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Is Diarrhea A Sign Of Pregnancy

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Is Diarrhea A Sign Of Miscarriage

Is Diarrhea a Sign of Pregnancy?

You can rest assured having diarrhea during early pregnancy is hardly ever about your babys wellbeing or a sign of anything going wrong with your pregnancy.

Its usually completely unrelated to you being pregnant. It might be an upset stomach due to a virus or food poisoning. Or it could be a case of your pregnancy hormones just doing their job properly.

If you have diarrhea around the time you miscarry, it doesnt mean diarrhea has made you lose your pregnancy.

When diarrhea happens at the time of a miscarriage its usually because progesterone production has stopped and your uterus and digestive tract are adapting to this change.

When your body is actively miscarrying you might experience diarrhea at the latest stages. If you have diarrhea with no other pregnancy-related symptoms, a miscarriage is highly unlikely.

Pregnancy Nausea Or Vomiting

It’s very common — and normal — to have an upset stomach when you’re pregnant.

Chalk it up to pregnancy’s hormonal changes. It usually happens early in pregnancy, while your body is adjusting to the higher hormone levels.

Good news: Nausea usually disappears by the fourth month of pregnancy . It can happen at any time of the day but may be worse in the morning, when your stomach is empty or if you aren’t eating enough.

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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.

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Is Diarrhea A Sign Of Pregnancy

Many women have heard and believe that diarrhea is an early sign of pregnancy, and several Mommy Blogs out there reinforce this idea. Unfortunately, it just isnt the case.

Even though pregnant women may have diarrhea in their first trimesters, diarrhea is not a typical sign of pregnancy. If youre pregnant, you may experience diarrhea from time to time even up until the third trimester. However, you shouldnt assume a random bout of diarrhea means youre pregnant.

The easiest way to explain it is this: Diarrhea may be a pregnancy symptom, but its too common of an ailment to be considered a pregnancy sign.

Thats why there are no reputable websites or medical journals that list diarrhea among the common or even the less common signs of pregnancy

The following is a list of reasons someone may have diarrhea:

  • Food allergies
  • Running

And as long as that list is, its by no means exhaustive. If diarrhea rarely means youre pregnant, why do so many women think its a reliable sign of pregnancy?

As I mentioned above, the many internet sites that say it is dont help the situation. However, some women do experience a dramatic change in their bathroom habits during their first trimesters.

Additionally, once you find out youre pregnant, youll likely start taking prenatal vitamins and adjust your diet accordingly, both of which can also cause diarrhea. You may also develop new food sensitivities due to your changing pregnancy hormones. That, too, can wreak havoc on your GI tract.

What Are The Common Symptoms And Signs Of Early Pregnancy

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The symptoms of early pregnancy vary tremendously between women. Some women hardly have any symptoms, whereas others have very severe symptoms. It is impossible to predict which women will have more severe symptoms. However, in general, if you are expecting twins or triplets then it is likely that your symptoms will be more severe.

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Signs You Need To Take A Pregnancy Test

4 min Read Time

Most over-the-counter pregnancy tests are 99% effective when you take them after a missed period. But how do you know when its time to pee on a stick?

Pregnancy symptoms are different for everyone, and as the levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin rise, your symptoms may increase, says OBGYN Jessica Brown, MD. At four weeks, you may have a little bit of cramping, but classic symptoms like sore breasts, nausea and fatigue may not begin for six or seven weeks, she says.

So, how do you know if your symptoms point to pregnancy? Brown discusses some of the very first symptoms, along with how to ease the discomfort and the best time to take a pregnancy test.

What Can You Do If You Have Pregnancy Diarrhea

Again, diarrhea throughout pregnancy is actually less typical than constipation, but if you do experience it, it’s more likely to happen closer to the time of delivery. At that time, your uterus starts producing hormones known as prostaglandins, which help soften the cervix and prepare the uterus to contract in labor, explains Dr. Zore.

