Upset stomach during third trimester

The Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Pain and Insomnia

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on September 5, 2018

The third trimester

The third trimester is a time of great anticipation. In a few short weeks, your little one will finally be here.

Some of the symptoms during the third trimester can include insomnia and pain. It’s important to know what’s normal and what’s not, particularly when it comes to the discomfort you may feel over the course of the third trimester.

Pain can occur in seemingly every part of your body during this time. From your back to your hips to your stomach, there are many places that may be sore and uncomfortable.

Though insomnia and pain certainly aren’t pleasant, there’s an end in sight. Soon, you’ll be welcoming your new baby to the world.

Abdominal pain

Stomach pain in the third trimester can include gas, constipation, and Braxton-Hicks contractions (false labor). While these can cause some abdominal discomfort, they shouldn’t cause excessive amounts of pain.

Abdominal pain that’s more severe and concerning can be caused by:

urinary tract infection (UTI)
preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy
placental abruption, a condition that occurs when your placenta separates from your uterus too early

Call your doctor if you experience:

vaginal bleeding
a fever
chills
dizziness
nausea
vomiting

Lower back and hip pain

As your body goes through further changes in preparation for childbirth, hormone levels increase so your connective tissue loosens. This enhances flexibility in your pelvis so your baby can pass through the birth canal more easily.

However, women frequently experience hip pain as the connective tissue loosens and stretches. Lower back pain can also occur along with hip pain, as posture changes may cause you to lean more toward one side or another.

Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs may help to relieve this pain because it opens the hips slightly.

Try these tips

Take a warm bath.
Apply warm compresses or an ice pack, but avoid the abdomen.
Get a prenatal massage.
Sit in chairs with good back support.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce soreness and discomfort.

Call your doctor if the pain becomes severe or if you feel pressure radiating toward your thighs. These could be signs of preterm labor.

You should also contact your doctor if your pain is accompanied by stomach cramping, contractions that occur roughly 10 minutes apart, or vaginal discharge that’s clear, pink, or brown.

Sciatica

Your sciatic nerve is a long nerve that runs from your lower back all the way down to your feet. When pain occurs along this nerve, the condition is known as sciatica.

Many women experience sciatica during pregnancy because the enlarged uterus presses down on the sciatic nerve. This increased pressure causes pain, tingling, or numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and thighs. It may affect one side or both sides of the body.

While the pain of sciatica is uncomfortable, it shouldn’t hurt your growing baby.

You may be able to ease the pain by stretching, taking a warm bath, or using pillows to position yourself as comfortably as possible.

Vaginal pain

Vaginal pain during your third trimester can make you feel anxious and stressed. You may wonder if your baby is coming or if the pain is a sign that something’s wrong.

The answer depends on the severity of the pain. Some women experience sharp, piercing pain in the vagina. This could potentially indicate that the cervix is dilating in preparation for delivery.

You should call your doctor immediately if you’re experiencing any of the following:

severe vaginal pain
intense pain in the vagina
intense pain in the lower abdomen
vaginal bleeding

Even if these symptoms turn out not to be cause for concern, it’s best to get a confirmation from your doctor.

Why does insomnia occur during the third trimester?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep on a regular basis. Chances are, both of these symptoms may affect you at some point during your third trimester.

There are several factors that can contribute to insomnia in the third trimester:

Baby’s growing size

During the final trimester, your baby is getting much larger. This can make it harder to breathe while sleeping and more difficult to find a comfortable position.

The lower back pain you may experience during pregnancy can also affect your ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Snoring

Your sleep may also be impacted by snoring. Nasal congestion occurs in up to 42% women during pregnancy and can cause snoring.

The baby’s increased size also puts additional pressure on the diaphragm, or breathing muscles. While some moms-to-be can sleep through the snoring, others may wake themselves up with their snoring.

Leg cramping and restless legs

You may start to develop leg cramping and restless leg syndrome (RLS) in the third trimester.

Cramping can occur as a result of too much phosphorus and too little calcium in the body.

RLS, or the overwhelming need to constantly move your leg, can be a symptom of an iron or folic acid deficiency. For this reason, it’s important to let your doctor know if you’re experiencing the symptoms of RLS. These can include:

an uncomfortable sensation in the legs
a strong urge to move one or both legs
nighttime leg twitching
sleep interruption

Your doctor may want to perform certain blood tests to determine the cause of RLS.

