Pregnancy Loose Motion: Causes, Treatment & Home Remedies

Though pregnancy is a wonderful journey and it comes along with various symptoms and discomforts as a lot of happening inside the body. The hormonal changes bring with them gastrointestinal issues like loose motions, gas, and constipation. Pregnancy loose motion is a quite common symptom and there can be hormonal and non-hormonal causes for it.

And in case you have three or more loose bowel movements in a day then it’s considered diarrhea. In case, it stays for more days, seek a doctor's help immediately as it can be serious, especially during pregnancy.

Is it normal to have loose motion during pregnancy?

The loose motion can happen anytime to anyone, but, it’s more common and normal to have loose motion in pregnancy. The cause can be pregnancy-related or other factors that lead to diarrhea in normal people. Loose motion during pregnancy third trimester is reported as a symptom of labor.

Loose stools during pregnancy second trimester is also common. So, be cautious and take care of the mother's health to avoid worsening the symptoms of loose motions. These can be easily treated with some home remedies.

What causes loose motion during pregnancy?

Though having loose motion is common during pregnancy, its cause may not be related to it. So, here are some of the common reasons for diarrhea, other than pregnancy:

• Bacterial, viral, and parasite infections
• Food poisoning
• Food intolerance
• Medication side effects
• Digestive problems or medical conditions like Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, Irritable bowel syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis

Pregnancy-related causes include:

• Hormonal changes
• Prenatal vitamins
• Dietary changes
• New food sensitivities
• Stress and a sedentary lifestyle
• Increased water consumption

The chances of suffering from pregnancy loose motion are more, but it can only be avoided if light, fresh, and properly cooked food is eaten that’s gentle on the stomach. And limit the foods like milk, gluten, fried, fatty and spicy foods, which can be harsh and will lead to an upset stomach.

Can Loose Motions Cause Miscarriage?

Throughout the pregnancy journey, the mother is concerned for the well-being of the baby. In case of any illness, the first thing that comes to mind is whether my baby is ok and whether it will affect my baby’s health. The loose motions can cause cramps making a mother feel that it will lead to miscarriage but it’s not right, instead loose motion in early pregnancy can be a symptom of pregnancy.

These cramps are normal and won’t affect the baby or push your baby out, so relax. But one thing to note is that diarrhea won’t cause miscarriage but it can be a symptom of miscarriage.

How to Treat Loose Motion during Pregnancy?

The loose motions generally take their course of time and can be easily treated by keeping oneself hydrated and eating light foods. In case, it’s causing discomfort then there are many simple home remedies that can be followed. But, it’s important to seek treatment from a doctor in case of prolonged diarrhea that may cause severe dehydration too, affecting the pregnancy.

Take note of these symptoms of severe dehydration: dark yellow urine, thirst, headache, dizziness, dry, sticky mouth, decreased urine output, light-headedness, etc.

There are certain over-the-counter and safe antidiarrheals and pregnancy loose motion medicine that can be taken to avoid its severity. But, only consume them after consulting the doctor. And don’t forget to stay hydrated to avoid any severe complications.

Home Remedies for Pregnancy Loose Motion

Generally, the loose motions will stop themselves with time, but in case you are still looking for ways how to stop loose motion in pregnancy, then make some changes in your diet pattern and follow these remedies to see the positive results.

Take these steps:

BRAT Diet: It comprises Banana, Rice, Apple sauce, and toast. Also, try eating only bland foods that will ease the stomach instead of making it worse.

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can easily happen during loose motions. So, it’s important to stay hydrated by adding broth, water, juice, and coconut water into your diet. Avoid drinking beverages as they can upset the stomach.

Rest: Take as much rest as possible and avoid exercising, thereby giving time for the body to heal.

Probiotic Foods: Add probiotic-rich foods or drinks to create a healthy gut environment.

Avoid Fatty and Fried Foods

Alter the Medications that may be causing it

In addition to the above, you can also try these home remedies for loose motion in pregnancy:

• Drinking Ginger tea
• Take 2-3 tablespoons of honey in warm water
• Taking Psyllium husk

The takeaway from this article is that it’s common to get loose motion in pregnancy but it can be avoided by staying away from fried and fatty foods. Also, if it’s caused due to any medication, then try changing it to another one by consulting the doctor.

Keep yourself properly hydrated to prevent pregnancy loose motion from becoming more severe and thereby, harming the pregnancy. Can even follow the diarrhea during pregnancy 2nd trimester home remedies shared above. Consult the doctor immediately if there are unbearable cramps or any worsening of symptoms.