During pregnancy, mothers should observe any abnormalities in their bowel movements, such as frequent stools, diarrhea, mucus in stools, or blood in stools. Diarrhea is a mechanism of the body to expel waste, and usually, these symptoms disappear within 24 hours or persist no longer than 3 days, so they do not cause problems during pregnancy. However, mothers should be cautious of dehydration, which can be dangerous. If there is mucus mixed with stool, severe vomiting, fever, and symptoms lasting more than 48 hours, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Diarrhea symptoms can be divided into 2 groups:
1. Infectious diarrhea
This type involves watery stools, frequent bowel movements, stools containing mucus, blood, or foam, accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. It is recommended to see a doctor promptly and can be treated with antibiotics.
2. Non-infectious diarrhea
This type involves only frequent watery stools, 3-4 times or more, possibly with nausea but without fever. This type of diarrhea usually resolves on its own, and the mother can take care of herself.
Basic self-care when experiencing diarrhea during pregnancy
- Drink more clean water to replace lost fluids.
- If feeling weak, drink plenty of oral rehydration solutions to replenish lost body fluids.
- Avoid foods that cause diarrhea or are hard to digest. Some foods can worsen diarrhea, such as high-fat foods, fried foods, spicy foods, high-fiber foods, milk, and dairy products made from cow’s milk.
- Eat soft or liquid foods such as rice porridge or congee.
- Wash hands or food containers thoroughly before eating and try to get plenty of rest.
- Do not self-medicate with anti-diarrheal drugs.
- Do not take anti-diarrheal or anti-bloating medications containing alcohol.
- Do not buy antibiotics or antibacterial drugs on your own; consult an obstetrician first.
- Do not take medications to stop bowel movements immediately, as this may cause pathogens to remain in the body, and medications may affect the pregnant mother and the baby.
How can pregnant mothers prevent diarrhea?
- Choose to eat freshly cooked food every time and avoid raw or undercooked food.
- Be cautious when consuming ice, drinking water, or freshly squeezed juice that may not be clean.
- Maintain hygiene by keeping clean and washing hands every time after using the restroom and before and after cooking.
- Clean the toilet seat and flush buttons with alcohol or disinfectant.