Preventing and fighting insomnia

Insomnia can be a challenging condition. However, there are some steps you can take to get better sleep in your third trimester. Try the ones below:

Sleep on your left side to promote blood flow to your baby. Place a pillow underneath your belly to support it. If you experience heartburn or acid reflux while lying flat, add extra pillows under your upper body.
Avoid sleeping on your back when possible, as this restricts blood flow.
Avoid foods known to contribute to leg cramps, especially carbonated and caffeinated beverages.
Drink plenty of water to help reduce cramping.
Share your symptoms with your doctor. If you do experience nasal swelling that causes snoring, your doctor may want to run certain tests to ensure it isn’t a symptom of preeclampsia, or high blood pressure.
Stretch your legs before going to bed. Try straightening your legs and flexing your feet to help reduce leg cramping that keeps you up at night.
If you can’t fall asleep, don’t force it. Try reading a book, meditating, or doing another relaxing activity.

Medications

It’s best to avoid taking medications in pregnancy and for insomnia generally, but if other remedies don’t appear to be helping, you can try using a short-term sleep aid.

Make sure to consult with your doctor to choose the best medication. There are some safe sleep aids to use during pregnancy, though some of these can be addictive even when taken short term.

While you can expect some sleep disruptions during your last trimester, talk to your doctor if they’re happening on a daily basis or if you can’t seem to sleep for more than a few hours each night. Sleep is important for both you and your growing baby.

Last medically reviewed on September 5, 2018

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How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Balserak B I. (2015). Sleep disordered breathing in pregnancy.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818216/
Do I have insomnia? (2020).
thensf.org/?s=insomnia
How to handle sciatica during your pregnancy. (2014).
health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-handle-sciatica-during-your-pregnancy
Karadag-Saygi, E, et al. (2010). Plantar pressure and foot pain in the last trimester of pregnancy. DOI:
10.3113/FAI.2010.0153
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Third trimester pregnancy: What to expect.
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20046767
Pregnancy calendar: Third trimester. (n.d.).
publichealth.org/public-awareness/prenatal-care/third-trimester
Stomach pain in pregnancy. (2018).
nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/stomach-pain-abdominal-cramp-pregnant

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Sep 5, 2018

Written By

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Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on September 5, 2018

Diarrhea in Pregnancy | American Pregnancy Association

Diarrhea during pregnancy is one of the unfortunate discomforts that may be experienced. Diarrhea literally means “flowing through” and is defined as having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements in a 24 hour period. If you are experiencing three runny, watery bowel movements in one day, the main concern is to stay hydrated. Dehydration can be serious, even deadly. Drink plenty of water and avoid soda and coffee. Diarrhea is rarely life-threatening, but it shouldn’t be taken too lightly, especially while pregnant.

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.
Bacterial or viral infection can also cause diarrhea.

Diarrhea During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Diarrhea during the third trimester is not as uncommon and is more likely to happen as you approach your due date. It could be a sign that labor is near, and it can occur right before labor or a couple of weeks before labor. If it is a couple of weeks before your due date, a premature birth should not be expected.

If you are experiencing diarrhea during your third trimester, it does not mean your baby is coming right now, so you should not be alarmed. This is just a way some women’s bodies prepare for the labor that is going to start at some point. You may want to be aware of other labor signs as well.

Treating Diarrhea During Pregnancy

Most cases of diarrhea will clear up on its own within a couple of days. The main concern of diarrhea is staying hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water, juice, and broth to rehydrate yourself and replace the electrolytes your body has lost. The water will help replenish your lost fluids, the juice will help replenish your potassium levels and the broth will help replenish your sodium.

If your diarrhea doesn’t clear up on its own you may need to consult your health-care provider. If diarrhea during your pregnancy is caused by bacteria or parasites, you may need antibiotics. If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics will not help. To determine the cause, you will need to speak with your health care provider.

Traveler’s Diarrhea and Pregnancy

Traveler’s diarrhea is a common illness that affects travelers each year. The onset of traveler’s diarrhea usually happens within a week of travel but could start at any time while traveling. It is important to know the area of your destination. Higher risk areas are in developing countries in South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The main source of traveler’s diarrhea is consuming food or water contaminated with fecal matter.

If you will be traveling during your pregnancy you will want to avoid traveler’s diarrhea. Here are ways to help avoid diarrhea during pregnancy while traveling:

Avoid tap water in high-risk areas – Don’t drink it, brush your teeth with it or use ice cubes made from it.
Stay away from street vendors.
Avoid fruits that can’t be peeled or that you didn’t peel yourself.
Avoid areas with inadequate sanitation.

