how to treat loose motion in pregnancy - #13463
I am 28 weeks pregnant and just a few days ago, I suddenly got this awful loose motion. At first, I thought it was something I ate cause I had pizza, but I went to the doc and he told me that it could be caused by hormones or maybe even just stress! I’ve tried drinking more water and eating bland food like toast and bananas, but nothing seems to help with how to treat loose motion in pregnancy. I feel tired and it’s kind of worrying me cause I don’t want anything to affect the baby. The loose motion isn't super frequent or anything, but it pops up at random times, and sometimes it's accompanied by this low-grade abdominal pain. I’m wondering if there are any safe remedies or tips on how to treat loose motion in pregnancy that won’t harm my baby? Can I take any over-the-counter meds or do I need to stick strictly to home remedies? I keep reading different stuff online, and I'm just confused. Some say probiotics can help, while others suggest this and that... ugh! Any advice on how to treat loose motion in pregnancy would be super helpful because I can't keep feeling like this. Thanks!
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Doctors’ responses
Addressing loose motion during pregnancy involves a balanced approach to alleviate the symptoms while ensuring safety for both you and your baby. First, it’s important to understand the potential causes, such as hormonal changes, dietary factors, or stress—each of which can certainly be at play here. For mild cases of diarrhea, sticking to a neutral diet like you’re doing with the toast and bananas is a good start. Continue staying hydrated with safe beverages like water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions if you’re losing fluids. It’s essential to replace both the fluids and the electrolytes you’re losing.
If the diarrhea persists beyond a couple of days or you start seeing signs of dehydration (like darker urine, dizziness, or excessive thirst), it’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider for further advice. Generally, when it comes to over-the-counter medications, you should avoid medications like loperamide unless specifically advised by a doctor familiar with your pregnancy. Some antidiarrheal medications can be harmful or have not been adequately tested in pregnant women. Is your abdominal pain frequent or worsening? Is there any fever, or if you would develop severe symptoms like blood in stools, it would be crucial to seek medical attention promptly as these could be signs of an infection that requires treatment.
Probiotics might help to restore healthy gut flora—those found in yogurt are generally considered safe during pregnancy; however, it’s recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements. Also, avoid fatty, greasy, or very fiber-rich foods until things settle, and consider smaller, more frequent meals. Monitoring your stress levels is also worthwhile, as stress can influence digestion. Engaging in relaxation techniques, like gentle prenatal yoga or breathing exercises, could be beneficial. Since loose stools can come from various sources, keeping an eye on your condition and staying in touch with your doctor is critical to ensure both your comfort and your baby’s safety.
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