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Fecal analysis in pregnancy

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Stool analysis during pregnancy is prescribed to ensure the absence of gastrointestinal diseases and to exclude the possibility of helminthic invasion. Also, with the help of stool analysis, you can get information about digestion problems, get information about metabolism, and also learn about hidden diseases of other organs and systems. In addition, a referral for stool analysis can be issued if a pregnant woman develops digestive disorders or intestinal infections.

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Preparation and procedure for submitting stool during pregnancy

Before submitting a stool sample, you must stop taking medications and undergoing X-ray contrast examination of the intestines, which can change the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and give a false result, and, if necessary, follow a diet for at least five days before submitting the material for research.

A stool sample must be submitted to the laboratory in a special plastic or glass container, which can be purchased at a pharmacy. For more accurate results, it is better to submit a stool sample in the morning. For an accurate analysis, stool samples must be taken with a spatula from four different places of defecation. If a stool analysis is prescribed for the presence of lamblia, etc., then it must be delivered to the laboratory in 15-20 minutes.

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