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What Can You Take For Diarrhea While Pregnant

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What Medicines Are Not Safe During Pregnancy

There are not many medicines that are harmful if taken when you are pregnant. Some of the medicines that are not safe to use include birth control pills, the acne medicine isotretinoin , a few of the medicines called statins that are used for high cholesterol, and the antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline . In addition, ergotamine which is used for migraine headaches and the ulcer medicine misoprostol should not be used during pregnancy. Most vaccines are safe during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information about vaccine safety during pregnancy: .

Complications Of Food Poisoning When Pregnant

Certain kinds of food poisoning are very dangerous for your unborn .

If you get listeriosis , you may have no symptoms at all. However, you can pass it on to your . That can cause serious health problems like:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: âNutrition During Pregnancy.â

Antimicrobe.org: âCampylobacter species.â

eMedicine Health: âFood Poisoning.â

FDA: âWhile You’re Pregnant – What Is Foodborne Illness?â âFood Safety for Moms-To-Be: While You’re Pregnant – Listeria,â âFood Safety for Mom To Be At-a-Glance.â

Foodsafety.gov: âFood Safety for Pregnant Women,â âFood Poisoning,â âPeople at Risk: Pregnant Women.â

March of Dimes: âSalmonellosis,â âFood Poisoning During Pregnancy.â

Mother to Baby: âE. coli and pregnancy.â

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: âFoodborne Illnesses,â âFood Poisoning.â

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: ̢Food-borne Illness During Pregnancy РWomen̢s Health.̢

CDC: âNorovirus.â

What Causes Pregnancy Diarrhea

Pregnancy diarrhea could be triggered by hormonal shifts, new food sensitivities, and changes in diet. Generally, though, its brought on by gastrointestinal bacteria that you either picked up from someone else or contracted by eating spoiled food. Other symptoms of gastrointestinal infections include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fever, and chills. These cases rarely last more than 72 hours, according to Laura Riley, M.D., medical director of labor and delivery at Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston. 

Other non-pregnancy-related causes of diarrhea include stress and medications. If your diarrhea is long-lasting, you may have an underlying bowel disorder like irritable bowel syndrome , celiac disease, or Crohns disease . 

Treating Diarrhea And Preventing Dehydration

To treat diarrhea, your healthcare provider may recommend a safe over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication. Your provider may also recommend other steps, such as getting intravenous fluids to help replenish any fluid loss.

If you have diarrhea, itâs important to drink plenty of fluids and to call your provider right away if you notice these signs of dehydration:

  • Excessive thirst

  • , weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness.

Diarrhea During Third Trimester

Causes of diarrhea during early pregnancy

Diarrhea during third trimester is very common during pregnancy. It may occur right before your labor or a few weeks before labor. Diarrhea may be a sign that the labor is near. However, you should not expect premature birth if you experience diarrhea a few weeks before the due date.

But experiencing diarrhea during the third trimester does not mean that your baby is coming at that very moment. There is no need to be alarmed as you must also be aware of other labor signs. May be, this is just a way your body is preparing for the labor that may start at some point.

Watch Video: Is Diarrhea a Sign of Early Pregnancy ?

Is It Safe To Use Pepto

There is very little research into the effects of Pepto-Bismol on breastmilk or breastfed infants.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it may be better to avoid Pepto-Bismol when breastfeeding, as it is possible that breast milk can absorb salicylate.

Many people experience an upset stomach, heartburn, or diarrhea during pregnancy. Persistent diarrhea can interfere with a persons ability to absorb nutrients from food, which may affect the developing baby.

Certain medications may be safe to use while pregnant, as long as a person does so under a doctors care and instructions. Medicines that may be safe can include specific antacids, acid reducers, and proton-pump inhibitors.

It is essential for people to remember that recommendations about various medications are subject to change based on new research, including the information given here.

Due to the ever-changing picture, people should always talk to their doctor before taking any medication while pregnant.

Diarrhea In Early Pregnancy

Although diarrhea isnât a , 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.

When Can I Take Medicine During Pregnancy

If youre newly pregnant , you may want to rethink taking unnecessary over-the-counter drugs. The first 12 weeks of your pregnancy are a critical time for your baby in terms of organ development. Many doctors recommend avoiding all over-the-counter drugs during this time. Doing so can help to avoid birth defects and other serious problems that could arise from potentially harmful medications.

