy has to be either prescribed by the doctor or should at least be cleared by them prior to use.
- Eating food high in natural bacteria can also help replenish the lost flora that lines the intestine. Probiotics and foods such as yoghurt with live bacteria (active culture) can help deal with diarrhea.
- If symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, vomiting and cramping accompany the diarrhea in late pregnancy be sure to call the doctor.
