Dark stools during pregnancy
All the Ways Your Bowel Movements May Change
Pregnancy takes your body through a lot of changes, so at times you won’t feel like yourself. But while some pregnancy issues are expected — a growing bump, morning sickness, and moodiness — changes in your bowel activity might come as a surprise.
Granted, pregnancy poop isn’t the most exciting topic to talk about. But knowing what to expect can remove the element of surprise and settle worries when the unexpected does occur.
First thing about pregnancy poop: There may be times when it doesn’t seem to be happening at all. Constipation is having fewer than three bowel movements a week. To be fair, irregularity can happen anytime, whether you’re pregnant or not. But it’s a complaint that affects a lot of pregnant people.
Different factors contribute to constipation, such as too little fiber, inactivity, or eating foods that don’t agree with you. When it occurs during pregnancy, though, it’s often due to an increase in the hormone progesterone.
This hormone slows muscle contractions in the intestines. And when muscle contractions slow down, your bowels don’t flow as freely or as easily.
Symptoms of constipation include hard, dry stools, bloating, and straining. You may also have gas or stomach pain, which is probably the last thing you want to deal with when pregnant.
The good news is that constipation can be an easy fix. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help soften stools so that they’re easier to pass. In addition, add more fiber to your diet. This includes eating more vegetables and fruits.
A stool softener might help severe constipation, but be sure to talk with your doctor first.
Blood on the tissue after wiping can send you into a state of panic. But don’t think the worst.
Seeing some blood in your stool or on the toilet paper is another common pregnancy occurrence, especially if you’ve been dealing with constipation.
Constipation isn’t only physically uncomfortable, it can also lead to straining.
This can cause small rectal tears (fissures) or swollen veins (hemorrhoids). Both can cause bleeding from the rectum — usually a small amount of blood that appears pink or bright red.
Hemorrhoids and anal fissures can heal on their own. But to prevent the occurrence of new ones, take steps to avoid constipation and don’t strain.
Even though fissures and hemorrhoids are common, you should always notify your doctor of bleeding during bowel movements. Bleeding is sometimes due to other issues in the digestive tract — more so when blood appears black or tarry.
Be mindful that eating certain foods can also change the color of your stools, making them appear red. This can happen after eating beets or foods that contain red or black food coloring.
Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can also cause loose or watery stools. Diarrhea occurs as your body produces the hormone relaxin. This hormone is only released during pregnancy.
It prepares your body for labor and delivery by loosening your joints and ligaments.
The problem, though, is that relaxin can also loosen the joints around your rectum, causing bouts of diarrhea.
For the most part, mild diarrhea isn’t serious, but it’s important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.
Contact your doctor if you have more than three loose stools a day, or if you have other symptoms such as:
- blood or mucus in your stools
- weight loss
- stomach pain
- fever
Speak with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications to treat loose stools.
Interestingly, the color of your stools can also change during pregnancy. Normal stools are usually light to dark brown, but during pregnancy, your poop could turn green.
Again, don’t be alarmed. A lot of times this is triggered by an increase in fiber intake, or more specifically, eating more vegetables and leafy greens. Good for you if you’ve increased your healthy food intake during pregnancy!
If you’re taking prenatal vitamins or an iron supplement, both have also been known to change the color of poop from brown to green.
You may even have green bowel movements if you take a prescribed antibiotic while pregnant.
Your stools will return to a normal color after you stop taking certain vitamins and medications.
But although green poop is normal and doesn’t usually indicate a problem, talk with your doctor if you have any concerns. Sometimes, green poop is due to an infection, gallstones, food poisoning, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Very dark stools can also occur during pregnancy. Notify your doctor if you notice black or tarry poop. Again, although food dyes can turn stools dark, a dark color can also signal bleeding in your digestive tract.
When you tell friends and family that you’re expecting, some will see this as an invitation to share their own pregnancy story — the good, the bad, and the ugly.
And when it comes to actually having the baby, you may feel it doesn’t get any uglier than losing your bowels during delivery. In fact, this might be your greatest fear.
But the truth is that pooping during delivery is common, and it’s nothing to be ashamed or worried about.
(It doesn’t happen to everyone, so you might be worrying about nothing.)
The muscles you use to bring life into the world are the same muscles you use during a bowel movement. So yes, it can happen. Just know that you wouldn’t be the first mother to poop during delivery, and you won’t be the last.
If it makes you feel any better, the hospital prepares for this possibility. A nurse will swiftly clean it up — as if it never happened.
