She Strengthens

Pregnancy and Bowel Movements: What’s Normal and What’s Not

When you’re expecting, your body undergoes significant changes. One of these changes can affect your bowel movements, leading to more frequent or looser stools. If you’re experiencing three or more watery bowel movements a day, it’s considered diarrhea. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Why Is This Happening to Me?

There are several reasons why pregnant women may experience diarrhea. These include:

• Sudden Diet Changes: A healthier diet can sometimes lead to digestive issues.
• New Sensitivities: You may become more sensitive to certain foods, even if you’ve eaten them before.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can slow down digestion, leading to diarrhea, gas, or constipation.
• Prenatal Vitamins: While essential for your health and your baby’s, prenatal vitamins can upset your stomach.
• Added Stress: The pressure of pregnancy can cause stress, which may lead to diarrhea.

When to Expect Diarrhea

Each pregnancy is unique, and diarrhea can occur at any time. However, it’s more common in the third trimester, around weeks 28-40. This is because your body is preparing for labor.

What’s Behind the Colors of Your Poop?

The color of your stool can indicate what’s going on in your gut. Here are some possible explanations:

• Brown: The normal color of poop, thanks to bacterial waste and dead red blood cells.
• Green: Could be due to a diet rich in greens, antibiotics, or digestive conditions.
• Yellow: May indicate extra fat in your poop, celiac disease, or gluten proteins.
• Black: Could be caused by black licorice, Pepto-Bismol, iron supplements, or stomach bleeding.
• Red: May indicate bleeding in the gut, anal fissures, or certain medications.

Pregnancy-Approved Remedies

If you’re experiencing diarrhea, try these remedies:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
• Avoid Problematic Foods: Identify and avoid foods that trigger diarrhea.
• Opt for Gentle Foods: Try toast, applesauce, bananas, soup, crackers, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
• Replenish Electrolytes: Drink juice and broth to replace lost vitamins and minerals.
• Visit Your Doctor: If diarrhea persists, consult your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.

Remember, if you experience severe dehydration symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or dark urine, seek medical attention immediately.