Is Diarrhea a Symptom of Pregnancy? Causes & What to Know

Diarrhea during pregnancy can be an uncomfortable and unexpected experience. If you’ve wondered, “Is diarrhea a symptom of pregnancy?” you’re not alone. While it’s not always directly related to pregnancy, changes in diet, hormones, or even stress may contribute. In some cases, it might signal something more. Keep reading to learn about the potential causes, safe remedies, and when to consult your healthcare provider.

Is Diarrhea a Sign of Early Pregnancy

If you’re experiencing diarrhea early in pregnancy, you may wonder whether it’s connected to pregnancy itself. While diarrhea isn’t a sign of pregnancy, hormonal changes, dietary shifts, or stress might contribute to digestive changes, including loose stools. 

So, does pregnancy cause diarrhea? It’s possible, but it’s often due to other factors. For example, as levels of the hormone progesterone increase, this may cause your digestive system to slow down, often leading to constipation. 

If you’re experiencing diarrhea and think it may be an early sign of pregnancy, it’s worth considering other common signs of pregnancy, such as fatigue, nausea, or missed periods, and confirming with a healthcare provider.

Symptoms of Diarrhea During Pregnancy

Diarrhea, which is characterized by loose or watery stools, may come with other symptoms that may vary in intensity. 

Common symptoms include:

• Belly cramps or pain

• Bloating

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Blood in the stool

• Mucus in the stool

• An urgent need to pass stool.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, monitoring how long they last and whether they worsen is important. Persistent or severe symptoms, like blood or mucus in the stool or a fever, could signal an underlying issue, and you should consult your healthcare provider.

Is it Normal to Have Diarrhea While Pregnant?

Diarrhea during pregnancy is relatively common and may be caused by hormonal changes, changes in diet, or increased sensitivity to certain foods. In most cases, it’s mild and resolves on its own. However, persistent or severe diarrhea, especially with symptoms like fever or blood in the stool, should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

What Causes Diarrhea During Pregnancy?

Whether it strikes before, during, or after your pregnancy, diarrhea may be caused by a number of different things. Below are some of the common causes worth knowing about: 

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning doesn’t discriminate, unfortunately—you may get it at any time in your life, including when you're pregnant. 

You can try to lower your risk of food poisoning by avoiding certain foods that put you at risk. For example, avoid deli meats, unpasteurized milk and cheese, undercooked seafood, and raw eggs.

As a result of diarrhea, you may also lose a lot of body fluid and be in danger of dehydration and overturning the chemical balance in your body. If you have diarrhea, try to drink plenty of water. 

Traveler’s Diarrhea

Traveling while pregnant comes with its risks, including traveler’s diarrhea, which may occur after consuming contaminated food or water. This is particularly common in developing countries.

Before traveling, consult your healthcare provider for destination-specific advice. General tips to reduce your risk include:

• Drinking bottled or boiled water instead of tap water.

• Avoiding raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them yourself.

• Eating only thoroughly cooked meals.

• Steering clear of street food, as hygiene standards may vary.

If you experience traveler’s diarrhea, focus on staying hydrated by drinking fluids, but avoid caffeinated drinks and dairy products, which may worsen symptoms. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or persist.

Viral Infections

Infections from viruses like norovirus, those causing hepatitis, or even COVID-19 may lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. While these are not specific to pregnancy, they may still impact your health and hydration levels.

Bacteria and Parasites

Exposure to bacteria like Escherichia coli or parasites through contaminated food or water is a common cause of diarrhea. Pregnant individuals are particularly vulnerable to foodborne illnesses, such as listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes. This condition may lead to severe symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain, and may pose risks to both the parent and baby. 

To reduce the risk of listeriosis, avoid high-risk foods such as unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, and undercooked seafood. It’s essential to follow food safety practices throughout pregnancy to minimize the chance of bacterial exposure. 

Medicines

Certain medications, such as antibiotics, antacids containing magnesium, or anticancer drugs, may cause diarrhea. If you’re taking medications and notice digestive issues, consult your healthcare provider to determine if adjustments are needed.

Surgery or Digestive Disorders

Chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or recent surgeries involving the intestines or gallbladder may contribute to diarrhea. While these causes aren’t unique to pregnancy, they may still arise during this time.

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Diarrhea During Trimesters

Diarrhea may occur at different stages of pregnancy for various reasons, from hormonal shifts to dietary changes. Here’s a closer look at how it can affect each trimester.

First Trimester

Diarrhea during the first trimester is not uncommon. Hormonal fluctuations, prenatal vitamins, and dietary adjustments may contribute to digestive changes. However, if diarrhea is persistent, accompanied by severe cramping, or leads to dehydration, consult your healthcare provider.

For more on prenatal care, check out our full guide.

Second Trimester

While diarrhea in the second trimester is less common, it may still occur due to changes in digestion, infections, or food sensitivities. Vomiting and diarrhea during pregnancy may also happen, sometimes due to a viral infection or another underlying condition. If symptoms persist, cause dehydration, or are accompanied by fever, consult your healthcare provider.

Third Trimester

Some individuals experience diarrhea during the third trimester, especially as they approach their due date. Diarrhea at 36 weeks or later may be a sign that labor is near, as the body naturally prepares for delivery. However, vomiting and diarrhea in the third trimester could also be caused by a virus or another condition that requires medical attention. If diarrhea is accompanied by fever, severe cramps, or dehydration, consult your healthcare provider.

Does Diarrhea Mean Labor is Near?

Some individuals experience diarrhea before labor, as the body prepares for childbirth. Hormonal changes in late pregnancy may affect digestion, sometimes resulting in diarrhea leading up to labor. This is often a normal part of the process and may occur alongside other labor symptoms, such as cramping or lower back pain. 

However, diarrhea before labor is not a guaranteed sign that labor is imminent. It may also be caused by dietary changes, infections, or other factors unrelated to labor. If diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever or dehydration, consult your healthcare provider to rule out other causes.

How to Treat Diarrhea in Pregnancy

If you have diarrhea during pregnancy, always consult your healthcare provider before trying any pregnancy diarrhea remedies. While mild cases often resolve on their own, severe or prolonged diarrhea may lead to dehydration, which may require medical attention. Your provider can recommend a diarrhea remedy during pregnancy that is safe for you.

Here are some general tips on how to treat diarrhea in pregnancy:

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or oral rehydration solutions, and avoid caffeine or sugary drinks.

• Modify your diet. Stick to bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet). Avoid greasy, spicy, or high-fiber foods.

• Rest and monitor symptoms. Watch for signs of dehydration, such as dizziness or dark urine, and avoid potential food triggers.

• Do not take anti-diarrheal medications without your provider’s approval, as some may not be safe during pregnancy. 

If diarrhea lasts more than a couple of days, causes fever, or leads to dehydration, seek medical care.

When to See Your Healthcare Provider

If you’re wondering, “Should I be worried about diarrhea during pregnancy?” the answer depends on the severity and duration of your symptoms. While mild diarrhea is common and often resolves on its own, certain symptoms may require medical attention.

When is diarrhea a concern in pregnancy? Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Diarrhea lasting more than two days without improvement.

• Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, dizziness, or little to no urination.

• Severe abdominal pain or cramping.

• Bloody or black stools.

• A fever above 102°F (39°C).

These symptoms may indicate an infection or other underlying issue that requires medical attention. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are serious, it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider.

The Bottom Line

Diarrhea during pregnancy may result from dietary changes, infections, or other common causes, but it may also indicate a more serious issue like preterm labor. Since diarrhea may lead to dehydration, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. With proper care, you’ll start feeling better soon.

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_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}