Constipation In Pregnancy Symptoms
- Inability to completely empty the bowel
- Bloating and cramping
Another reason for constipation in pregnancy is that, as the fetus grows, the womb takes up more space and puts pressure on the rectum, which is the last part of your intestines. Keeping hydrated and getting enough fiber every day can help relieve this.
However, constipation pain in pregnancy may be a sign of something serious. Call your doctor if you experience constipation in pregnancy symptoms like blood in stool, weight loss, severe pain while defecating, and constipation longer than two weeks.
Is constipation a symptom of pregnancy? Yes, it is caused by elevated progesterone and pressure on your intestines from the baby.
What Is The Best Way To Confirm Pregnancy
The best way to confirm pregnancy is to do a blood test measuring the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone. Women can also take a home pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are fairly reliable but may occasionally be a false-positive. This can occur for a number of reasons, including having a chemical or ectopic pregnancy or even taking certain medications. Following a positive home pregnancy test with a doctors visit for a urine or blood test to confirm the pregnancy is the best way to confirm a pregnancy.
Gastrointestinal Issues During Pregnancy
Gastrointestinal issues are some of the most common complaints during pregnancy. Some women may experience GI issues that develop after becoming pregnant. Gastrointestinal problems affect the gastrointestinal tract, primarily the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and rectum, but can also affect other organs of digestion, including the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Some women may have chronic GI disorders prior to pregnancy that can worsen and require special consideration during pregnancy.
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Diarrhea Combined With Other Symptoms: Am I Pregnant
Weve already established that diarrhea by itself isnt enough to mean or even be a reliable indicator that youre pregnant. But what about diarrhea accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal cramps, constipation, or stomach bug? Could those be signs of pregnancy?
Lets take a look at some of the most common pairings with diarrhea and other ailments:
If the only pregnancy symptom youve had lately is diarrhea, you probably arent pregnant. However, pregnancy is a possibility if youre experiencing diarrhea along with other common symptoms of pregnancy.
Hopefully, this article has given you enough information to decide whether you need to take the next steps in a potential pregnancy journey.
| This article has been reviewed and approved for publication in line with our editorial policy. |
Sore Sensitive Heavy Boobs
Soreness or tenderness in your breasts can be one of the very earliest pregnancy symptoms. Changes to the breasts can actually start as early as 1 to 2 weeks after conception, says Dr Larisa Corda, obstetrician, gynaecologist and IVF consultant. Pregnancy hormones can make breasts swollen and sore. Or they may feel heavier or fuller or more tender to touch.
Its certainly a symptom many of the mums on our forum recognise. I started getting really sore boobs and sore nipples 7 to 10 days after my last period finished, says DemWatson. I thought it was due to my period because I was also experiencing cramping. I took a pregnancy test around 2 weeks later and it was positive!
I tested because I had really sore boobs, adds ErinDsoontobeB. They were that sore, I had to wear a bra in the bath!
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Upper Stomach Pain During Pregnancy
Many women experience pain in the stomach while pregnant, especially the upper part. It is a normal effect of the fetus growing inside the womb, which pushes the mothers organs around to accommodate the babys increasing size.
There are many reasons for pregnancy constipation pain, stomach cramps and diarrhea during early pregnancy and, realistically, throughout the full 40 weeks. Here are the most common causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy:
- Constipation
| Painful or burning sensation during urination | Severe pain lasting 3060 minutes |
So Ive Got Some Of These Symptoms Am I Definitely Pregnant
Frustratingly, as weve already explained, many of the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy weve details above are the same as, or can be easily confused with, the signs and symptoms of PMS or the signs and symptoms that your periods on its way.
Some of the signs nausea, breast tenderness, mood swings, and a frequent need to wee are, anecdotally, more common signs of pregnancy than others. But you could be pregnant without experiencing any of them. And you may not be pregnant even if you experience them all.
We will all experience the first signs of pregnancy in completely different ways, says Dr Amin Gorgy. There is no specific way that you should feel. We are all individuals.
As wise forum mum gazsgirl says, Everyone is different and most symptoms are so like period ones, its always hard to know until you see the line.
Time to take a test if you havent already
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We Know You’re Wondering: Is It Possible To Be Pregnant And Still Have A Period
Nope, experts say. Some people may experience bleeding or spotting, but those are different bleeding patterns from the cyclical menses your body experiences in absence of a pregnancy.
Dr. Michele Hakakha, an OB-GYN and author of Expecting 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Pregnancy, told Parents that people definitely can experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, but that “when they bleed, they are not having a ‘period.'” That’s because your body needs to reserve the uterine lining as nourishment for the growing pregnancy.
