This article was co-authored by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH
. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Board-Certified Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado. With over 15 years of experience, his clinical interests include obesity and weight management, diabetes care, and preventive care, as well as embracing a holistic approach to primary care. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Central Maine Medical Center. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
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Diarrhea is a super common and usually harmless condition. But if you’re pregnant, some prescription and over-the-counter diarrhea medications may not be safe for you and your baby. Don’t worry. There are actually plenty of ways you can naturally treat your diarrhea. To help you do it, we’ve put together a handy list of things you can do to help relieve your symptoms.
Steps
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Hydration is the main concern of diarrhea. Diarrhea can cause you to lose a lot of fluid, which is never a good thing if you’re pregnant. Keep a water bottle or a glass of water nearby at all times. [1] X Research source Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day to replenish the fluids you’re losing. [2] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
- Drink at least 1 cup (240 mL) of water every time you have a bowel movement.
- If you have severe diarrhea, your doctor might recommend an electrolyte replacement drink. To make your own, combine 16 fluid ounces (470 mL) of cold water with 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of maple syrup and 1 tsp (5 g) of coarse sea salt. Add a little lemon juice to give it some zest and improve the taste. [3] X Research source
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Take it easy on your digestive system while you recover. The BRAT diet is a classic diet that’s been recommended for years for people who are dealing with diarrhea. It’s gentle on your stomach and helps make your stool more solid. Stick to a simple diet that gives you nutrition without making your symptoms any worse. [4] X Research source
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Eating 3 large meals can take a toll on your digestive system. In addition to choosing foods that are gentle, it’s also helpful to break up your meals and snack whenever you’re hungry. Avoid having larger meals, which can make your symptoms worse. [5] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
- If you don’t have any appetite at all, try having at least a bite or two every 2-3 hours so you’re getting some nutrition.
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Starchy foods, veggies, lean meats, eggs, and yogurt can help. The BRAT diet is gentle, but it won’t give you some important vitamins and minerals, especially zinc. If your stomach and digestive system feel okay, try adding some potatoes, unsweetened cereal, and crackers to your diet. You can also have some cooked vegetables and meat to give you more nutrition while you recover. [6] X Research source
- Yogurt with live, active cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus can be especially beneficial to your digestive system while you’re dealing with diarrhea.
- Some high-protein foods can help firm up your stool. If you can tolerate them, try having some low-fat cheese, lean fish, beef, pork, or skinless poultry. [7] X Research source
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Drinking juice is a simple way to boost your potassium levels. Diarrhea can strip you of important electrolytes like potassium. Having a nice glass or two of juice, such as apple or orange juice, is a simple way to replenish them. It’s tasty and will also help keep you hydrated. [8] X Research source You can also sip on a sports drink that contains electrolytes to help replenish your levels. [9] X Research source
- Watch out for juice with added sugars, which can upset your digestive system and potentially make your symptoms worse. Go for juices that say “100% juice” on the label.
- You can also ask your doctor about rehydration drinks such as Pedialyte to see if they’re safe for you to drink.
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It can also help if you’re feeling queasy. Chicken broth, veggie broth, and bone broth are tasty and full of vitamins and minerals. Drinking a glass or having a bowl of light soup can help replace the sodium you’re losing when you have diarrhea. It’s also an easy thing to consume if you aren’t feeling super hungry. [10] X Research source
- It’s common for folks to have a bowl of chicken noodle soup when they aren’t feeling well—and for good reason! It’s got lean protein and broth. Plus, the fluid can help keep you hydrated.
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They can make your diarrhea worse. Lactose is no good if you’re dealing with digestive issues, especially if you’re lactose intolerant. Caffeine and sugar can irritate your digestive system and make your diarrhea even worse. While you’re recovering, try your best to avoid them. [11] X Research source
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It could cause diarrhea or make your symptoms worse. If you’re taking prenatal vitamins as recommended by your doctor, stick to a consistent schedule and try not to suddenly stop taking them or doubling up if you miss a day. Additionally, try your best to stick to a consistent, healthy diet. Making sudden changes can throw your digestive system out of wack and could cause you to have diarrhea. [12] X Research source
- If you find that certain foods upset your digestive system and cause diarrhea, try to avoid them.
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Wait until your stool returns to normal consistency. Constipation is pretty common during pregnancy, and your doctor may recommend that you start taking stool softeners to help relieve your symptoms. But if you have diarrhea, the stool softener can actually make your symptoms worse. Stop taking them until your diarrhea goes away. [13] X Research source
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It could be a sign of a more severe condition. Most cases of diarrhea clear up on their own after a day or so. But if yours lasts longer than 2 days, you notice any blood or pus, or you have a fever, it could be a sign of a more serious illness, such as food poisoning. Get to a doctor right away for treatment so there isn’t any potential risk to your baby. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Listeriosis is an infection caused by eating contaminated food that you can potentially pass to your baby, so it’s important that you seek medical treatment if your diarrhea doesn’t go away.
- If you’re having diarrhea after recent treatment with an antibiotic, you may have an infection in your bowel called Clostridium difficile. This infection can be serious and requires medical treatment, so see your doctor right away for testing. They’ll need to take a stool sample to diagnose it.
Expert Q&A
Tips
- When it comes to hydration, clear liquids are your best bet. Steer clear of sugary sodas and other soft drinks.Thanks
Warnings
- Never take any medications while you’re pregnant without checking with your doctor first to make sure it’s okay.Thanks
- If you feel sharp pains in your abdomen, or if you have vaginal bleeding, see a doctor right away. [15] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/diarrhea-in-pregnancy/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000121.htm
- ↑ https://www.acleanplate.com/maple-lemon-electrolyte-water/
- ↑ https://badgut.org/information-centre/health-nutrition/diarrhea-and-diet/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000121.htm
- ↑ https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/pregnancy-diarrhea.aspx
- ↑ https://badgut.org/information-centre/health-nutrition/diarrhea-and-diet/
- ↑ https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/diarrhea-in-pregnancy/
- ↑ https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/pregnancy-diarrhea.aspx
- ↑ https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/diarrhea-in-pregnancy/
- ↑ https://badgut.org/information-centre/health-nutrition/diarrhea-and-diet/
- ↑ https://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/dealing-with-diarrhea-during-pregnancy/
- ↑ https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/pregnancy-diarrhea.aspx
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/diarrhea/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050926
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abo6400
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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