Diarrhea is a very common and usually harmless ailment. If you are pregnant, however, some prescription and over-the-counter medications may not be safe for you and your baby. However, don't worry - there are many ways you can naturally treat this ailment. To help you, we've put together a handy list of things you can do to relieve your symptoms.
Steps
Part 1 of 10: Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated
Step 1. Hydration is the main thing to watch out for in case of diarrhea
Diarrhea can cause you to lose a lot of fluids, which is never a good thing if you are pregnant. Always have a bottle or glass of water on hand. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day to replenish the fluids you are losing.
Drink at least 1 glass (240ml) of water every time you experience a bowel movement
Part 2 of 10: Eat bananas, rice, apple juice and toast (BRAT)
Step 1. Don't overload your digestive system as you recover
The BRAT diet (the name derives from the initials of the English names of these foods: Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) has been recommended for years for people suffering from diarrhea; it is gentle on the stomach and helps make the stool firmer. Stick to a simple diet that nourishes you without making your symptoms worse.
Part 3 of 10: Eat smaller meals throughout the day
Step 1. Eating three large meals can put a strain on your digestive system
In addition to choosing light foods, it's also helpful to split meals and snack whenever you're hungry. Avoid eating large meals, which can make diarrhea symptoms worse.
If you don't have an appetite, still try to eat something every 2-3 hours to get some food
Part 4 of 10: Add foods rich in vitamins and minerals if you can tolerate them
Step 1. Starchy foods, vegetables, lean meats, eggs and yogurt can help
The BRAT diet is mild but will not provide you with the vitamins and minerals you need, especially zinc. If your stomach and digestive system feel good, try adding potatoes, unsweetened grains, and crackers to your diet. You can also eat cooked meat and vegetables to give yourself more nutrition as you recover.
- A probiotic yogurt enriched with Lactobacillus acidophilus can be especially good for your digestive system while suffering from diarrhea.
- Certain high-protein foods can help firm stools. If you can tolerate them, try eating low-fat cheese, low-fat fish, beef, pork, or skinless poultry.
Part 5 of 10: Replace lost electrolytes with fruit juices or sports drinks
Step 1. Drinking fruit juice is an easy way to increase potassium levels
Diarrhea can deprive you of important electrolytes such as potassium, and drinking a glass or two of apple or orange juice is an easy way to replenish them. It tastes great and will also help keep you hydrated. You can also consume a sports drink that contains electrolytes to restore the levels in your body.
- Beware of juices that contain added sugars - they can upset your digestive system and potentially make diarrhea symptoms worse.
- You can also ask your doctor about rehydrating drinks to buy at the pharmacy.
Part 6 of 10: Replenish the sodium by drinking a cup of broth
Step 1. Broth can also help you with nausea
Chicken, vegetable or bone broths are all full of flavor and packed with vitamins and minerals. Drinking a cup of light broth can help replenish the sodium you lose when you have diarrhea. It is also easy to consume in case you are not feeling particularly hungry.
Many people eat a bowl of soup with chicken broth when they're not feeling well and that's no accident - it has lean protein and can help keep you hydrated
Part 7 of 10: Avoid dairy, sugar and caffeine
Step 1. They can make diarrhea worse
Lactose is not good for digestive problems, especially if you are intolerant. Caffeine and sugar can irritate the digestive system and make diarrhea worse. While you are recovering, avoid these foods as much as you can.
Part 8 of 10: Try not to suddenly change your diet
Step 1. It may cause diarrhea or make symptoms worse
If you are taking pregnancy vitamins as recommended by your doctor, continue to follow the schedule and try not to suddenly stop taking them or double the dose if you miss a day. Also, do your best to eat a healthy and uniform diet - making sudden changes can upset your digestive system and cause diarrhea.
If you find that certain foods irritate your digestive system and cause you diarrhea, try to avoid them
Part 9 of 10: Stop taking stool softening products if you are using them
Step 1. Wait for the stools to return to their normal consistency
Constipation is quite common during pregnancy, and your doctor may recommend that you start taking products that make stool softer to help relieve symptoms. If you have diarrhea, however, these products can actually make it worse - stop taking them until the diarrhea goes away.
Part 10 of 10: See your doctor if diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days
Step 1. It could be a sign of a more serious ailment
Most cases of diarrhea clear up on their own within a day. If yours lasts longer than 2 days, you notice blood or pus, or you have a fever, it could be a sign of a more serious illness, such as food poisoning. See your doctor immediately for a diagnosis to rule out any potential risks to the baby.
Listeriosis is an infection caused by eating contaminated food that you can potentially pass on to your baby, so it's important to seek medical treatment if the diarrhea doesn't go away
Advice
When you need to hydrate, clear liquids are your best bet. Avoid sugary sodas and other soft drinks
Warnings
- Never take medications during pregnancy without first checking with your doctor to make sure they are okay.
- If you experience sharp pains in the abdomen or if you have vaginal bleeding, see a doctor right away.