Although bleeding during pregnancy doesn’t always mean cause for concern, it can indicate something more serious like a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
In the earliest stage of pregnancy, however, some very light bleeding is totally normal and leads us to our first pregnancy clue: implantation bleeding.
Implantation bleeding usually doesn’t last more than a couple of days, and it’s much lighter than most people’s periods .
Is Diarrhea A Sign Of Early Pregnancy
You might be surprised to know diarrhea can be a common sign of early pregnancy.
You could be trying for a baby, or perhaps youre nervous about being pregnant.
Either way, youre probably spending a lot of time looking for clues that suggest youve conceived.
Whenever you notice anything unusual or out of the ordinary, youll probably chalk it up immediately as a possible symptom of pregnancy.
Pregnancy symptoms can start as early as a few days after ovulation.
You can read more inPregnancy Symptoms Before Missed Period.
Its possible youll experience early signs and symptoms before a pregnancy test can confirm what youve been suspecting lately.
Some pregnant women experience common early signs of pregnancy, such as nausea, fatigue, sleepiness and sore breasts. Others wonder whether they have some tummy trouble when they experience diarrhea.
Read on for more information, and to find out whether diarrhea is a sign of early pregnancy.
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Sour Or Metallic Taste
Forum mum sealeyB says she had a really metallic taste in her mouth very soon after ovulation and it didnt go for 2 weeks. And shes definitely not alone in experiencing this early pregnancy symptom.
Experiencing strange tastes, known as dysgeusia, is one of the lesser-known but actually quite common early pregnancy signs, says Dr. Amin Gorgy. And, once again, pregnancy hormones are the culprit.
The metallic taste symptom can vary in its intensity but its definitely sour. Its as if I have sucked 2p pieces! says forum mum-to-be Deli3.
Is Diarrhea An Early Sign Of Pregnancy Or Implantation Ways To Tell
Thinking or hoping that youre pregnant can make you feel all kinds of emotions, including excitement, joy, nervousness, dread, anxiety, happiness, anticipation, or outright fear.
And whether you want to be pregnant or not, if you think you might be, it can seem like everything out of the ordinary is a sign that you are. What about diarrhea is that an early sign of pregnancy?
Diarrhea isnt a reliable early sign of pregnancy or implantation. Firstly, there are numerous reasons a woman could have diarrhea, most of which have nothing to do with pregnancy. Also, by the time hormonal and diet changes cause diarrhea in expectant moms, most women already know theyre pregnant.
This article will further explain why you shouldnt read too much into diarrhea as it relates to pregnancy. It will also touch on a few more diarrhea-related topics fun, right? While reading about diarrhea may not be at the top of your to-do list today, there is a lot of great information here, so keep reading to find out more.
Covered in this Article:
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Pregnancy Heartburn Or Indigestion
Heartburn is a burning feeling that starts in the stomach and seems to rise up to the throat. During pregnancy, changing hormone levels slow down your digestive system, weaken the stomach sphincter, and your uterus can crowd your stomach, pushing stomach acids upward.
Recommendations:
- Try to avoid constipation. Constipation can cause hemorrhoids and will make them more painful.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time change your position frequently.
- Don’t strain during a bowel movement.
- Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the area or take a warm bath a few times a day to provide relief.
- Avoid tight-fitting underwear, pants, or pantyhose.
- If you still need more help, consult your health care provider.
When Is It Time To See The Doctor For Gastroenteritis
Request an appointment today.Most cases of gastroenteritis pass within a week and can be managed at home. Still, we encourage you to let your nurse or Ob/Gyn know youre under the weather. Your provider can discuss with you whether anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea medications would be helpful.
The Swedish study found that even though gastroenteritis can make a pregnant woman feel awful, the vast majority of the pregnancies studied had good outcomes. However, severe cases can cause pregnancy complications. When a pregnant woman becomes severely dehydrated or spikes a high, lasting fever, she can go into preterm labor.
If your symptoms are mild or your doctor confirms that its safe to manage your symptoms at home, stock up on a few items:
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Weight Gain During Early Pregnancy
Weight gain becomes more common toward the end of your first trimester. You may find yourself gaining about 1 to 4 pounds in the first few months.
Calorie recommendations for early pregnancy wont change much from your usual diet, but they will increase as pregnancy progresses.
In the later stages, pregnancy weight often shows up in the:
- breasts
- uterus
Hormones can cause the valve between your stomach and esophagus to relax. This allows stomach acid to leak, causing heartburn.
Peeing A Lot In Pregnancy
Needing to pee a lot often starts in early pregnancy and sometimes continues until the baby is born. In later pregnancy, it’s caused by the baby’s head pressing on your bladder.
