Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. During pregnancy, this can harm the woman and the fetus. Diarrhea during pregnancy can also result from a bowel infection or underlying bowel disorder. Read on.
If you experience three or more watery bowel movements in a day, chances are you may be having diarrhea. If you’re pregnant, it could be due to hormonal changes, which can also cause other digestive issues such as constipation and gas. It may also be caused by a bowel infection or underlying bowel disorder.
Hormonal changes that may cause diarrhea
During pregnancy, the spike in prostaglandin levels may cause diarrhea. Prostaglandins are hormones that help stimulate contractions in the uterus but can also increase movement along the digestive tract. It may result in stools passing too swiftly through the bowels, which in turn causes diarrhea. This rise in prostaglandin levels is also the reason why some women experience loose stools during their menstrual cycle.
Infectious Diarrhea: Bowel infections are a common cause of diarrhea. In addition to loose, watery stools, people with infectious diarrhea may also experience the following symptoms:
- Bloody stools
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Some organisms that can cause infectious diarrhea:
- Bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, or Shigella genera
- Viruses, including norovirus and rotavirus
- Parasites, such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium enteritis
A person can become infected with these harmful organisms by consuming contaminated food or water. Infectious diarrhea can be a risk when traveling to certain countries.
Bowel disorders: Diarrhea can be a symptom of an underlying bowel disorder, such as:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Celiac disease
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Symptoms Of Persistent Diarrhea: Diarrhea can be a symptom of an underlying bowel disorder, such as:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Gas and bloating
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin and joint problems
- Anemia
During pregnancy, all of these can have dire consequences. If symptoms persist, see a doctor at once.