Most doctors agree that its safer to take over-the-counter medications during the second trimester. However, you should be aware that some medications could impact your babys nervous system or birth weight during this time. Taking medications after 28 weeks is also discouraged, because they can impact your baby after birth. The medications can cross into your babys system, and baby may not handle it the same way you do, leading to things like breathing difficulties. Always tell your doctor what medications you take and find out if that choice is appropriate during your pregnancy.

Are Medicines I Can Buy Without A Prescription Safe To Take In Pregnancy

Check with the pharmacist or your health care provider before you take any medicines during pregnancy, even ones you can buy without a prescription. The next page of this handout lists the most common over-the-counter medicines that are safe to use during pregnancy.

Caring For Common Illnesses During Pregnancy

The Microbiome Gut Bacteria And Pregnancy

Your body undergoes a lot of changes during pregnancy, and this can affect the ecosystem of bacteria in your gut. These trillions of microbial cells do important jobs for overall health, like producing vitamins and short-chain fatty acids that keep your gut happy.

What Are Short-chain Fatty Acids?

Its important to nourish the good microbes in your colon so they can continue to support your digestion and keep everything running smoothly, because bacteria can also influence gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

The key to a happy gut microbiome is whole foods because fruit, veg, whole grains, nuts, and seeds contain special molecules called prebiotics that good bacteria feed on. They even help protect you from nasty bugs that can cause gastroenteritis during pregnancy.

TIP See how your gut bacteria adapt to each trimester of your pregnancy with the Atlas Microbiome Test.

How To Treat Your Cold And Flu While Pregnant

Having the cold and flu while pregnant is the worst. What medications can you safely take?

October 3, 2017

Photo: Stocksy

You know that unpasteurized brie is a no-go during pregnancy, and those double martinis and oysters on the half shell are strictly verboten. But what about cold and flu medications? When you inevitably come down with a hacking cough, myriad aches and pains, and a serious case of the sniffles, what can you take? Here, our guide to navigating cold and flu season with a baby on board.

Get the vaccine

The good news is the vaccine is safe throughout pregnancy. Be sure, however, to request the injection, which is made from an inactivated virus, and not the nasal-spray vaccine, as thats made from a live virus and not recommended for use by pregnant women.

While it can be impossible to ward off illness , you can take steps to protect yourself. Get plenty of rest and wash your hands often throughout the day. If a lot of your colleagues are still coming in sick, ask if you can work from home.

Know what youre dealing withYoure sneezing, coughing and aching all over. Is it a cold or the flu?

A cold is a mild respiratory illness, and the symptoms tend to appear gradually. With influenza, the symptoms come on quite suddenly. You could have a high fever for three or four days and extreme tiredness for several weeks. In contrast, fever and extreme exhaustion are less common with a cold.

Read more:

When Should I See A Doctor With Diarrhoea And/or Vomiting In Pregnancy

See your GP if:

  • the diarrhoea or vomiting does not go away within 48 hours
  • you are unable to keep any fluids down.

If you cant get to your GP surgery you may be able to organise a telephone appointment.

DO NOT take any medication to stop diarrhoea in pregnancy, such as Imodium, without speaking to your GP, midwife or pharmacist first.

There are many medicines that can be unsafe to take during pregnancy. So its always best to ask your doctor, midwife, pharmacist or dentist before you take anything. Find out more about drugs and medicines in pregnancy.

Speak to your GP, midwife or a hospital doctor as soon as possible if you have:

Use Stress Management Options

Diarrhea During Pregnancy

If you haven’t already tried psychotherapy as a treatment for your IBS-D, your pregnancy may be just the thing to get you motivated. This may be particularly essential if you experience anxiety or depression alongside your IBS, as research has shown that these combos increase the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.

Two types of therapycognitive behavioral therapy and have been shown to be effective in reducing IBS symptoms. The major advantage of these treatments is that you do not have to worry about any negative effects on your baby.

Other mind/body approaches offer additional options.  may not only be of benefit for your IBS symptoms, but it may also help to ease discomfort during labor and delivery.  is also a wonderful option for offsetting the effects of external stress on your body.

Diarrhea In The Third Trimester

Experiencing pregnancy diarrhea near your due date? Loose stools could mean your body is preparing for delivery.  Toward the end of pregnancy, your body releases prostaglandins that help soften the cervix. These hormones could also soften bowel movements. While this may sound yucky, keep in mind past generations of mothers were given enemas when they started labor. Loose stools are typically nature’s way of clearing things out.