Want to Know More?

Probiotics During Pregnancy
Pregnancy and Travel
Laxatives During Pregnancy

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. Mayo Clinic, Pregnancy, and nutrition: Healthy-eating basics. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers Inc.

2. Center for Disease Control, Traveler’s Diarrhea.

Toxemia, Intestinal Problems, and Heartburn

Find out how pregnancy affects your digestive tract, which trimesters are more likely to cause indigestion and nausea, and what to do to manage them.

During pregnancy, the burden on the mother's body increases. The body needs more nutrients, the body produces additional hormones. And the growing fetus puts pressure on neighboring organs, including the stomach and intestines. We tell you what symptoms are observed in each trimester, how to cope with toxicosis and get rid of heartburn.

Contents:

2. Toxicosis and pregnancy
3. Causes, risks and treatment of diarrhea during pregnancy
4. Heartburn and stomach pain during pregnancy
5. Bloating, constipation and microbiota during pregnancy
6. Note

Changes in the work of the gastrointestinal tract by trimesters of pregnancy

The average duration of pregnancy is 40 weeks, which are usually divided into trimesters in accordance with the stages of intrauterine development of the child.

Each trimester is accompanied by a number of changes in the body, including in the gastrointestinal tract:

The first trimester

1–13 weeks

900 26 weeks

Third trimester of pregnancy

27–40 weeks

Morning sickness

Zapor

Intestinal disorder

increased appetite

TREAM to certain products

Acid reflux

Constipation

A acid reflux 9000 900 9000 900 Flatulence

Constipation

Heartburn

Violation of the outflow of bile

Hemorrhoids

The Atlas Genetic Test will help you find out how your genes affect the level of female sex hormones necessary for fertility and pregnancy.

Causes of gastrointestinal problems during pregnancy

Every pregnancy is accompanied by inevitable changes in the functioning of the digestive system. They are most often caused by hormonal changes and increased stress on organs, but they can also be associated with lifestyle and health conditions, for example:

Sedentary lifestyle and unbalanced diet;
Certain drugs, including calcium or aluminum antacids;
Viral and bacterial infections;
Intolerance to certain nutrients and allergic reactions;
Stress;
Diseases of the thyroid gland.

If you have chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and you are planning a pregnancy, try to consult your doctor in advance. Symptoms of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or acid reflux are more likely to get worse during pregnancy. Your doctor will help prepare your body and create a prevention plan to help relieve symptoms during this time.

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a functional bowel disease that causes frequent abdominal pain, impaired peristalsis, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.

Morning sickness, vomiting and general malaise during pregnancy

Morning sickness and morning sickness during early pregnancy are common, because the body undergoes important changes necessary for the development of the child.

up to 90%

women experience nausea during pregnancy

Doctors find it difficult to say with certainty why pregnant women feel sick in the morning. The main theory is hormonal changes. But there are some patterns associated with an increased risk of morning sickness:

Multiple pregnancy;
Toxicosis during previous pregnancy;
History of morning sickness during pregnancy in close relatives;
Tendency to motion sickness in transport;
Use of oral contraceptives containing estrogen before pregnancy;
Frequent migraines;
BMI 30 and above;
Elevated levels of stress hormones

Risks of severe morning sickness and how to reduce nausea

Nausea and vomiting are usually not associated with a risk for mother and child and disappear by 16-20 weeks of pregnancy, but it is not necessary to wait so long - there are ways that can help reduce nausea and enjoy the process of waiting for a new person:

Get plenty of rest - fatigue increases toxicosis;
Avoid smells and foods that cause nausea;
Eat something right after waking up. A toast or a slice of bread will help reduce nausea;
Avoid hunger - empty stomach increases nausea. Eat small meals often, prefer low-fat, high-carbohydrate foods;
Try ginger - studies show it helps with nausea;
Sip as often as possible and prefer still water.

In rare cases, pregnant women may develop hyperemesis gestationis or excessive vomiting. This is a serious condition that can lead to dehydration, kidney damage, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and even death.

Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine, infrequent urination and/or dizziness.

Symptoms of excessive pregnancy vomiting:

frequent nausea for a long time and regular vomiting after meals;
dry skin and lips;
sudden weight loss;
low blood pressure (below 90/60).

If symptoms of excessive pregnancy vomiting occur, do not wait until the condition resolves on its own. It is necessary to seek medical help as soon as possible - the doctor will prescribe treatment, help adjust the diet and lifestyle of the expectant mother.

