During pregnancy, you probably pay close attention to your body. Besides the many exciting changes it undergoes, you might also experience one or two unpleasant “side effects.” These can include digestive problems. In this article, you’ll learn why diarrhea can occur during pregnancy, what you can do about it, and when you should be cautious.

Diarrhea ( Diarrhea ) is diagnosed when you have more than three bowel movements per day. The consistency typically ranges from soft and mushy to liquid. During pregnancy, diarrhea often alternates with constipation or bloating.

Possible causes

As annoying as diarrhea may be, it has hormonal causes less often than other digestive problems during pregnancy, such as constipation, Nausea , or bloating. Still, it’s not unusual to deal with it during the first trimester. The reason is that the entire digestive tract reacts more sensitively during pregnancy than usual. It’s a clever Protection mechanism of your gut, because it helps keep unwanted intruders away from you and your baby.

Another possible trigger for diarrhea is a Diet change , which many pregnant women make to provide good care for their child. Perhaps you also started eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as soon as you found out you were expecting. The increased intake of vital nutrients and dietary fiber in these foods can strongly stimulate digestion. So even if you experience diarrhea at the beginning of your pregnancy due to a changed diet, you should still maintain a healthy and balanced meal plan. After a few days, the gastrointestinal tract usually adapts to the new nutrient intake, and the trouble is over.

Excitement can also be a reason for diarrhea—some expectant mothers feel nervousness quite literally in their stomach during early pregnancy. Another possible cause is Medications or dietary supplements : Many pregnant women, for example, take additional magnesium, which can lead to softer stools and therefore promote diarrhea.

If diarrhea occurs toward the end of pregnancy, it may already be a Harbinger of the upcoming birth : Braxton Hicks contractions or early labor contractions often stimulate bowel activity.

Furthermore, diarrhea can, of course, have the same trigger as outside of pregnancy , such as food intolerances, food poisoning, stress, or infections. If you experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, or nausea and suspect that a Salmonella infection or a gastrointestinal virus could be the cause of the diarrhea, you should definitely contact your doctor. In very rare cases, Listeriosis can be the trigger for the digestive disorder. This is not only unpleasant for you, but it can also be transmitted to your child and potentially become dangerous for them. Which foods can cause listeriosis and what to watch out for to avoid it, you’ll learn in our article „ Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy ".

What helps with diarrhea during pregnancy?

The key with diarrhea is to viel drink to replace the fluids you lose. In addition to water, fennel or chamomile tea are good choices, as they can also soothe your stomach. Also, make sure to eat easy-to-digest foods so you don’t put additional strain on your digestive tract. You should avoid fatty and gas-producing foods and instead opt for cooked or steamed dishes rather than raw or fried foods. Acute relief can be provided by binding foods such as mashed banana, grated apple (the pectin in the skin binds fluid in the body), or steamed carrots.

You should also replenish Salt and minerals , for example in the form of pretzel sticks or vegetable broth, because your body excretes more of them when you have diarrhea. Alternatively, an electrolyte solution from the pharmacy can compensate for the loss of minerals. However, you should only take diarrhea medications after consulting your doctor, as not every medication is safe during pregnancy. Even with natural remedies that promise relief from diarrhea, you should definitely consult your doctor before taking them.

What you can always allow yourself without hesitation, however, is Peace and warmth .

Is diarrhea dangerous during pregnancy?

The most important thing first: Diarrhea during pregnancy is usually completely harmless to your baby as long as it’s treated. The viruses responsible for, for example, a stomach flu or a Norovirus are confined exclusively to the gastrointestinal tract, and there is no risk of them reaching your baby through the blood or the umbilical cord. Even if the diarrhea itself is not dangerous for your child, you should, as a precaution, contact your doctor under certain circumstances:

• If the diarrhea persists länger als drei Tage . Since severe diarrhea leads to a loss of fluids and essential minerals, there is a risk that your baby may not receive enough of certain nutrients in the long term. If it persists länger als zwei Wochen , it is considered chronic diarrhea . In that case, there may be other underlying reasons that should be urgently investigated and treated.

• If there is suspicion of Vaginosis : The smear infection can be caused by intestinal bacteria that reach the vagina and can, in the worst case, trigger premature labor. Therefore, contact your doctor if you notice foul-smelling discharge or itching in the genital area in addition to diarrhea.

• If, in addition to diarrhea, Symptoms such as fever, circulatory problems, cramps, vomiting, or blood in the stool occur.

Even if the causes of diarrhea during pregnancy are usually (hopefully) harmless, it’s still bothersome. Fortunately, the risk of infection with diarrhea-causing germs can often be reduced with good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food and before eating, and clean fruits and vegetables carefully. Used dishes should always be washed in the dishwasher or by hand with hot water and enough dish soap. Finally, make sure to thoroughly heat hot meals—especially meat, fish, and eggs—before eating.

We wish you a beautiful and trouble-free pregnancy!