Is Diarrhea During Pregnancy Dangerous?

The article is professionally consulted by MSc. BSCK II Phan Thi Minh Huong - Gastroenterologist - Department of Internal Medicine & Examination - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital.


Mild diarrhea during pregnancy typically resolves on its own with adequate hydration and electrolyte replenishment. However, severe diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain, especially in the first trimester, can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus.

1. Diarrhea During Pregnancy

The main cause of abdominal pain and diarrhea is bacterial or viral infection from daily unsanitary eating habits.
However, in reality, abdominal pain and diarrhea are common digestive disorders in pregnant women. During pregnancy, the immune system often weakens, increasing susceptibility to digestive disorders. Therefore, it is crucial to be extremely cautious with food and drink, as the digestive system becomes more vulnerable during this time.
Consuming contaminated food or water, combined with a weaker immune system, allows bacteria to easily enter the body, causing diarrhea in pregnant women.
Sometimes, despite careful hygiene, pregnant women can still experience diarrhea due to food containing substances unsuitable for their body and absorption capacity.
Some pregnant women are allergic to fresh milk, unfamiliar foods, or consuming too much fatty or protein-rich food, leading to digestive disorders and diarrhea.

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2. Is Diarrhea During Pregnancy Dangerous?

Diarrhea during pregnancy can last from 1 to 10 days, depending on the cause.
Diarrhea is often accompanied by vomiting, particularly in cases caused by bacterial infections such as cholera or rotavirus. Excessive diarrhea and vomiting can lead to severe fatigue, dehydration, and rapid physical exhaustion. If not treated promptly, it can lead to dehydration shock and many dangers, even threatening the lives of both mother and fetus.
Common symptoms of abdominal pain due to diarrhea include pain around the navel, sometimes severe, and frequent urges to pass loose stools. The most concerning issue is that abdominal pain can stimulate uterine contractions, threatening the safety of the fetus.
Pregnant women have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to severe diarrhea than usual cases, increasing the danger level. Besides affecting the mother's body, the fetus also suffers if the mother has diarrhea during pregnancy. The mother's fatigue, poor appetite, and exhaustion can lead to fetal malnutrition, slow development, and even stillbirth.
Therefore, in cases of diarrhea during pregnancy, if not treated promptly, it can be very dangerous. Many cases of late emergency treatment require extensive medication and antibiotics, which can cause miscarriage or increase the risk of birth defects compared to normal.

Is Diarrhea During Pregnancy Dangerous?
Is Diarrhea During Pregnancy Dangerous?

3. How to Treat Diarrhea During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women often worry about taking medication for fear of affecting the fetus. However, diarrhea during pregnancy can be treated very simply and safely if done correctly.
Mild diarrhea cases will resolve on their own with just oral rehydration solutions and water replenishment.
Treatment depends on the cause. If diarrhea is due to bacterial infection, such as Salmonella or Staphylococcus, the doctor may consider prescribing safe antibiotics for the fetus.
However, if diarrhea progresses to severe dehydration, it becomes extremely dangerous. Therefore, if a pregnant woman experiences abdominal pain and diarrhea, especially in the first trimester, she should seek medical attention as soon as possible for proper medication, dosage, and quick recovery. Do not self-medicate or use drugs recommended by others, as many medications can harm the fetus.

4. Preventing Diarrhea During Pregnancy

Some measures can help pregnant women reduce the risk of diarrhea:

  • Drink plenty of water: Diarrhea causes dehydration. Avoid fruit juices, sugary drinks, and carbonated beverages.
  • Rest more: Diarrhea causes discomfort and fatigue.
  • Eat safe and hygienic food: Pregnant women should eat cooked food, avoid raw vegetables, and not consume raw meat or fish. Limit eating out if unsure about food safety.
  • Avoid spicy foods and those high in fat.
  • Limit seafood, shrimp, snails, or foods that previously caused abdominal pain or diarrhea.
  • Recommended foods include toast, applesauce, rice, plain mashed potatoes, crackers, plain noodles, bananas, cooked carrots, cooked squash, porridge, and oatmeal. These foods are especially good for pregnant women in the first trimester.
  • Yogurt: This is a good food for health and can help pregnant women combat diarrhea.

If diarrhea in pregnant women persists with other fatigue symptoms, quickly visit a reputable medical facility for timely examination and treatment to avoid affecting the health of both mother and baby.

Dr. Huong has over 30 years of experience in Gastroenterology, including nearly 20 years as Deputy Head and Head of the Department at Hue Central Hospital. Currently, she is a Gastroenterologist - Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - General Internal Medicine Department at Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital.

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