But if you’re still concerned about this, you can try and relieve yourself before you’re ready to push. Ask your nurse or doctor if it’s safe to take a suppository. These often trigger a bowel movement within minutes.
After a vaginal delivery, it’s only normal to be a little anxious about the first bowel movement after giving birth.
You might worry about additional soreness down below or irritating stitches if you had some tearing. Of course, this is only if you’re able to go. Pain medication you receive during and after labor can make your muscles a bit sluggish, initially causing constipation.
When you’re ready to go, taking a stool softener and drinking plenty of water and juice can make your first poop after delivery easier.
It also helps to have a pain reliever on hand, and maybe witch hazel cleansing pads, to reduce burning and inflammation. The important thing to remember is don’t strain.
Let things flow naturally to avoid hemorrhoids and anal fissures, which can cause more pain and discomfort.
Pregnancy poop may not be something you want to talk about, but it’s something you need to think about.
Pregnancy can affect every part of your body, so expect your bowels to go through some changes, too. Keep in mind that every pregnancy is different. The key is knowing what to expect, so when changes do occur, you’re not caught completely off guard.
If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor. They’ll be able to help figure out the cause.
Is It Normal To Have Black (Dark) Stool During Pregnancy?
Don’t fret; stool color change during pregnancy could occur for several reasons.
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Black stool during pregnancy is common, and there may not be any concerning causes in most cases. Dietary supplements, certain foods, food dyes, medications, and digestive changes in pregnancy can be the reason for the black pigment (1). Although avoiding the causative factor can change the stool color to normal, it is not recommended if there are no health issues.
However, if you experience any other symptoms or concerns, you may seek your doctor’s opinion. Read on to understand the reasons for black stool during pregnancy, how to prevent it, and when to seek medical care.
Common Causes Of Black Stool During Pregnancy
Black or tarry stools could be due to one or more of the following factors.
- Iron supplements: Doctors prescribe iron supplements if they see a deficiency. In some cases, your body cannot absorb, and this unabsorbed iron could give the stool black or tarry appearance (2).
According to Dr. Alan Lindemann, obstetrician, who was also a clinical associate professor at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, “The iron in pills will be black even if the pills don’t look very dark. Bleeding from your rectum is not the same thing as black stool from taking iron supplements. It’s just that iron is turned black by your digestive tract, whether it’s coming from the iron in blood or from iron supplements.”
- Foods: Certain foods, such as licorice and blueberries, may turn stools dark. Artificial food colors also can affect the color of the stool (3).
You can identify the cause by maintaining a food journal.
Image: Shutterstock
Related: 20 Healthy Foods To Eat During Pregnancy
- Medication: Medicines other than iron supplements might also cause the stools to turn black. Pepto-Bismol, which is one of the commonly used over-the-counter medications for an upset stomach, may also affect the stool color (4).
- Health issues: Digestive issues such as hemorrhoids, constipation, and anal fissures or tears during pregnancy (5) develop due to the increased pressure over the pelvic region, and this increases the odds of having fresh blood in the stool color.
Image: Shutterstock
- Bleeding: Bleeding within the digestive system, especially in the upper gastrointestinal tract (that includes the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine), could lead to dark-colored stools (6). The blood mixed with digestive juices can give a dark color to the stool.
Dr. Lindemann says, “If your stool is black, we say the blood is coming from higher up in your digestive tract because it is staying in your colon for a longer time, long enough to change the color to black. Although it is possible for you to have bleeding in your colon from a tumor, benign or malignant, it is extremely unlikely for a woman of 20 to 35 years. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you will probably want to have some kind of examination or testing after you deliver.”
Related: Bleeding During Pregnancy: Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment
Symptoms That May Accompany Black Stools
Depending on what the cause is, you may notice these symptoms along with black stools.
- Fever
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Diarrhea
- Breathing difficulty
- Nausea or blood vomiting
Image: Shutterstock
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
If you notice dark stools along with these symptoms for an extended period, consult your health care provider to rule out any complications for both you and your baby.
Related: Vomiting Blood During Pregnancy: What Is Normal And When To See A Doctor
How Can You Avoid Black Stools During Pregnancy?
Changes in your diet, medication, and hygiene habits might help you avoid dark stools.
- Consume iron-rich food: To avoid dark poop due to iron supplements, try and get as much iron as you can from dietary sources. Include more of the liver, red meat, dark green leafy vegetables, and iron-fortified cereals in your diet. Unlike supplements, foods are easily absorbed by the body and may not result in dark stools.
