As your metabolism adjusts to pregnancy, you can develop a number of digestive problems, including diarrhea. It usually doesn't mean anything is wrong. But it can be distressing. Diarrhea may be related to your prenatal vitamin, your attempts to eat better, or it could just be caused by a bug you caught. In any case, when diarrhea strikes during pregnancy, it's even more important to take good care of yourself.
Call Doctor If:
- Diarrhea is serious or lasts longer than 24 hours.
- You get dehydrated or dizzy.
- You feel you want to try a medication to help.
- Diarrhea contains blood or pus, or is black and tarry.
- You have a fever or severe abdominal pain.
Step-by-Step Care:
- Eat bland, soft, and low-fiber foods, for example bananas, rice, toast, mashed potatoes, and yogurt or cottage cheese.
- Drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade or Pedialyte to replace lost fluids. (If you have gestational diabetes, consult your doctor first.) It's especially dangerous to become dehydrated during pregnancy. Dehydration can trigger preterm contractions.