How To Safely Treat Diarrhea While Pregnant

Pregnancy is undeniably a memorable time that helps prepare you to welcome a new life into the world. However, throughout the journey, a mother faces multiple physical and mental health challenges. The various hormonal changes often affect the body's normal functioning, sometimes for all 9 months. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while most pregnancy complications are common, a few could become life-threatening. It's up to the mother to monitor her condition and get regular follow-ups with her doctor to nip any serious conditions in the bud and seek appropriate prenatal care at the right time. 

For example, per John Hopkins Medicine, persistent hypertension during pregnancy may increase the risk of preeclampsia, endangering the life of both mother and baby. Similarly, continuous bleeding in the late pregnancy months is also an alarming sign, indicating a possible cervical infection or preterm labor. Pregnant people might also experience digestive issues such as acid reflux, nausea, constipation, vomiting, or diarrhea (via UT Southwestern Medical Center). Diarrhea in pregnancy usually lasts for a few days. It often occurs after eating something that triggers stomach upset or infection. Pregnancy diarrhea can be draining but luckily, it can be eased using some typical home remedies.

According to Healthline, staying hydrated is critical if you have diarrhea during pregnancy. This condition causes you to lose fluids and may result in a loss of energy. Drinking lots of water can help you replenish lost fluids, electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins. To rehydrate, it's best to avoid sugary drinks like sodas. Instead, stick to water. 

You may also want to be mindful about your diet, advises Medical News Today. While experiencing diarrhea, it's important to eat light foods such as broth and soups for at least 24 hours. This helps the digestive system to adjust to foods after sickness. Later on, ensure you eat sufficient fruits, vegetables, lean meat, nuts, and seeds to regain your energy after diarrhea. You may also want to eat light meals more frequently throughout the day rather than eating heavy meals, suggests Medical News Today. 

If you're taking antibiotics for an infection, you may experience diarrhea as well (via American Pregnancy Association). In this case, you may want to add more probiotics to your diet. They can either be taken through probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or by supplements. If it doesn't stop in a few days, consult a doctor for diarrhea so they can prescribe the right meds.