Diarrhea is one of the few intestinal problems a pregnant woman may actually avoid. Diarrhea can occur early in labor but it can also be the result of a gastrointestinal infection, such as the ingestion of bacteria. Moderate diarrhea can lead to dehydration and even uterine contractions during pregnancy. Home remedies for diarrhea may be safe in pregnancy but they should only be attempted under the advice of a health care professional.
Ginger
Ginger, or ginger root, is a common plant remedy used for relieving various abdominal issues, including those that appear in pregnancy, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. As with any natural remedy, a pregnant woman should consult a health care professional before using ginger. There are various methods of taking ginger to attempt to relieve an upset stomach or diarrhea. Boiling water with the ginger root to form tea or consuming 1 gram of ginger root powder may be effective in settling the stomach upset. This remedy isn't likely to fight off the infectious organism, if that is the source of diarrhea. This remedy is generally regarded as safe for use for up to four days.
Over-the-Counter Antidiarrheal Medications
Medications, including those sold over the counter, are typically avoided during pregnancy to minimize the potential risk of harm to the unborn baby. When the potential risks are discussed with a health care professional, some OTC antidiarrheal medications can be used to treat diarrhea. American Family Physician suggests that medicines made with kaolin and pectin or loperamide are generally regarded as safe with a Food and Drug Administration classification of B. The B classification suggests that either animal studies have failed to show fetal risk but the studies have not been replicated in women or that no adverse effect was found in animal studies.
Bland Diet
Eating while diarrhea is occurring isn't recommended as it can further irritate the stomach and intestines. Instead, a pregnant woman can slowly introduce bland foods to her diet as she feels hungry. Bland foods and those that are easy to digest are less likely to be expelled from the body quickly and in the form of liquid or watery stools. Foods to choose include bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Each of these items may actually cause constipation in some individuals under different circumstances. Avoid eating spicy, greasy, fried or dairy foods during diarrhea, as these can be irritating. Other simple foods that may help fight diarrhea include potatoes, unsweetened cereals, crackers, cooked vegetables and yogurt. Yogurt and other similar products that contain active cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus, a healthy bacteria, are thought to restore the balance of bacteria in the gut and eliminate digestive upset.
Self Care
Self care is important for pregnant women during a bout of diarrhea. This includes getting plenty of rest and replenishing fluids. Dehydration can have serious consequences for a pregnant woman. Sipping water or a rehydration fluid, such as a sports drink, can be just what she needs. Dehydration can trigger pre-term contractions when it is moderate to severe. Signs that dehydration is setting in include dry mouth, excessive thirst, infrequent urination and lethargy.