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.

How To Manage An Upset Stomach During Pregnancy

Normally morning sickness stops around weeks 1620, but theres no need to just suffer. Here are some tips that can help you alleviate the symptoms so you can enjoy growing a tiny human inside your body:

Rest more Eat small frequent plain low-fat, high-carb meals
Avoid triggering foods and smells Try ginger, some evidence shows it may help with nausea
Eat a slice of toast or bread before getting out of bed Drink more still water to stay hydrated

CAUTION If you have severe uncontrolled vomiting, abdominal pain, painful or bloody urination, contact your doctor immediately!

In rare instances, pregnant women can develop severe vomiting, something doctors call hyperemesis. It is a serious condition requiring medical assistance and can cause dehydration, electrolyte disbalance, weight and muscle loss, and depletion of vitamins and minerals.

Hyperemesis affects 0.32.3% of all pregnancies, but it can be alleviated with some simple changes to diet and lifestyle, as well as complementary nutritional supplements and therapies like acupuncture or aromatherapy.

How Can I Tell If A Medicine Is Safe To Take During Pregnancy

For many years, the US Food and Drug Administration had a letter system for medicines used during pregnancy. Medicines were placed into one of 5 groups: A, B, C, D, or X. The letter groups were based on known effects the medicine has on a developing baby during pregnancy. The safest groups were A and B, because studies showed these medicines were safe. Medicines in the D group might be harmful to a baby but might be needed because of how serious the illness was for the woman. Medicines in the X group were medicines that should never be used in pregnancy. Unfortunately, most medicines were in the C group, which was the letter used when there were not enough studies to know if a medicine was safe or not.

Can Diarrhea Cause A Miscarriage

An expectant mothers worst fear is a miscarriage, so when you are experiencing those diarrhea cramps, it is not hard to quickly assume a miscarriage is happening. Some expectant mothers have diarrhea as an early pregnancy symptom, so a miscarriage should not be your first assumption.

Diarrhea will not cause you to have a miscarriage, and no, you will not push your baby out when you are straining on the toilet.

The cramping you are feeling is associated with diarrhea, not an impending miscarriage, so put your mind at ease. The bodily systems are not connected, even though the stomach cramps feel so much like ones that are associated with miscarriages .

Diarrhea is a symptom of miscarriage, but having diarrhea will not cause a miscarriage to happen.

Diarrhea can also be caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite due to the weakened immune system during pregnancy. If you know that someone around you is contagious try to stay away as it is easier for them to spread their infection to you than a non-pregnant person.

Editor’s Note:

What Week Of Pregnancy Does Nausea Start

Nausea is usually most severe during early pregnancy within the first trimester , and may even be associated with vomiting. Luckily, symptoms should start to disappear in the second trimester after HCG hormone has peaked. Unfortunately for some women, pregnancy nausea can last all nine months. Youve probably heard the term morning sickness, but thats a misnomer. It should really be called all day sickness because the truth is that it can strike at any time of the day or night. And it feels awful.

The good news is, the typical nausea and vomiting related to hormone changes experienced during pregnancy is unlikely to harm your baby. If nausea and vomiting is so severe that you cant keep any food or fluids downa condition known as hyperemesis gravidummedical attention should be obtained since if left untreated has the potential to be harmful to the developing fetus. More on this in a bit. Aside from this very rare scenario, pregnancy nausea and vomiting is harmless. To the baby.

For the babys mama, its a relentless queasiness that makes you want to hide in bed all day . Heres how you can battle through.

Diarrhea And The Third Trimester

In the third trimester, diarrhea tends to become more common. It can be a . It sometimes occurs a couple of weeks to days before labor begins.

Diarrhea is a way for your body to prepare for labor to begin, and should not be a cause for concern. It is not a sign your baby is coming right away, just an indication it could be relatively close.

Diarrhea in the third trimester also does not mean you are going to go into premature labor. If diarrhea is accompanied by abdominal cramps, regular contractions and vaginal bleeding, do contact your doctor as that can be a sign of preterm labor.