Image: Shutterstock
- Avoid OTC medications: Do not take any medications without consulting your doctor, as they may have certain side effects, including change in stool color.
- Increase fiber intake: Consuming food rich in dietary fiber can reduce the risk of constipation and hemorrhoids, and also protect your gastrointestinal tract (7).
It is good to consult a dietitian and get a meal plan that suits your body’s needs during pregnancy.
- Have a healthy lifestyle: Refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption to lessen the chances of irritation of the upper gastrointestinal tract (that could lead to bleeding and black stools) (8). Also, try some Kegel exercises (only after doctor’s consultation) for improving muscle functioning around the rectal and vaginal areas. It can help regulate bowel movements and lessen the chances of constipation, bleeding, and other ailments.
- Stay hydrated: Sometimes, constipation due to dehydration can harden the stools as well as make them appear dark. So, drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water, freshwater juices, and water-rich foods (cucumbers, watermelons) to avoid that.
Image: Shutterstock
Related: 12 Signs Of Dehydration During Pregnancy And Ways To Avoid It
How Is The Cause Behind Dark Stool Diagnosed?
The healthcare provider may study your medical history, do a physical examination, and order some tests.
You may have to go for a combination of blood tests, x-rays, and stool examinations. If the results are inconclusive, the doctor may ask you to go for an endoscopy that will examine the gastrointestinal tract and help identify the cause. Based on the tests and results, you will be given the appropriate treatment.
1. Can prenatal vitamins cause dark stools?
Dark stools are listed as one of the side effects of prenatal vitamins, the others being constipation, nausea, diarrhea, an upset stomach, and low appetite (2).
2. Is black stool one of the symptoms in the early stages of pregnancy?
Early in the pregnancy, you may notice some changes in the bowel patterns, and dark stools could be one of them if you are on iron and vitamin supplements. In some cases, the changing hormonal levels might slow down the stool movement, causing constipation that could make the stools hard and dark.
3. Is black stool a sign of miscarriage?
Black stool is usually not a sign of miscarriage.
Black stool during pregnancy isn’t uncommon. Consuming iron supplements, foods containing artificial colors, certain medications, and health conditions like constipation are common causes of black stool during pregnancy. In most cases, it isn’t a cause for concern. However, in some cases, it might indicate an underlying problem. Hence, consult your doctor if you experience abdominal discomfort or other bothersome symptoms with black stools. Making necessary dietary and lifestyle changes based on the underlying cause can also help you avoid it.
References:
1. Comprehensive Stool Analysis; Doctor’s Data, Inc (1999-2017)
2. Scott LaFee; End Results: What color is your poop and other pressing fecal matters; UC San Diego (2018)
3. What Pee And Poo Color Says About Your Health; The American Council on Science and Health (2016)
4. Black or tarry stools; NIH (2018)
5. Gastroenterology; UCLA Health
6.
Black or tarry stools; NIH (2018)
7. J. Clifford et al.; Dietary Fiber; Colorado State University
8. Gastritis; Harvard Health Publishing (2014)
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Why dark feces during pregnancy? Causes for concern
Content
During pregnancy, changes occur in a woman's body.
Most of them are considered normal. But there are manifestations that require medical attention. One of the most common disorders that makes every pregnant woman worry is dark stool during pregnancy. Why the color of the stool changes in pregnant women, and what it signals, is described in the article. nine0003
Restructuring of the body
From the moment of conception, the woman's body begins processes aimed at the development of the fetus. A pregnant woman feels a deterioration in well-being and observes problems with the gastrointestinal tract. In the first months of pregnancy, existing diseases of the digestive system may worsen or new diseases may arise. This can result in changes in the consistency and color of the stool.
Much depends on the nutrition of the pregnant woman. Reception of fried, salty, smoked food can lead to a number of complications in the work of the stomach and pancreas. nine0003
Dark stool during early pregnancy is also due to hormonal changes.
A woman's body produces a large amount of the hormone progesterone, which affects all organs, causing them to function differently. Therefore, dark stool during pregnancy does not always indicate illness. In many cases, this change is normal and does not require medical intervention.
In addition to darkening of the feces, a woman's urination frequency, pulse, pressure, hemoglobin level and even psychological state change. nine0003
Other causes of discoloration of stools
Very often, dark stools are normal and occur as a result of hormonal activity in the body. Also, dark-colored feces during pregnancy are due to taking certain medications or synthetic vitamins. Manufacturers of drugs always indicate in the instructions the effect of the components on the organs of different systems.
