Diarrhea During Pregnancy: 5 Remedies To Deal With It

While pregnancy is an unforgettable journey in itself, sometimes unexpected discomforts are common for moms-to-be. Diarrhea is one such concern that makes most expectant mothers Google for answers.

If you too are dealing with this weird pregnancy symptom, know that almost 34 percent of pregnant women experience gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, at some point during their pregnancy. However, with the aid of safe and natural home remedies, you can easily get through it.

Read this article to explore some of the effective home remedies to deal with diarrhea during pregnancy.

Diarrhea causes rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes, which can ultimately result in dehydration, which might quickly turn into a serious concern during pregnancy. This is because dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, and preterm contractions in severe cases.

Thus, it is extremely crucial to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day. Furthermore, you can switch to pregnancy-safe electrolyte drinks or natural alternatives such as coconut water to replenish lost minerals in the body. According to experts, it is recommended to consume 10-12 cups of fluids daily, especially if you’re dealing with diarrhea. 

The BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—is an ultimate game changer if your stomach is upset.

These foods are gentle on the digestive system and help firm up stools while also providing a soothing effect on your irritated gut. Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps restore lost electrolytes.

On the other hand, rice, especially white rice, can add bulk to your stool and slow down bowel movements. Furthermore, applesauce contains pectin, a soluble fiber that absorbs excess water in the intestines, while dry toast provides an easy-to-digest carbohydrate source.

The best tip when it comes to dealing with diarrhea during pregnancy is to stick to this diet until your symptoms subside.

Did you know your gut contains good bacteria?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can disrupt the natural balance in the gut, exposing you to higher chances of experiencing diarrhea. 

However, adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet can actually help restore that balance. 

Natural sources such as yogurt and kefir, and fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi, can really do wonders in easing diarrhea.

Certain food ingredients can actually irritate your already sensitive digestive system during pregnancy, thereby making diarrhea even worse. 

Therefore, it is important to avoid trigger foods such as fatty and fried foods that take longer to digest and can put extra strain on your stomach completely.

Simultaneously, you can avoid dairy products as they may cause discomfort, especially if you have developed temporary lactose intolerance due to pregnancy. 

Besides, spicy foods are also best avoided as they can irritate the digestive tract. 

Instead, switch to simple foods such as plain rice, boiled potatoes, and lean protein sources that are gentle and won’t upset your system further.

During pregnancy, your body is preparing and doing something extra for growing a tiny human. Further, added to it, the digestive issue multiplies the need for rest.

Besides, stress and overexertion can make gastrointestinal symptoms worse.

The best approach is to find some moments to relax and allow your body to recover and feel normal.

Diarrhea during pregnancy is usually manageable. However, if diarrhea persists more than 48 hours along with signs of dehydration, dizziness, severe abdominal pain, or blood in stool, it is best to seek immediate medical attention. After all, pregnancy is a time to take a little extra care of yourself.