What can you take for diarrhea while pregnant? 
Photo credit: iStock.com / Halfpoint There’s not enough data to completely rule out risk for most drugs in pregnancy (for safety reasons, few studies test drugs in human pregnancies), but experts consider anti-diarrhea drugs to be low-risk. It’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any to make sure it’s safe for you and your baby.
- Loperamide, the active ingredient in the brand-name drug Imodium, is used to treat acute diarrhea and sometimes chronic diarrhea, and is considered safe for pregnant women.
- You can buy it at a pharmacy or drug store.
- Pepto Bismol and Kaopectate, on the other hand, aren’t recommended during pregnancy.
- Bismuth subsalicylate, the active ingredient in Kaopectate and Pepto Bismol, is metabolized into,
In small doses, aspirin can be safe during pregnancy, but it’s hard to control the dose of aspirin you get when you take bismuth subsalicylate. That’s why experts advise pregnant women use a different medication. If you’re having bad diarrhea, sometimes it is safe to take medication to slow your bowels.
- However, with certain infectious causes, these over-the-counter medications can make you more sick.
- If you have blood in your diarrhea or are running a fever, don’t take medications to treat the diarrhea.
- Instead, contact your physician immediately and focus on hydration and eating simple foods.
- If you have (loose stools three or more times in one day), be sure to drink plenty of to replace those you are losing.
Sometimes dairy products, soda, and juices may make the diarrhea worse, so select your fluids wisely. If the diarrhea continues for a few hours, drink fluids and liquid foods containing salt, such as broth or sports drinks. You’ll also want to be careful about what you’re eating while you have diarrhea.
A simple diet of carbohydrates (toast, rice, and crackers, for example), bananas and soup can be helpful. Avoid greasy and fiber-rich foods while you are suffering from diarrhea. It’s important to address your diarrhea because with the increased fluid loss, you could become seriously, Dehydration in pregnant women can lead to headaches, fatigue, and even contractions.
If you get really dehydrated, you may need intravenous fluids and other medical attention. Reasons to call your healthcare provider include:
More than 6 runny bowel movements in 24 hours Any blood in your stool Fever associated with your diarrhea Severe abdominal pain associated with your diarrhea Signs of dehydration, including fatigue, dry mouth, dark urine or much less urine than usual Decreased fetal movement or contractions
An underlying bacterial cause, such as, could pose a threat to both you and your baby, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor if you suspect food poisoning as a source of your diarrhea. : What can you take for diarrhea while pregnant?
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Contents
Which loose motion medicine is safe in pregnancy?
Constipation, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids – Constipation medications containing Polycarbophil (Fiber-Lax, Equalactin) Psyllium (Metamucil, Perdiem, and Konsyl-D), as well as laxatives and stool softeners (Colace, milk of magnesia, Maltsupex). Anti-diarrhea medications containing Loperamide (Imodium, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal, Pepto Diarrhea Control). Hemorrhoid creams (Tucks, Preparation H).
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Is it OK to have loose motions during pregnancy?
What Causes Diarrhea During Pregnancy? –
When you first find out you are pregnant, you may make sudden changes in your diet to make sure your baby is getting the nutrients they need. If you change the food you eat, that can sometimes cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. Another reason diarrhea occurs is because some pregnant women become sensitive to particular foods. These could be foods you have eaten often before, but eating them while pregnant can give you an upset stomach or diarrhea. Another cause of diarrhea during pregnancy is hormonal changes. Sometimes hormones can cause your digestive process to slow down, and at times that can lead to diarrhea. Every pregnant woman has these hormonal changes, but some will experience diarrhea early in their pregnancy from those changes. Bacterial or viral infection can also cause diarrhea.
Does loose motion affect baby?
Normal baby stools are soft and loose. Newborns have stools often, sometimes with every feeding. For these reasons, you may have trouble knowing when your baby has diarrhea. Your baby may have diarrhea if you see changes in the stool, such as more stools all of a sudden; possibly more than one stool per feeding or really watery stools.