Sometimes pregnant women may drink activated charcoal during indigestion. This natural sorbent is allowed for women in position, but under its action a change in the color of feces can be observed.
In this case, there is no cause for concern. nine0003
Also, dark stool during pregnancy is observed if a woman has eaten foods containing dark pigments. Organic dyes are not absorbed by the body and come out with the feces, giving it a dark color.
If, apart from a change in the stool, no other violations are noticed and the pregnant woman feels normal, there is no need to panic. Doctors recommend such women to observe their health for several days. If during this time the color of the feces does not change, you should visit a doctor. nine0003
Products that change the color of stool
Dark stool during pregnancy may be due to the use of the following products:
If a pregnant woman has consumed any of the listed foods the day before, she is most likely healthy.
The darkening of the feces occurred under the action of coloring pigments, which the body brought out along with digested food. nine0003
The effect of drugs
Women often observe changes in their stool after taking drugs. Darkening of feces can be caused by the following drugs:
Most women experience a decrease in hemoglobin during pregnancy. Therefore, doctors prescribe them drugs to provide the body with the necessary amount of iron. Taking these drugs is the most common cause of black stools.
Before prescribing an iron preparation, the therapist should talk about possible changes in the stool so that the woman reacts calmly to dark stools.
Alarms
Sometimes black stool can be a symptom of an illness.
It may indicate bleeding of the digestive system. Pregnant women who previously had a stomach or duodenal ulcer are at risk. In such women, dark stools during pregnancy may indicate internal bleeding caused by an open ulcer. But in this case, not only the color changes, but also the consistency of the stool. nine0003
Other symptoms of possible health problems:
- feeling unwell;
- pallor;
- cold sweat.
If, in addition to darkening of the stool, a woman has these symptoms, she should seek medical attention.
If the stool is green
Dark green stool during pregnancy indicates a change in the woman's diet. Basically, staining the stool green is associated with a certain diet. Many pregnant women are health conscious and consume excessive amounts of green leafy vegetables. Broccoli, spinach, lettuce contain a green pigment that colors the feces in the appropriate color. nine0003
Complexes of vitamins and minerals can also cause green stool.
Such preparations contain a large number of various microelements, the undigested part of which stains the feces green.
Prevention of stool disorders
In most cases, discoloration of the stool is not a symptom of the disease. Most often, darkening of the stool is provoked by violations of the diet.
In order for the gastrointestinal tract to function normally, doctors advise pregnant women to control the intake of different products, make a correct daily diet and carefully monitor the body's reaction to medications. nine0003
In some cases, dark stool during pregnancy is associated with diseases of the digestive system. Therefore, women who previously had gastrointestinal diseases should carefully monitor their health and be under the supervision of a therapist during the entire pregnancy. To prevent complications, the doctor may prescribe prophylactic drugs.
Dark stools caused by taking an iron supplement is not a reason to stop taking it.
Iron deficiency can lead to the development of intrauterine pathologies and even cause premature birth. In this case, it is recommended to discuss with the doctor all the issues of concern in order to respond normally to changes in the body. nine0003
If the darkening of the stool is caused by a medical condition, treatment should be taken seriously. Diseases of a pregnant woman can adversely affect the fetus.
Source: m.fb.ru
Kadysheva Nina
Let's get acquainted! I'm Nina Kadysheva - editor-in-chief of the online magazine for women "ogUP.ru". My goal is to make a woman beautiful, healthy, the architect of her happiness and a prosperous family.
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Is it normal to have black stools during pregnancy: symptoms, causes, treatment
Changes in stool color during pregnancy can occur for several reasons.
If the stool turns black after taking iron supplements, this is normal. If a woman has a history of diseases of the digestive tract, liver or blood, one should be wary. Pregnancy significantly increases the load on the female body, which can lead to exacerbation of chronic pathologies. nine0003
Natalya Chebakova
legion-media
Black stools during pregnancy are common and in most cases there can be no cause for concern. Dietary supplements, certain foods, food coloring, medications, and digestive changes during pregnancy can darken stools. However, in some cases, black feces signal a danger and require a visit to a doctor.
Content of article
Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Common causes of black stools during pregnancy
Black stools can be caused by one or more of the following factors.
Iron supplements
Doctors prescribe iron supplements if a pregnant woman is found to be iron deficient. In some cases, a woman's body cannot absorb iron, and this unabsorbed iron gives the stool a black or tarry color. nine0003
Products
It is not uncommon for the stool to take on an unnatural color due to food that was in the diet the day before. When black feces are found, it should be remembered which of the products could cause an unusual phenomenon.
