Diarrhea during pregnancy is one of the things that often make the pregnant women uncomfortable. You have to go back and forth to the toilet at least 3 times or more a day. If this is the case, the first thing to do in overcoming diarrhea while pregnant is drinking a lot of water, so that the body remains hydrated.
Pregnant women are said to diarrhea if the stool texture when defecation becomes liquid with a frequency more than three times a day. Diarrhea is a fairly common complaint during pregnancy. It is estimated that nearly 34% of pregnant women have experienced diarrhea.
Actually, diarrhea during pregnancy will generally subside by itself in a few days. But despite the trivial impression, this condition can turn into a serious problem if not immediately handled.
Diarrhea during pregnancy with symptoms of diarrhea continuously, can cause the body to lack fluid.
The danger to the fetus, persistent diarrhea can make the volume of the water is reduced due to fluid discharge during diarrhea. This could lead to impaired fetal development, even risky miscarriage.
Although diarrhea is usually harmless, when left without proper handling, the impact can be very serious. In pregnant women the impact can be life threatening.
Causes of diarrhea during pregnancy
Diarrhea during pregnancy can be caused by various things, such as:
Hormonal changes
While pregnant, of course, there are hormonal changes. Certain hormonal changes can affect digestive processes that lead to indigestion, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Certain hormones may also cause pregnant women to experience constipation.
Infection
Microorganisms that are most often the cause of diarrhea in pregnant women are viruses, bacteria (e.g. Salmonella, Shigella, E. Coli, or Campylobacter), and parasites (e.g. Protozoa).
Read also: How To Cure A Stomach Virus.
Other Causes:
- Food intolerance.
- Drug Side effects.
- Certain diseases.
- Maternity sign.
Because it can be caused by many things, diarrhea in pregnant women needs to get a doctor’s examination, especially if diarrhea occurs more than 2 weeks or accompanied by other complaints, such as weight loss, fever, and dehydration.
To ensure the cause, the doctor will conduct a physical examination accompanied by additional examinations if necessary, such as blood tests, stool analysis, and endoscopic examination.
Read also: 13 Causes of Frequent Bowel Movements.
How to treat diarrhea during pregnancy
Adequate fluid consumption
The main key to treating diarrhea is adequate fluid consumption. This applies to anyone who is affected by diarrhea whether they are pregnant or not. Do not let your dehydrated when diarrhea because it will have a negative impact on babies. Diarrhea may cause loss of electrolytes from the body of pregnant women. When diarrhea, consumption of the Ors to hydrate the body and restore the lost minerals.
Drink juice
Drink juice to help replace some of the electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals that are missing from your body.
Drinking coconut water
Because it is not able to consume medicines to stop diarrhea, it is a good idea to use natural ways to overcome diarrhea. One of them is consumption of coconut water. The function of coconut water is to replace the fluid in the body that is wasted, thereby preventing dehydration. Coconut water contains electrolytes which are good to drink while removing a lot of fluids and one of them is diarrhea.
Note the intake of food
Diarrhea during pregnancy can be more dangerous because the minerals in the body are lost due to dehydration, this condition is able to endanger mothers and infants. Therefore, also note the intake of food that enters the body.
Avoid Certain Food
Avoid high-fatty foods, fried foods, spicy foods, and high-fiber foods.
Eat in small portions, but often.
Eat in small portions, but often. Thus, the stomach will feel better.
Eat banana
Eat bananas for more dense feces.
Consumption of neutral foods
To relieve diarrhea while pregnant, it is good to eat a neutral food in the sense of not using strong spices such as pepper, chili, coconut milk, or other cooking spices that can stimulate digestion to nausea, vomiting, and want to continuous bowel movements. Pregnant women can eat clear vegetable soup and fish processed without a strong spice. Chicken Soup with Tofu is also a good choice for pregnant women who are diarrhea.
When to see a doctor?
If within a period of a few days, diarrhea does not heal, then consult a doctor immediately. The loss of fluid and electrolytes from the body can even cause serious consequences such as miscarriage, if left untreated in time. Immediately visit the doctor so that it can provide the most appropriate medication and treatment for pregnant women.
