Diarrhea during pregnancy in the early stages: is it, is it dangerous, what to do?

Diarrhea in early pregnancy is a frequent occurrence. It can arise as a natural change in connection with the onset of pregnancy, and also testify about some pathologies. Thus, when considering whether diarrhea in early pregnancy can be a normal symptom, all the attendant factors should be considered and consulted with a specialist

[1], [2]

Causes of the diarrhea in early pregnancy

There are a number of reasons for diarrhea during pregnancy in the early stages. The pathogenesis of diarrhea in the first trimester can be as follows:

• hormonal processes;
• reaction to taking multivitamin complexes, iron-containing medicines;
• excess of the recommended dose of laxatives with difficulty in stool output;
• the use of incompatible food for food in connection with new food preferences;
• infectious diseases;
• pathology of the digestive tract;
• consequence of increased anxiety (psychosomatic);
• food poisoning after the expiry date.

The risk factors include, first and foremost, disregard for food safety regulations and the presence of chronic diseases.

[3], [4]

Symptoms of the diarrhea in early pregnancy

The first sign of diarrhea is liquid stool and frequent bowel movement. This symptom, like diarrhea during pregnancy in the early stages, can also be accompanied by concomitant symptoms.

Diarrhea and vomiting in the early stages of pregnancy in combination are a false sign of toxicosis. So, according to statistics, 70% of pregnant women feel nausea and vomiting in the first trimester. It is mistakenly believed that diarrhea in the early morning pregnancy, in conjunction with vomiting, is normal in the gestation period. However, diarrhea is not a sign of toxicosis. Diarrhea and nausea in early pregnancy can be a sign:

• poisoning by substandard or overdue food products;
• exacerbations of chronic diseases of the stomach and intestines;
• side effects due to taking some medications;
• transferred stress.

Toxicosis and diarrhea during pregnancy in the early stages in the aggregate are not a common phenomenon associated with changes in the body, so with the simultaneous occurrence of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, you should come to see a doctor.

The temperature and diarrhea in early pregnancy can be symptoms of the development of infectious pathology. In this case, you should immediately seek medical help.

Black diarrhea in early pregnancy can be a sign of bleeding in the intestines. Dark liquid feces often occur after taking iron-containing drugs. If a pregnant woman uses these medications during the period of diarrhea of a dark color, then initially inform the doctor about this fact and stop using the medication.

Green diarrhea during pregnancy in early terms indicates the poisoning or the course of infectious pathology.

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Complications and consequences

Diarrhea in the first trimester of pregnancy is fraught with certain consequences and complications, such as:

• dehydration of the body, especially with prolonged and severe diarrhea in the early stages of pregnancy;
• hypertension of the uterus;
• abortion of pregnancy;
• penetration of infectious agents through the placenta in the event of infectious pathologies.

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Diagnostics of the diarrhea in early pregnancy

Initially, diagnose diarrhea during pregnancy in the early stages in the form of a general examination of the patient and physical examination. There are also likely recommendations for the examination of the proctologist.

With diarrhea, certain tests, such as:

• coprogramme;
• bacteriological culture;
• general or biochemical blood test;
• analysis of feces for occult blood.

In some cases, instrumental diagnostics in the form of ultrasound GI tract is prescribed.

[11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16]

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is performed to determine the cause of this symptom. Since diarrhea can be a symptom of various conditions (infectious pathologies, inflammatory diseases of the stomach or intestines, poisoning), it is necessary to accurately identify the reason for the appointment of adequate therapy.

Treatment of the diarrhea in early pregnancy

During the gestation period, do not take medication without the advice of a specialist. In most situations, the doctor may prescribe the reception of enterosorbents:

• Smecta (3 grams of the drug is consumed 3 times a day for 3 days to one week.Sometimes there is a side effect in the form of constipation, in this case the amount of the drug taken is reduced.) Contraindications are hypersensitivity to the components and intestinal obstruction);
• Enterosgel (take 15 grams of the drug 3 times a day.The average duration of treatment is from 1 to 2 weeks.With side effects in the form of constipation, which may occur in the first days of taking the drug, an enema is prescribed.) Contraindications hypersensitivity to components and intestinal obstruction.

Means for oral rehydration may be recommended:

• Regidron (the contents of 1 sachet are dissolved in 1 liter of drinking water and taken after each defecation at the rate of 10 milliliters per kilogram of weight.Hypothermia is hypertension, hyperkalaemia, diabetes. Overdosage can show hypernatremia or hyperkalemia);
• Humaine Electrolyte (appointed from 2 to 8 receptions per day (after each defecation) for 200 ml of the solution, prepared at the rate of 1 sachet per 250 ml of drinking water.) Contraindication is individual intolerance of the components.)

If diarrhea is a consequence of taking a multivitamin complex, you should replace it with a more suitable one.

Alternative treatment of diarrhea is to take the following:

• blueberry jelly (take 250 milliliters 2-3 times a day);
• decoction of pomegranate peel (1 tablespoon dried peel is infused in 250 milliliters of boiled drinking water, taken during the day);
• rice broth (cook at the rate of 1 tablespoon rice per 500 ml of water, take 50 milliliters every 2-3 hours);
• starch (1 teaspoon of starch is dissolved in 250 ml of water, eat every hour during the day).

Treatment of diarrhea in early pregnancy with herbs such as chamomile, St. John's wort, prince of the forest, motherwort, mint is possible as an auxiliary therapy. In this case, you should consult a specialist, since herbal treatment can cause interruption of pregnancy.

Homeopathy can be prescribed, in particular, such medications as:

• Aloe;
• Hamomilla;
• Croton Tiglyum;
• Sulfur.

Dosage during pregnancy is prescribed by a homeopathic doctor. Side effects are possible with an overdose or with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Physiotherapeutic treatment is most often not prescribed.

Prevention

To prevent diarrhea in the early stages, you must first of all follow the rules of food safety, thanks to which you can avoid poisoning:

• thermal processing of food
• cleaning products before use
• drinking clean drinking water

Should not make hikes in places where infection with infectious diseases is likely, avoid stress.

If the cause of diarrhea are hormonal disorders, preventive measures may not yield results. In this case, you should see a doctor.

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Forecast

With adequate treatment and timely access to a specialist, the prognosis of such a symptom, like diarrhea in early pregnancy, is favorable.

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