The prostaglandins also get the smooth muscles of the digestive tract moving, so stool will pass more quickly, Dr. Zore says. You may just experience increased frequency or urgency to go to the bathroom, or you may even get diarrhea in some cases.

If you do have diarrhea, hydration is super important. Basically, loading up on water is your best defense mechanism. Eating a diet rich in fiber while pregnant is also key to make sure you dont end up with loose stools, says Dr. Zore.

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Light Bleeding Or Spotting

Implantation bleeding is the light vaginal bleeding that typically occurs about 10 to 14 days after conception. It shouldnt cause anything more than mild spotting, which you may notice in your underwear. Implantation bleeding can also be accompanied by mild cramps that resemble the cramps of menstruation.

If the bleeding is heavy or if the cramping is severe, contact a health care provider for advice.

Along with light bleeding, some women notice white, milky vaginal discharge. This is completely normal and is the result of increased development in the lining of the vagina. The discharge may continue throughout pregnancy and does not usually have any other symptoms. Seek a health care providers opinion if the discharge smells bad or is accompanied by itching. You may need to be treated for a bacterial or yeast infection.

What Other Poop Changes Can Happen During Pregnancy

Signs and Symptoms of Miscarriage that You Should Know About

Youre likely to have constipation at any point of your pregnancy due to the hormonal changes going on. The elevated progesterone levels in pregnancy lead to smooth muscle relaxation in the uterus but can also lead to the relaxation of the smooth muscle in the colon, leading to reduced bowel activity and constipation, says Dr. Zore.

The other unpleasant symptom you may experience during pregnancy is hemorrhoids, which can affect 30 to 40 percent of people during pregnancy and the postpartum stage, according to Dr. Zore. They can make constipation worse, first of all, but can also cause pain and even bleeding. This makes your hydration and high-fiber diet even more of a priority, Dr. Zore says.

If youre experiencing persistent bleeding or bloody stools, that is a red flag of a potentially more serious condition.

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Stomach Bugs In Pregnancy

Here are a few things to do if you have a stomach bug.

  • Dont panic if you do have diarrhoea and vomiting.
  • Make sure you rest as much as possible.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Eat small, light meals if you are hungry and it doesn’t make you feel sick.
  • If you dont eat for 24 hours dont worry but make sure you drink plenty of fluid.
  • Wash your hands before and after going to the toilet and after vomiting.

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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How Diarrhea Happens During Pregnancy

Meredith Shur, MD, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as a certified medical examiner.

Stomach and digestive issues are common during pregnancy. You may hear plenty about morning sickness and constipation, but less about diarrhea. Although it may not get as much attention, diarrhea is another gastrointestinal issue that pregnant women can face.

Some women consider diarrhea an early sign of pregnancy. It’s true that hormone changes around the time of conception can cause stomach issues and even lead to diarrhea. However, breast tenderness, fatigue, and nausea are much more common symptoms of early pregnancy.

Diarrhea during late pregnancy may be a sign that delivery is getting closer. Some women report diarrhea, heartburn, or nausea and vomiting right before they go into labor. Of course, women get diarrhea for many reasons, and it can develop at any time during pregnancynot just at the beginning or the end.

Verywell / Jessica Olah

Causes Of Gastrointestinal Issues During Pregnancy

Diarrhea during pregnancy stock vector. Illustration of belly

Pregnancy can intensify underlying conditions, even if you werent aware of them before your egg got fertilised. There are a number of lifestyle and medical reasons behind gastrointestinal problems during pregnancy:

  • Changes in hormones
  • Stress
  • Thyroid disorders

If you have chronic GI problems, like IBS , acid reflux, or GERD , their symptoms will most likely intensify during pregnancy. So if you are planning a pregnancy, consult your doctor for advice.

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When To Call Your Doctor

Remember, while a mild case of diarrhea isn’t anything to really worry about during pregnancy, there are a few times you should get in touch with your practitioner right away, including if you:

  • Have more than three stools a day
  • Have diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours, despite dietary changes
  • Have stools that are bloody, contain mucus or are purely liquid
  • Were recently in close contact with someone known to have a parasite or stomach flu

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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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.