0.5–2%

pregnant women experience excessive vomiting

Diarrhea in pregnancy

The word "diarrhea" comes from the Greek language and literally means "to flow through". This is a condition during which bowel movements or bowel movements occur three times a day or more often. This phenomenon is especially typical for the third trimester of pregnancy, but it can also occur earlier.

Symptoms of diarrhea:

Three or more bowel movements per day
Urgent urge to have a bowel movement
Abdominal pain and cramps
Bloating

Causes of diarrhea during pregnancy poisoning, dysbacteriosis, bacterial and viral infections:

Gastroenteritis Use of lactose and gluten in case of intolerance to these nutrients

Bacterial infections: listeriosis or salmonella Chronic gastrointestinal diseases: Crohn's disease, IBS, ulcerative colitis

Certain antibiotics and antacids to reduce acidity Laxatives

Sugar substitutes such as sorbitol Overconsumption of certain foods

Tip: If you have recently returned from a vacation in an exotic country with nausea and diarrhea and find out you are pregnant, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Gastroenteritis

One common cause of diarrhea during pregnancy is gastroenteritis or stomach flu. It is caused by bacterial or viral infections: norovirus, rotavirus, E. coli, salmonella, which enter the body through contact with contaminated surfaces, dishes, food and water.

Gastroenteritis usually lasts about three days. However, severe illness is a health hazard, especially during pregnancy, as it can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and lead to preterm labor.

The main symptoms of gastroenteritis are diarrhea without blood, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps and pain, slight fever, headache and muscle pain.

Take extra precautions to reduce your risk of getting sick: frequent handwashing and surface disinfection. If the expectant mother has small children, they are not recommended to use the same cutlery.

Risks of diarrhea during pregnancy

Usually diarrhea during pregnancy is not a cause for concern. However, you should consult a doctor if the following symptoms occur during this period:

Diarrhea for more than two days;

Blood or mucus stools;

Sudden weight loss;

Pain in the abdomen;

Dehydration.

How to treat diarrhea during pregnancy

If you have diarrhea during pregnancy, drink plenty of fluids, avoid foods high in fat and sugar, avoid dairy products, and caffeinated drinks.

Dehydration is a serious risk, especially during pregnancy, so electrolyte balance should be restored first with fluids and simple foods:

Moderate fruit juices Drinks without alcohol and caffeine

Bananas Potato

Rice Toast

Rusks Light soups and broths

Pasta Applesauce

Find out about your body's ability to break down lactose and gluten with the Atlas Microbiota Test.

Stomach pain and heartburn during pregnancy

Many women experience stomach pain during pregnancy, especially in the upper part of the stomach, as well as heartburn - a burning sensation in the chest and esophagus.

This is more common in the third trimester, after about 27 weeks. This is an unpleasant but natural phenomenon during pregnancy: the baby grows inside the uterus and presses on other organs, including the stomach. And hormones cause the muscles to relax, which causes acid from the stomach to enter the esophagus and irritate it. In addition, pain can be caused by problems with certain organs such as the gallbladder, or inflammation of the pancreas.

Symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy:

Burning in chest and esophagus;

Feeling of overeating, heaviness or bloating;

Belching, including with acid and/or food particles;

Nausea.

It is unlikely that you will be able to avoid cramps and heartburn during pregnancy. However, some tips can help reduce their frequency:

Nutrition : try to avoid overeating - eat easily digestible food in small portions; do not eat three hours before bedtime; watch your posture while eating - so the pressure on your stomach will be less.

Smoking and alcohol: In addition to known harms to mothers and babies, tobacco smoke also relaxes the muscles in the lower esophagus, allowing acid to enter the esophagus. And alcohol provokes heartburn and acid reflux.

Although stomach pain and heartburn often accompany pregnancy, abdominal pain, especially in the third trimester, should be taken seriously. It can be a sign of preterm labor or placental abruption, and puts mother and baby at risk.

If you experience severe abdominal pain during pregnancy that is accompanied by the following symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible:

Abdominal pain and fever Bleeding

Regular convulsions Unusual vaginal discharge / spotting

Vomiting Low back pain

Pain or burning when urinating Severe pain that lasts 30-60 minutes

Bloating, constipation and microbiota during pregnancy

Excessive gas and constipation during pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes, such as increased production of progesterone. This hormone, essential for nourishing the uterus and fetus, relaxes the muscles of the body, including the muscles in the intestines, which slows down digestion and increases flatulence. A similar reaction of the body can be observed before each menstruation, when the production of progesterone increases.

