The majority of expectant mothers will be subject to nausea and constipation during their pregnancy.
However, it is not uncommon for women to have to cope with pregnancy nausea and diarrhea.
Usually these symptoms last for a short amount of time and do not pose any serious threats on the health of the mother and her unborn child.
There are cases of prolonged diarrhea, which is definitely a concern.
It is because pregnancy nausea and diarrhea can develop into a serious medical condition, that all expectant mothers should be well informed about this condition and when they should seek medical assistance.
By having an understanding of the common causes of diarrhea and being aware of what remedies can help to relieve it, pregnant women can better avert trouble.
It is essential that women be informed about when it is critical to contact their doctor.
Causes of Pregnancy Diarrhea There are varying opinions on whether diarrhea in pregnancy is the result of the higher levels of hormones present in the woman's body.
It has been suggested that diarrhea is caused by the increase in progesterone.
Women when expecting tend to be more susceptible to stomach maladies such as stomach flu, bacterial infections, and diarrhea.
Whenever a woman experiences a sudden bout of diarrhea that is acute, it is likely that she is suffering either from an intestinal virus or that she has food poisoning.
Another possible cause of pregnancy diarrhea is that the mother may be lactose intolerant.
There also exists the possibility that since conceiving, the mother has developed additional intolerances to other foods.
Sometimes diarrhea will occur right before the woman goes into labor.
This late pregnancy diarrhea is thought by some to be nature's way of helping to prepare the woman for her impending labor and delivery.
Suggested Treatments for Pregnancy Diarrhea When coping with pregnancy nausea and diarrhea, it is essential for the expectant mother to keep well hydrated by drinking sufficient fluids.
In some instances it may be necessary for the mother to use oral rehydration solutions along with her intake of water.
It is crucial to prevent dehydration because it can result in serious consequences for mother and child.
Along with proper hydration, it is helpful for the woman to eat a bland diet that includes foods such as yogurt, toast, rice, potatoes, and bananas.
The following foods can exacerbate the problem and should be avoided: spicy foods, dairy products with the exception of yogurt, foods with high fat content and fried foods.
Often making some alterations to her diet may be enough to relieve pregnancy diarrhea.
For more prolonged cases of diarrhea, there are medications that can be used to treat it.
However, when pregnant, a woman should not take these or any other medications without first discussing this issue with her doctor.
When Medical Assistance is Necessary While mild diarrhea is not a threat to the well being of the expectant mother and her unborn child, it is important for the woman to know when she should contact her health care provider.
Anytime her diarrhea lasts for more than 48 hours, it is advisable to get in touch with her doctor.
The concern with prolonged diarrhea is two fold.
There is the threat of becoming dehydrated; there is also the concern that the mother's digestive system is not absorbing a sufficient amount of nutrients for supporting her fetus.
If in addition to diarrhea the mother has a fever, pain, vomiting, or blood in her stool, then it is advisable to get in touch with her doctor.
These additional symptoms may be an indication of a more serious condition that requires medical assistance.
Whenever pregnant if a woman begins to show signs of dehydration as a result of her diarrhea, it is important to notify her health care provider immediately.
Some of the more common indicators of dehydration are dry eyes, dry mouth or skin, infrequent urination or urine dark in color, weakness and fatigue, dizziness, and a lack of acuity.
When dehydration is not treated in a timely manner, it can result in preterm labor.
Pregnancy nausea and diarrhea in most cases are a normal part of pregnancy and not a cause for alarm.
It is important to be informed about these symptoms, so that the mother will have a better understanding of when it is imperative to consult with her doctor.
At anytime, if the woman is unsure about the seriousness of her diarrhea and any other accompanying symptoms, it is advisable that she contact her health care provider to discuss her symptoms.