If you find you need to get up in the night to pee, try cutting out drinks in the late evening. However, make sure you drink plenty of non-alcoholic, caffeine-free drinks during the day to stay hydrated.
Later in pregnancy, you may find it helps to rock backwards and forwards while youre on the toilet. This lessens the pressure of the womb on the bladder so you can empty it properly.
If you have any pain while peeing or you pass any blood in your pee, you may have a urine infection, which will need treatment.
Drink plenty of water to dilute your pee and reduce pain. You should contact your GP within 24 hours of noticing these symptoms. Read more about urinary tract infections .
Don’t take any medicines without asking your midwife, doctor or pharmacist whether they’re safe in pregnancy.
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Diarrhea In Early Pregnancy
Although diarrhea isnât a sign of early pregnancy, it’s possible that you may experience diarrhea or other digestive issues in your first trimester.
Early on in your pregnancy, your body starts going through lots of changes, and these can affect your bowel movements, leading to either hard or loose stools. For example, as levels of the hormone progesterone increase, this can cause your digestive system to slow down, often leading to constipation.
Changes to your diet and nutrition as part of your pregnancy may result in changes in your bowels, too. For instance, if youâre eating more fiber now or taking prenatal vitamins, these changes can affect the frequency and consistency of your bowel movements.
For some people, consuming more fiber-rich foods â such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains â can help with constipation, but for others such a sudden change in diet can cause gas, cramping, and even diarrhea.
Drinking more water can help with constipation, and can help replenish the fluids lost by having diarrhea. Talk to your healthcare provider if youâre having trouble with any digestive issues such as bloating or diarrhea in early pregnancy.
If youâre in the early stages of pregnancy and wondering when your little one is due, use our Due Date Calculator to get an estimate.
How Can You Treat Diarrhea
Diarrhea should run its course in just a couple of days, but you can use medication to intervene if it is severe. Your options can include consistent rehydration, following a bland diet, and staying away from greasy foods. Some teas can also ease the symptoms of diarrhea and calm the stomach. Examples include chamomile and ginger tea.
Its important to consult your doctor before beginning the use of any remedies or over-the-counter medication.
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Will Diarrhea During Pregnancy Harm The Baby
Generally speaking, a stomach bug is very unlikely to cause harm to your baby.
Even if youre unable to keep anything down for 24 hours, your baby will almost certainly be fine.
Dehydration is usually the biggest concern when you have a sickness bug, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids when treating diarrhea. Dehydration will affect pregnant women much earlier than it will affect the baby.
If you have a sickness bug, its important to:
- Rest as much as possible
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If youre struggling to keep water down, try electrolyte icy-poles
- Try to eat. If you can keep food down, try to eat bland foods throughout the day whenever you feel hungry. Foods that are low in fiber and gentle on the stomach include apples, toast, crackers, and broth
- Wash your hands well before and after going to the bathroom this will limit the spread of the virus.
Speak to your healthcare provider immediately if:
- The sickness bug lasts for more than 48 hours
- Youre unable to keep any fluids down
- There is blood in your stools
- You have abdominal pain
- Your urine is very dark.
Severe dehydration can lead to pregnancy complications, so seek immediate emergency care.
When Should I Test
Home pregnancy tests can be very accurate , especially if you wait to test until after your period is officially late. Some tests claim to accurately detect pregnancy up to a week before your missed period, so if you’re experiencing some pregnancy symptoms and are champing at the bit, go for it.
You’re more likely to get an accurate test result if you wait until your period is late, according to the Mayo Clinic, because the hormone that’s detected in home pregnancy tests, hCG, doubles every two to three days after an embryo attaches to your uterus, meaning there’s more to detect in your urine if you wait a few days.
Because this hormone can sometimes take a while to build up, false negative results aren’t uncommon in early pregnancy. It’s much more rare to get a false positive. If you get a positive test result, you are very likely pregnant, or experienced a recent pregnancy loss, and can confirm the pregnancy through a blood test or ultrasound.
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The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
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Signs Of Miscarriage In Diagnostic Tests
A pregnant person should seek medical attention at the first sign of a suspected miscarriage. The diagnostic tests to confirm a miscarriage and possible treatment options will depend on the type of miscarriage a person is having.
Early miscarriages are most commonly diagnosed using a combination of tests, including:
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Missed Period During Early Pregnancy
Once implantation is complete, your body will begin making human chorionic gonadotropin . This hormone helps the body maintain the pregnancy. It also tells the ovaries to stop releasing mature eggs each month.
You will likely miss your next period 4 weeks after conception. If you typically have an irregular period, youll want to take a pregnancy test to confirm.
Most home tests can detect hCG as soon as 8 days after a missed period. A pregnancy test will be able to detect hCG levels in your urine and show if you are pregnant.
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