Saw today newsletter from What To Expect and thought maybe some of you are interested to know more about diarrhoea as I understand there are some mummies here complaint having diarrhoea like me.
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Diarrhea in Pregnancy
Here's everything you'll need to know, and do, if you find yourself visiting the bathroom too often.
What it is: Diarrhea is medically defined as loose (or watery) and unusually frequent bowel movements. But, really, do you need a definition? Diarrhea is definitely one of those "you'll know it if you have it" symptoms.
What causes it: Unlike constipation, which can be caused by pregnancy's fluctuating hormones, diarrhea tends to be caused by something that originates outside your body — and something that's not necessarily harmful either. Diarrhea may be the result of all that good-for-you food you're now eating, the extra water you're drinking, or even the exercise routine you've begun. Some women find that their prenatal vitamin causes loose stools; changing brands can sometimes make all the difference.
That said, there are things that can cause diarrhea during pregnancy that have nothing to do with hormones or lifestyle changes. Food poisoning, intestinal parasites, or a simple stomach flu may be behind a nasty bout. If you suspect any of these might be the case, call your practitioner ASAP so you can be tested and treated, when possible.
What you need to know about it: Diarrhea tends to be much less common than constipation during pregnancy and generally doesn't last as long. In fact, diarrhea that persists for more than a couple of days, no matter how mild, is worth a call to your practitioner. Diarrhea can not only be a pain in the rear but can quickly lead to dehydration, a major risk factor for premature labor. For that reason alone, if you've got it, take it seriously.
What to do about diarrhea during pregnancy: Keep away from foods that will only make the problem worse: dried fruits (consider prunes your enemy); fatty or spicy foods; and milk, especially if you're lactose intolerant. The so-called BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) has been recommended for years but the newest thinking expands on those options to include important vitamins and minerals (especially zinc) that are not provided by the BRAT diet. While BRAT foods are indeed gentle on your digestive track, try adding the following:
•other starchy foods like potatoes, unsweetened cereals, crackers, and toast
•vegetables, such as cooked carrots, and non-milk-based soups with noodles, rice, and/or vegetables
• lean meats
•yogurt, especially with live, active cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus
Avoid "simple" high-sugar drinks (apple and grape juice, gelatin, regular colas, and other soft drinks), which can draw water into your tummy, making diarrhea last even longer. Sports drinks (like the electrolyte-replacement favorite, Gatorade) and water are much better options. And, as always (but particularly now), avoid fatty and fried foods.
Remember, while a mild case isn't anything to really worry about, severe diarrhea (more than three stools a day), or stools that are bloody, have mucus, or are purely liquid are a sign to give your practitioner a call (today).
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