What Could Be Causing My Diarrhea

Food Poisoning While Pregnant: What to Do

You could be suffering from the usual suspects food poisoning, irritable bowel syndrome, a virus or diverticulitis to name a few. There are also a few pregnancy related issues. It may be your bodys natural response to pregnancy or your pre-natal vitamin may be at fault. Your stomach lining may be reacting to the high iron content or simply disagree with your multivitamin. Generally a condition, for example diverticulitis is going to be pre-existing and you will have discussed it with your doctor, so diarrhea is not going to be a surprise during your pregnancy.

If you are suffering from loose, watery bowel movements note down the frequency and consistency. It will help your doctor determine what may be causing it if your diarrhea persists.

Diarrhea occurring later in your pregnancy can trigger labor or even pre-term labor. If you lose too much fluid you become dehydrated which in turn can stimulate the uterus causing it to contract and labor to begin.

What Causes Diarrhea During Pregnancy

Dont be surprised if you experience diarrhea during pregnancy. When you first find out you are pregnant, you may make sudden changes in your diet to make sure your baby is getting the nutrients they need. If you change the food you eat, that can sometimes cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Another reason diarrhea occurs is because some pregnant women become sensitive to particular foods. These could be foods you have eaten often before, but eating them while pregnant can give you an upset stomach or diarrhea. Another cause of diarrhea during pregnancy is hormonal changes.Sometimes hormones can cause your digestive process to slow down, and at times that can lead to diarrhea. Every pregnant woman has these hormonal changes, but some will experience diarrhea early in their pregnancy from those changes. If you are experiencing diarrhea, it could also be due to a bacterial or viral infection.

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

Causes Of Gastrointestinal Issues During Pregnancy

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.

How Do You Know If You Have Listeriosis

Signs and symptoms of listeriosis usually start a few days after eating food contaminated by Listeria, but they may not happen for up to 2 months. Theyre usually mild and -like. Your health care provider can test your blood to see if you have listeriosis.  

  • Being confused or having trouble with balance
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea or diarrhea 
  • Seizures
  • Stiff neck 

Is It Safe To Take Medicine

It can be tempting to run straight to your pharmacist if youre suffering. Like any ailment with pregnancy, you need to be careful what medication you take.

Not all your usual over-the-counter medicines are safe for moms-to-be. In fact, some may make the issue worse!

In particular, Imodium, is not safe if youre pregnant. There is more information about which medicines are safe , but its always best to check with your midwife, doctor or pharmacist if youre unsure about whether medicines are safe to take.

Natural Ways To Stop Diarrhea

Try increasing your fiber intake this will add bulk to your stools and hopefully ease your problem. Eating dry foods can do the same, dry toast or crackers and even rice will help.

Increase your water intake being well hydrated can help flush out any toxins in your digestive tract which are causing your diarrhea

Stop drinking fruit juice, sugary drinks or milk as all of these can actually make diarrhea worse.

Avoid tea, coffee and caffeinated drinks as they can further dehydrate you.

Consider the BRAT diet Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast. Its bland and will help your digestive system recover from its bout of diarrhea.

Think about what you have been doing in the past few days have you changed diet, medications, been exposed to illness or eaten something suspect? If you work backwards you may be able to determine what set off your diarrhea and then take action to avoid it happening again.

Precautions: Diarrhea During 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!!

Is It Safe To Travel During Pregnancy

Can You Use Hemorrhoid Suppositories While Pregnant? what ...

Pregnant women can be at increased risk of becoming infected or developing severe complications from some infections. Some of these infections can also affect your developing baby. If you are pregnant and want to travel, you should speak with your health care provider to discuss your travel plans and medical needs.

If you have certain pregnancy-related or medical conditions, you may be advised not to travel. There may also be certain regions where pregnant women may be advised not to travel to. For example, you or your close contacts may want to postpone travelling to areas where diseases or viruses such as Malaria or the Zika virus are common.

The safest time to travel is during 18 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Most complications during pregnancy occur during the first and third trimesters.

How Can I Prevent Or Treat Travellers Diarrhea

Travellers diarrhea can be more severe in pregnancy. It can also pose a risk to your baby, especially if the diarrhea is caused by a more serious infection such as toxoplasmosis, listeriosis or hepatitis E.

Avoid using bismuth subsalicylate to treat diarrhea. Speak to your health care provider about what medications you are able to take.

To help prevent travellers diarrhea, you need to follow good personal hygiene practices and be careful about what you eat and drink. For tips on how to stay healthy while travelling, see HealthLinkBC File #41e Travellers Diarrhea.

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