A change in your baby’s diet or a change in the mother’s diet if breastfeeding.Use of antibiotics by the baby, or use by the mother if breastfeeding.A bacterial infection. Your baby will need to take antibiotics to get better.A parasite infection. Your baby will need to take medicine to get better.Rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
Diarrhea Causes Dehydration Infants and children under age 3 can become dehydrated quickly and get very sick. Dehydration means that your baby does not have enough water or liquids. Watch your baby closely for signs of dehydration, which include:
Dry eyes and little to no tears when cryingFewer wet diapers than usualLess active than usual, lethargicIrritableDry mouthDry skin that does not spring back to its usual shape after being pinchedSunken eyesSunken fontanelle (the soft spot on top of the head)
Taking Care of Your Baby Make sure your baby gets plenty of liquids so your baby does not get dehydrated.
Keep breastfeeding your baby if you are nursing. Breastfeeding helps prevent diarrhea, and your baby will recover quicker.If you are using formula, make it full strength unless your health care provider gives you different advice.
If your baby still seems thirsty after or between feedings, talk to your provider about giving your baby Pedialyte or Infalyte. Your provider may recommend these extra liquids that contain electrolytes.
Try giving your baby 1 ounce (2 tablespoons or 30 milliliters) of Pedialyte or Infalyte, every 30 to 60 minutes. Do not water down Pedialyte or Infalyte. Do not give sports drinks to young infants.Try giving your baby a Pedialyte popsicle.
If your baby throws up, give them only a little bit of liquid at a time. Start with as little as 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid every 10 to 15 minutes. Do not give solid foods when your baby is vomiting. Do not give your baby ant-diarrhea medicine unless your provider says it is OK.
BananasCrackersToastPastaCereal
Do not give your baby food that makes diarrhea worse, such as:
Apple juiceMilkFried foodsFull-strength fruit juice
Preventing Diaper Rash Your baby might get diaper rash because of the diarrhea. To prevent diaper rash:
Change your baby’s diaper frequently.Clean your baby’s bottom with water. Cut down on using baby wipes while your baby has diarrhea.Let your baby’s bottom air dry.Use a diaper cream.
Wash your hands well to keep you and other people in your household from getting sick. Diarrhea caused by germs can spread easily. When to Call the Doctor Call your provider if your baby is a newborn (under 3 months old) and has diarrhea. Also call if your child has signs of being dehydrated, including:
Dry and sticky mouthNo tears when crying (soft spot)No wet diaper for 6 hoursA sunken fontanelle
Know the signs that your baby is not getting better, including:
Fever and diarrhea that last for more than 2 to 3 daysMore than 8 stools in 8 hoursVomiting continues for more than 24 hoursDiarrhea contains blood, mucus, or pusYour baby is much less active than normal (is not sitting up at all or looking around)Seems to have stomach pain
Kotloff KL. Acute gastroenteritis in children. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics,21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 366. Ochoa TJ, Chea-Woo E. Approach to patients with gastrointestinal tract infections and food poisoning.
- In: Cherry JD, Harrison GJ, Kaplan SL, Steinbach WJ, Hotez PJ, eds.
- Feigin and Cherry’s Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases,8th ed.
- Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2019:chap 44.
- Updated by: Neil K.
- Aneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Can loose motions cause miscarriage?
Do your bathroom habits affect pregnancy? – To be very honest, it is the other way around. Your hormones are at play during pregnancy, and they could affect your bowel movements in a big way. Your body could also use fluids differently, which is why it’s quite common for expectant mothers to suffer from diarrhea and constipation.
- In most cases, these conditions get better on their own.
- But if diarrhea continues for a few days, it could mean you have an infection.
- Make sure you see a doctor if your diarrhea persists for more than three days, and if you have fever along with it.
- You could also face severe abdominal or rectum pain.
If there’s blood in your stool, it could also be a cause for concern. These symptoms could affect your pregnancy, but not lead to a miscarriage,” adds Dr Tarachandani, sharing that some women also go through severe signs of dehydration, Diarrhea and constipation are more common in the early stages of pregnancy.
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Is ORS safe in pregnancy?
Is it safe for pregnant women to take rehydration salts? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock) Pregnancy is bliss, but it also has its share of challenges, One among them is would-be mothers experiencing problems such as morning sickness and even dehydration.