Recolor bowel contents:
- drinks - coffee, soda, powdered red wines;
- meat products - black pudding, beef liver;
- fruits - blackberry, blueberry, blueberry, pomegranate, dark grapes, black chokeberry, prunes; nine0006
- vegetables - beets, tomatoes.
Artificial food colors can also affect stool color.
Medications
Medications can also cause dark stools. The constant intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, etc.), which are prescribed for diseases of the joints, if the conditions for admission are not observed, often cause microerosion of the gastric mucosa, which bleed, staining the stool in a dark color.
Stools are stained in a dark color by preparations, which include bismuth or activated carbon, multivitamins.
Health problems
Digestive problems such as hemorrhoids, constipation, and anal fissures or tears during pregnancy develop due to increased pressure on the pelvic area, and this increases the likelihood of blood in the stool.
Bleeding
Bleeding in the digestive system, especially in the upper gastrointestinal tract (including the esophagus, stomach and small intestine), may cause dark stools.
Blood mixed with digestive juices can darken stools. nine0003
Bleeding can cause varicose veins of the esophagus, ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract, trauma to the mucous membrane of the digestive apparatus with coarse food.
Bleeding in the colon may be due to a tumor, benign or malignant, although this is highly unlikely in a woman between 20 and 35 years of age. However, if one of the closest relatives had colon cancer, it is better to get tested.
Symptoms that may accompany black stools
- Fry
- pain in the abdomen or chest
- diarrhea
- Difficult breathing
- Nausea or bloody vomiting
- Dizziness
Dark chair along with these symptoms for a long period of time - to exclude a reward to exclude the doctor to exclude to exclude the doctor serious complications for the expectant mother and her child.
How to avoid black stools during pregnancy?
Changes in diet, medication and hygiene habits can help avoid dark stools. nine0003
Eat foods rich in iron.
To avoid dark stools due to iron supplementation, try to get as much of this micronutrient as possible from foods. Include more liver, red meat, dark green leafy vegetables, and iron-fortified cereals in your diet. Unlike nutritional supplements, foods are easily absorbed by the body and cannot lead to dark stools.
Remove sour, smoked, salty foods from your diet.
Avoid pastries, wheat bread, sweets, tea and coffee. nine0003
Limit legumes. Protein should be obtained from steam fish and poultry meat.
Meals are best boiled and steamed.
For digestive problems, make a menu based on low-calorie foods - for example, boiled potatoes, semolina and buckwheat porridge, low-fat yogurt.
Increase your fiber intake: Foods rich in dietary fiber may reduce the risk of constipation and hemorrhoids and protect the gastrointestinal tract.
Avoid over-the-counter medications: Do not take any medications without consulting your doctor as they may have certain side effects, including discoloration of the stool. nine0003
Avoid dehydration: Sometimes constipation due to dehydration can make stools harder and darker. So drink at least 10-12 glasses of water, freshly squeezed juices, and water-rich foods (cucumbers, watermelons) to avoid this.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol to reduce the chance of irritation of the upper gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to bleeding and black stools.
In addition, try some Kegel exercises (only after consulting a doctor) to improve muscle function around the rectal and vaginal areas.
This can help regulate intestinal motility and reduce the chances of constipation, bleeding, and other illnesses. nine0003
How is the cause of dark stool diagnosed?
A health worker will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and order some tests. You may have to take a biochemical blood test, undergo an x-ray and a stool test.
If the results are inconclusive, your doctor may ask you to have an endoscopy to look at your gastrointestinal tract and help determine the cause. Based on the tests and results, you will be prescribed appropriate treatment. nine0003
Frequently asked questions about stools during pregnancy
Can prenatal vitamins cause dark stools?
Dark stools are listed as one of the side effects of prenatal vitamins, the others being constipation, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion and poor appetite.
Is black stool a symptom of early pregnancy?
Early in your pregnancy, you may notice some bowel changes, and dark stools may be one of them. nine0003
The first trimester is characterized by a change in the level of hormones and a complete restructuring in the female body. Moderate or severe toxicosis is associated with sudden vomiting, heartburn, decreased appetite, constipation or diarrhea. To this list is often added black-colored feces.
Is black stool a sign of a miscarriage?
Black stools are not usually a sign of miscarriage.
What other color of stool can pregnant women have? nine0164
Light. Excessively light stools indicate a violation of fermentation, insufficient production of bile. They are observed with hepatitis, the presence of stones in the bile ducts. In pregnant women, this phenomenon occurs as a result of the use of dairy and vegetable products.
