Diarrhea during pregnancy: causes and treatment

Pregnant women often suffer from digestive disorders. Such an unpleasant phenomenon as diarrhea occurs less often in pregnant women than constipation. If it is not long-lasting and not too pronounced, then there is no need to worry. This may be a common manifestation of toxicosis. But if you want to run to the toilet more than 5 times a day, then it is necessary to take measures to treat it.

Causes of diarrhea during pregnancy

An incorrect digestion process, in which, in addition to unpleasant sensations, severe dehydration of the body also occurs, can harm the health of the expectant mother and baby. There may be several reasons for the development of diarrhea:

• It's no secret that pregnant women have weird taste preferences. Sometimes a woman chooses such an unusual combination of foods that her stomach is simply not able to digest it.
• Diarrhea can be caused by early toxicosis. Then the digestive system simply adapts to the new living conditions, and soon the diarrhea will stop.
• Another cause of indigestion can be anxiety. Various examinations, visits to the gynecologist and other doctors, taking tests and waiting for the results. All this on nerves can provoke diarrhea.
• Poisoning from a low-quality product. In this case, nausea and vomiting are also added to diarrhea. All the signs of intoxication are visible here.
• Diarrhea can be caused by some kind of intestinal infection. It could be rotavirus, salmonella or other infections that cause intestinal disorders.
• Diarrhea can be explained by chronic gastrointestinal diseases. These include diseases such as colitis or bile duct dyskinesia.
• Taking laxatives. Uncontrolled use of drugs with a laxative effect in an attempt to eliminate constipation can cause the opposite effect - diarrhea.

Treatment of diarrhea during pregnancy

A pregnant woman should not make decisions regarding the treatment of diarrhea on her own. It is important to consult with a specialist, identify the cause of the intestinal disorder and prescribe adequate treatment.

If diarrhea is infectious in nature, then pregnant women are prescribed the drug Nifuroxazide. If the cause is dysbiosis, then Bifidumbacterin or Linex is prescribed to normalize the microflora.

In other cases, it is recommended to use natural remedies to normalize stool. For example, starch water is suitable for stimulating intestinal function. Simply stir a small spoonful of starch into half a glass of lukewarm water and drink immediately.

An infusion of blackberry leaves has good astringent properties. Add a glass of boiling water to a tablespoon of raw material and let it brew for a while. Blackberry not only strengthens the stool, but also has anti-inflammatory properties, destroys harmful bacteria and has a diuretic effect.

An infusion of pomegranate peel works in a similar way. It is prepared in the same way as blackberry infusion. You just need to insist on it for about a day. This remedy must be taken throughout the day, drinking in small sips.

If diarrhea occurs due to nervousness, then to calm down, brew mint tea or motherwort decoction. To prepare the decoction, simmer in a water bath a mixture of a tablespoon of motherwort herb and one glass of boiling water. Then the broth must be cooled and strained. The resulting portion should be divided into three parts and drunk throughout the day.

Prevention of diarrhea during pregnancy

If a pregnant woman experiences such an unpleasant phenomenon as diarrhea, measures must be taken to prevent recurrence of attacks in the future. First of all, this relates to diet. nutrition.

But even if a woman eats healthy foods, her choice still needs to be approached carefully. For example, if you have loose stools, it is not recommended to eat large amounts of fruits and vegetables, especially raw ones. Such products contain a lot of ballast substances or fiber, which has a laxative effect.

It is very important to observe basic hygiene requirements: wash your hands regularly, use wet wipes in public places. A woman should eat only high-quality products with a normal shelf life, food should be freshly prepared. Do not drink raw water and unboiled milk. All vegetables and fruits must be thoroughly washed before consumption; foods such as meat, eggs or fish must be well boiled or fried.

Like other diseases, diarrhea is easier to prevent than to eliminate the consequences. Therefore, try to maintain personal hygiene and you will avoid trouble.