Flatulence - bloating of the abdomen due to the accumulation of gases.

Here are a few simple rules that will help improve bowel movements and avoid constipation and bloating:

If you don't usually eat a lot of fiber and indigestible foods like legumes, try to gradually introduce them into your diet;

Avoid carbonated drinks and fatty foods;

Move more;

Drink plenty of fluids.

If bloating and constipation are accompanied by severe pain that lasts more than 30 minutes, or if you have been constipated for two or more weeks, see your doctor.

Gut microbiota and bacteria during pregnancy

A woman's body goes through many changes during pregnancy, and this can affect the microbiota, the bacterial ecosystem that lives in the gut. Trillions of microorganisms do important work for the whole body: they synthesize vitamins and essential acids, keep your intestines working and protect it from disease and inflammation.

The additional influx of female hormones that accompanies pregnancy alters gut function and affects the microbiota. This is good, because the bacterial community is constantly adjusting to external and internal conditions in order to keep up with the needs of the body.

To keep your gut bacteria running smoothly, they need your help. Provide them with healthy foods and plant fibers. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds contain prebiotics, special substances that beneficial bacteria feed on. When properly balanced, the bacteria even increase your body's defenses against harmful microorganisms that can cause gastroenteritis during pregnancy.

The Atlas Microbiota Test will help you understand how to prepare your intestines for future pregnancy and reduce the risk of digestive problems.

☝️ Take note

Now you have all the necessary knowledge and tools to help you deal with digestive problems during pregnancy. They are quite varied and quite natural, but in some cases it is necessary to immediately seek medical help:

Vomiting blood;

Blood in stool;

Diarrhea for more than two days;

Constipation for more than two weeks;

Sudden weight loss;

Severe pain interfering with daily activities;

Difficulty breathing;

Pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing;

Excessive fatigue.

More articles on the causes of digestive problems in the blog:

7 foods that cause gas and bloating
Lindsey J Wegrzyniak, Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum, 2012

Edwards A. et al., The Maternal Gut Microbiome During Pregnancy, 2018

National Health and Safety (NHS), Vomiting and morning sickness in pregnancy

Kudzai Kanhutu, Travel and pregnancy: an infectious diseases perspective, 2011

CDC, Pregnant travelers

U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for healthcare research and quality, Abdominal Pain in Early Pregnancy

Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.D., UT Southwestern Medical Center, Should pregnant moms be concerned about gastroenteritis?, 2018

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Pregnancy and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, 2016

NHS Vomiting and morning sickness in pregnancy

NHS, Severe vomiting in pregnancy

Lindsey J Wegrzyniak et al., Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum, 2012

Karen Miles, Diarrhea during pregnancy, 2020

Cleveland Clinic, Diarrhea

You and your hormones, Progesterone
Traci C. Johnson, MD, Pregnancy, Bloating, 2020

Diarrhea during pregnancy: symptoms, causes and consequences, diagnosis and treatment

Diarrhea during pregnancy: causes, diagnosis and treatment
Average reading time: 9 minutes

Content:

Causes and symptoms of diarrhea during pregnancy
Diagnostic features
The consequences of diarrhea in pregnant women
treatment areas
When treatment is required in the hospital
Diet
Can I use the Imodium ^® Express during pregnancy 9000 9000 9000) not only a deterioration in well-being, but also unwanted unrest for a woman who is expecting a baby. Frequent defecation causes significant discomfort and is often accompanied by additional unpleasant symptoms. In addition, this condition can pose a serious danger to the woman and the fetus due to the threat of dehydration and other risks. One of the difficulties is that with diarrhea in pregnant women in the first trimester, not all antidiarrheal drugs can be drunk. The active components of some drugs can have a negative effect on the fetus. That is why with frequent bowel movements it is necessary to consult a specialist. The doctor will diagnose and tell you what to do with diarrhea.

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Causes and symptoms of diarrhea during pregnancy

Infectious. Bacterial and viral infections (eg, noro- or rotavirus) can cause bowel dysfunction. They are usually transmitted by airborne droplets or the fecal-oral route. Pathogenic microorganisms also often enter the gastrointestinal tract through the use of low-quality foods or contaminated water. Infectious diarrhea during pregnancy in the second and third trimester may be accompanied by fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, painful abdominal cramps, and general weakness. An admixture of mucus often appears in the feces.

