Diarrhea When Pregnant: First Trimester (Is it Normal?)

Diarrhea is no fun topic to discuss, but it shouldn’t make you feel embarrassed either. We all experience it every now and then, and many pregnant women might experience diarrhea when pregnant first trimester.

While the issue may signify preterm labor, it’s highly unlikely that your pregnancy has anything to do with it, as it results from something like a sudden diet change or food poisoning. Keep reading to learn more about the problem during pregnancy, including if it’s normal during the first trimester, what causes it, the symptoms, as well as how to treat it.

Navigation

Is Diarrhea Normal During Early Pregnancy?

Diarrhea is quite a common problem that may affect anyone, including pregnant women. Some women may even experience it moments before labor. Less serious cases during pregnancy are often fleeting and may not harm your child.

If you’re passing over three stools daily and have severe diarrhea, make sure to see your doctor for expert advice. 

Causes of Diarrhea in Early Pregnancy 

sad woman reflected in a mirror

Diarrhea during pregnancy may result from dietary changes to hormones to prenatal vitamins. You might experience it due to:

Dietary changes: Pregnancy might make you eat healthier. Often, a sudden shift to healthier, fiber-rich foods may also cause a change in your bowel movements. Give your body enough time to acclimatize if you switch from fries and burgers to salads and fruits at the same time.

Hormones: When pregnant, you’ll go through changes in your body and your hormones. These may affect your digestive tract and stomach, resulting in nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.

Prenatal vitamins: Prenatal vitamins come in many different brands. Some can cause loose stools, and others are more likely to lead to constipation. If you think a vitamin is the culprit, ask your doctor to recommend another brand.

Other causes: Diarrhea may also result from things that are unrelated to pregnancy, including:

  • Food poisoning
  • Illness from bacteria or a virus
  • Taking medication like antibiotics 
  • Travel
  • A health condition such as hyperthyroidism, celiac disease, or Crohn’s disease

Diarrhea Symptoms 

The main symptoms during pregnancy include:

  • Feeling bloated or gassy 
  • Watery and loose stools
  • Fever
  • Bloody stools
  • Nausea
  • Cramping or abdominal pain
  • Urgent need to pass stools

Treating Diarrhea in the First Trimester 

woman holding a glass of water

In general, diarrhea will disappear by itself within two days. The main problem is maintaining hydration

Make sure to drink lots of water, broth, and juice to rehydrate your body and replenish the electrolytes lost by your body. The water will replenish the fluids you’ve lost, the broth will replenish your sodium and the juice will replenish your levels of potassium.

If the problem still persists, you might need to see your doctor. If it’s caused by parasites or bacteria, you might need antibiotics. More importantly, talk to your doctor to find out the cause of your problem.

Experiencing Diarrhea While Pregnant?

Like everyone else, pregnant women can experience diarrhea, too. So long as it’s short-lived, it’s usually no cause for concern. It’ll most likely clear up by itself. But if your condition is serious or lasts longer than 48 hours, you should call your doctor right away.

Scroll to Top