Precautions: Diarrhea During Early Pregnancy

Will pregnancy cause diarrhea – Is diarrhea a symptom of early pregnancy

If you would be travelling to an area that is at a higher risk of diarrhea, you must follow certain precautions in order to avoid travellers diarrhea. Listed below are a few ways that can help you avoid diarrhea during pregnancy while travelling:

  • Do not eat fruits that cant be peeled.
  • Stay away from street vendors.
  • Avoid tap water at all costs, which mean that you do not have to drink it, brush your teeth with it or even use ice cubes made from it.
  • Say no to areas with inadequate sanitation.

Diarrhea cannot be considered as a reliable sign of pregnancy. There are other signs and symptoms that you must look for if you are trying to conceive, for instance, positive pregnancy test or a missed period. These would probably be the best and much more reliable indicators. Moreover, if you are suffering from diarrhea, focus more on increasing your liquid intake as that may help to improve your condition.

Hope this article was of help to you! Please share your comments/queries/tips with us and help us create a world full of Happy, Healthy and Empowered Women!!

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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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Raised Body Temperature During Early Pregnancy

A higher basal body temperature may also be a sign of pregnancy. Your bodys core temperature may also increase more easily during exercise or in hot weather. During this time, youll need to make sure to drink more water and exercise cautiously.

Fatigue can develop any time during pregnancy. This symptom is common in early pregnancy. Your progesterone levels will soar, which can make you feel sleepy.

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Is Diarrhea Really A Sign Of Early Pregnancy

If youve just googled is diarrhea a sign of early pregnancy and landed on this article, youre far from alone. All of us experience some degree of diarrhea in life, unfortunately. Its also relatively common, among people with uteruses, to wonder whether random health symptoms that pop up from time to time might mean youre pregnant.

Well, we consulted the poop and pregnancy pros to find out if diarrhea is in fact an early pregnancy symptom. Heres what they said.

What Is Morning Sickness

Milenium Home Tips: Is Diarrhea A Early Sign Of Pregnancy

Morning sickness is characterised by nausea and stomach upset during pregnancy. Its not quite clear why it happens, but doctors think its due to hormonal changes. About 8 in 10 women will be affected by morning sickness, though some worse than others. Here are some patterns associated with the increased risk of morning sickness:

  • Pregnancy with twins or multiple fetuses
  • History of morning sickness during pregnancy or in the family
  • Women with motion sickness
  • BMI of 30 or more
  • Elevated stress hormone levels

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Pregnancy Gas And Bloating

Gas during pregnancy occurs along with other gastrointestinal side effects. It may be caused by hormonal changes, like the production of more progesterone. This hormone relaxes the bodys muscles, including the intestinal ones, which slows digestion and increases flatulence.

If you have gas when pregnant, try some simple lifestyle and diet hacks to ease the pressure in your gut. Take it easy on high-fiber, hard-to-digest foods like beans, avoid fizzy drinks and fatty foods, and get out for a walk to help move things along.

CAUTION If bloating is accompanied by severe pain that lasts more than 30 minutes, or you have constipation for two weeks or more, you should call your doctor.

How To Stop Diarrhea When Pregnant

If you experience diarrhea whilst pregnant, avoid foods that can make it worse, like dairy, caffeine, and anything with high fat and sugar levels. Dehydration is an important risk, so you should take steps to restore your bodys electrolyte balance with liquids and plain foods:

Fruit juices
Pasta Applesauce

Digestive problems, including pregnancy diarrhea, can worsen if there are underlying conditions such as IBS, Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease . Taking measures when planning the pregnancy is the best way to minimize the risks and side effects.

REMEMBERIf youve travelled to less developed countries, diarrhea and pregnancy may be the sign of a gastrointestinal infection, so consult your doctor.

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