Diarrhoea in pregnancy: causes, fluid loss and when to see a doctor

Having watery stools several times a day can feel worrying in pregnancy. Most diarrhoea passes within a few days; what matters most is replacing the fluid you lose and knowing the warning signs.

Why does it happen?

As at other times, diarrhoea in pregnancy mostly comes from a viral or bacterial infection or a food-related problem. Changes in diet, some supplements, new foods and stress can also affect the bowel. For some people, indigestion and a sensitive gut can trigger it. Do not take any medicine for diarrhoea without talking to your doctor.

The main risk: fluid loss

In pregnancy your body already needs more fluid. With diarrhoea, and especially vomiting, dehydration can develop quickly. Signs include a dry mouth, dark and scanty urine, dizziness, a racing heart and extreme tiredness. If you notice any of these, contact your doctor without delay.

What you can do at home

1. Sip fluids often: water, thin soup, ayran or oral rehydration solutions recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.
2. If you can tolerate it, keep eating light foods: rice, banana, boiled potato, plain bread, yoghurt.
3. Avoid very fatty, spicy, sugary and fizzy foods and drinks for a few days.
4. Cut down on caffeine, which can speed up the bowel.
5. Rest, and wash your hands often with soap and water.
6. Keep a note of how much you drink and how often diarrhoea occurs.
7. Watch your urine colour: pale yellow is a good sign.

Suspected food poisoning

Food poisoning is possible if others who ate the same meal are ill, if the diarrhoea began suddenly, or if vomiting and fever come with it. Some food-borne infections are watched more closely in pregnancy, so call your doctor in such cases. Taking care with raw or undercooked meat, eggs, dairy and unwashed vegetables helps prevention; if you are unsure about a food, check the “Can I eat it?” section of the app.

Diarrhoea late in pregnancy

In the weeks close to birth, a looser bowel or the body preparing for labour can sometimes cause soft stools. But if diarrhoea comes with regular tightening, back or groin pain, watery discharge or bleeding, call your doctor without delay.

Eating while you recover

After diarrhoea settles, the bowel may stay sensitive for a few days. Rather than going straight back to your usual diet, start with light foods and widen gradually. Listen to your body as you add dairy and fibre back. Keep up your fluids and pay attention to hygiene: washing hands before preparing food and after using the toilet helps prevent spread in the household. If symptoms return, note them and tell your doctor.

When to contact your doctor

• Diarrhoea lasts more than two days or you cannot keep fluids down
• You have fever, repeated vomiting or severe belly pain
• There is blood in the stool, or it looks black and tarry
• You see signs of dehydration (scanty dark urine, dizziness, racing heart)
• You recently took antibiotics or travelled
• You notice a clear drop in your baby’s movements
• For fainting, a very high fever or heavy bleeding, call 112 (in Turkey) or your local emergency number

Frequently asked questions

Can diarrhoea harm my baby? Short diarrhoea supported with fluids usually does not affect the baby; the key is not to become dehydrated.

Which foods help? Light foods such as rice, banana, boiled potato and yoghurt are usually well tolerated.

This article is for information; if you do not feel well, contact your doctor or family doctor.