Non-infectious. This form of diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors: changes in diet, frequent stress, disorders of digestion and absorption, some chronic diseases, taking certain medications. In this case, the pregnant woman may be disturbed by frequent defecation (sometimes with imperative, i.e., strongly pronounced, irresistible urges), abdominal pain in the upper or lower section. With organic lesions of the colon, an admixture of blood sometimes appears in the feces. In the later stages, violations of the frequency of bowel movements may be associated with fetal pressure on the digestive tract.

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Diagnostic features

When diagnosing a disease that caused diarrhea, it is important to exclude surgical, urological and obstetric pathologies. For this, an examination is mandatory, if necessary, the doctor prescribes an additional examination. Early diarrhea may be a manifestation of ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis, urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and acute pancreatitis. That is why it is important to quickly establish the cause of the disruption of the intestines and select adequate therapy. It is also mandatory to monitor (monitor observation) the condition of the fetus at 37, 38 and 39weeks of pregnancy.

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Effects of Diarrhea in Early Pregnancy

Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration, a condition that is dangerous for both the expectant mother and the fetus. It is manifested by severe weakness, dry mucous membranes, thirst. With a strong degree of dehydration, cardiac and respiratory activity can be disturbed. Diarrhea can also in some cases increase the risk of miscarriage due to an increase in the contractile activity of the uterus, and can lead to impaired uteroplacental blood flow.

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Directions for treatment

How to treat diarrhea should be decided by the doctor, taking into account the woman's condition, the cause of indigestion, gestational age and other factors. Typically, therapy includes the following areas.

Restoration of water and electrolyte balance

Replenishment of fluid deficiency in pathologies accompanied by diarrhea is an important measure to prevent severe and life-threatening conditions. To restore the water and electrolyte balance, pregnant women, on the recommendation of a doctor, can drink non-carbonated mineral water or rehydration solutions. The latter contain the salts necessary for the body, which are excreted from it along with the liquid. It should be borne in mind that with severe dehydration, drinking a solution of salts may no longer be enough. In this case, rehydration drugs are infused intravenously (in a hospital setting, if recommended by a doctor).

Elimination of toxins

To reduce the load on the body, it is necessary to help it get rid of toxic substances. In some cases, gastric lavage is performed for this purpose. Also, strictly according to the doctor's prescription, you can take enterosorbents. These drugs, passing through the gastrointestinal tract, can bind toxic substances and promote their removal from the body in a natural way. By themselves, such drugs do not interact with the intestinal mucosa or other parts of the digestive tract.

Restoration of normal intestinal microflora

To normalize the processes of digestion and absorption, it is necessary that beneficial bacteria be present in the intestines. They can be obtained from food (for example, fermented milk products with live cultures). In addition, according to indications, the doctor may prescribe probiotic preparations that help restore intestinal microflora.

Treating the cause of diarrhea

If frequent bowel movements are a symptom of a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be used to treat. Such remedies can help eliminate the cause of diarrhea by destroying pathogenic microorganisms. The drugs are used strictly according to the doctor's prescription.

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When Hospital Treatment is Necessary

Diarrhea is not always treated at home. With severe dehydration, the risk of miscarriage, severe concomitant diseases, the doctor may suggest that the pregnant woman go to the hospital. Such a measure allows for constant medical supervision, which in such cases is often simply necessary. Urgently seek medical attention and urgent hospitalization may be required if:

severe abdominal pain of any location;

blood in feces;

general lethargy.

The standard clinical indications for inpatient treatment are moderate to severe diarrhea accompanied by dehydration. It is also necessary to go to the hospital if home therapy does not work for 3-4 days (the pregnant woman does not get better, the symptoms persist).

Important! Even on an outpatient basis, the treatment of conditions accompanied by diarrhea should be carried out under the supervision of a physician.

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Diet

During the treatment of diarrhea, it is very important to adjust your diet in order to reduce the load on the digestive tract and help the body cope with the problem faster. In case of violations of the intestines, accompanied by frequent defecation, spicy, sour, fatty foods are excluded from the diet. With an intestinal disorder, you can not use whole milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, sweets, spices, smoked snacks. Liquid, semi-liquid, pureed, steamed products are allowed. They should be served warm, but not hot or cold. In the early days of infectious diarrhea, experts may recommend a starvation diet. Then, rice water, liquid cereals from oatmeal or buckwheat are introduced into the diet.

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Can IMODIUM
^® Express be used in early pregnancy? The active substance of the drug is loperamide, data on the teratogenic or embryotoxic effect of which are absent. However, the drug can not be used at any stage of pregnancy.
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