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how to stop loose motion in pregnancy
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General Health
Question #15403
45 days ago
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how to stop loose motion in pregnancy - #15403

Rashi

I am really worried about these sudden bouts of loose motion I've been experiencing during my pregnancy. I mean, I’m already dealing with the usual nausea and cravings — who knew loose motion could join the party, right? It started a couple weeks ago after I had some takeout, and I thought it was food poisoning at first, but then it just… kept happening! I went to my OB and they said it could be normal or from hormones, but ugh, I feel like I'm running to the bathroom every few minutes, which is kind of miserable. I’m 16 weeks along, and I’ve tried drinking more water and sticking to bland food, but nothing seems to be helping. I’m even worried this may harm the baby. Like, how to stop loose motion in pregnancy without just upping my fiber intake? Should I consider trying anything like probiotics? I’ve read mixed things about what’s safe during pregnancy, and I hate the thought of taking something that could hurt my baby. I saw some advice online about ginger and peppermint helping those kinds of tummy troubles, but is that even safe to try? If anyone has tips or personal experiences, I’d really appreciate it!

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Doctors’ responses

Bouts of loose motion during pregnancy, while uncomfortable, aren’t usually directly harmful to the baby, but it’s important to manage them to avoid dehydration and ensure you’re absorbing enough nutrients. Pregnancy hormones can indeed affect your digestive system, sometimes loosening the bowels. Since you’ve identified a potential food poisoning link, it’s crucial to watch for any worsening symptoms, like fever or blood in your stool—those warrant immediate medical attention. Since you’ve already seen your OB and basic hydration and diet adjustments haven’t resolved this, consider these steps. Keep hydration at the forefront: continue sipping water throughout the day and consider oral rehydration solutions to replace lost electrolytes. It’s good to stick to small, frequent meals that are bland, like rice, bananas, or toast. Regarding probiotics, some studies suggest they can help with digestive health during pregnancy, but it’s a good idea to consult your OB before starting any supplements, including ginger and peppermint, to ensure they’re safe and won’t interfere with your current regimen. Avoid overly spicy, fried, or fatty foods, which can aggravate your digestive tract. Though you want to manage it yourself, if your diarrhea persists beyond a few days, you should revisit your healthcare provider to explore other potential causes or treatments. It’s sensible to approach any new remedy, whether dietary, herbal, or pharmaceutical, with caution during pregnancy, so running new ideas by your doctor is a prudent approach.

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