Thankfully, mild dehydration can be treated quickly and reversed without harming the baby, shares Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, consultant, obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar. But, severe dehydration can be dangerous and must be avoided by seeking immediate professional help. “It is a no brainer that during pregnancy one’s body undergoes changes and these changes can lead to dehydration.
The symptoms of dehydration are lethargy, dry skin, dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, increased thirst, and decreased urination,” she adds. Pregnant women who tend to experience morning sickness in the first trimester lose fluids and electrolytes. Dehydration is when these fluids and electrolytes aren’t replaced.
Thus, it can be serious if not tackled at the right time. Likewise, would-be mothers need water more frequently. If the need is not fulfilled then it can lead to problems. Here, ORS can help women get rid of dehydration, she adds. All you need to know about Oral Rehydration Solution Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a solution containing oral electrolytes and can be safely administered by people of all age groups in case of dehydration.
ORS is loaded with sodium, potassium, sugar, and other important electrolytes needed by the body. If consumed in right quantity, it helps replace the lost electrolytes and fluids to rehydrate the body. ORS is also helpful for people having diarrhoea or vomiting, which can also lead to dehydration.
- Small sips of water every few minutes work well.
- Osmosis is the process wherein the salts and sugars tend to pull water into the bloodstream and speed up rehydration.
- Water doesn’t contain electrolytes.
- Hence, having only water cannot cure dehydration.
- ORS carries the precise ratio of ingredients.
- Speak to your doctor about the amount in which it should be taken.
Pregnant women can opt for this solution as it is safe, provides immediate results, and is affordable. The solution tastes good and is well-balanced with all the essential ingredients to hydrate a person. Therefore, as soon as the symptoms of dehydration arise, an expecting mother can begin taking ORS immediately at home, says Dr Surabhi.
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Does an upset stomach affect the baby?
Your pregnant body has many natural defences that help protect your baby. So it’s very unlikely that your baby will be harmed by a short-lived tummy bug, even if you’re vomiting and have diarrhoea. Although your baby is sure to be fine, the same probably can’t be said for you. Here’s how to help yourself if you have a bug:
Drink as much water or clear fluid as you can manage. If you are finding it hard even to keep water down, take tiny sips. If you have the appetite for them, try juices and soups, too.Get plenty of rest, as you will almost certainly feel drained of energy.As soon as your appetite returns, try eating small, light meals, including carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, potatoes, pasta or rice. It’s best not to have rich or spicy foods, but salty foods can help.Try a probiotic yoghurt or drink every day to help your digestive system get back to normal. You can start doing this before your symptoms have passed.Allow yourself plenty of time to recover.
Stomach upsets or gastroenteritis are usually caused by viruses or bacteria, which your immune system can fight off. So you don’t usually need to take any medicine. Some anti-diarrhoea medicines, such as Imodium, aren’t recommended during pregnancy, or for gastroenteritis, anyway.
But it’s safe to take oral rehydration salts, such as Dioralyte. If you’re in any doubt about whether it is safe to take medicines during pregnancy, check with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read our article about which over-the-counter medicines are safe to take during pregnancy, Five tips for a healthy pregnancy Here are five tips you may not have heard on how to stay healthy during pregnancy.
More pregnancy videos Being pregnant can make you more vulnerable to complications, though. Contact your GP or midwife as soon as possible if:
you don’t start to feel better within 48 hoursyou can’t stop vomiting or can’t keep any fluids downyou become severely dehydrated, with a dry mouth, dizziness and dark urineyou develop a high temperature
It’s unlikely that a short-lived tummy bug will affect your baby. However, if you’re already feeling your baby’s movements during your pregnancy, keep an eye on them and let your midwife know if you notice any changes. To avoid passing on the bug to others in your home, try these tips:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the toilet.Ideally, you shouldn’t prepare any food while you’re ill. If possible, wait 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped before preparing food. Even with very good food hygiene, it can be hard to avoid passing on the bug. If you really must touch or prepare food, wash your hands thoroughly first. Remember not to share cutlery or utensils at mealtimes. Try to make sure the toilet and seat are cleaned with disinfectant daily. It’s also a good idea to clean the toilet-flush handle, basin taps, door handle and other bathroom surfaces with hot water and detergent. Each member of the family should have a separate towel and flannel. Wash soiled clothing and bed linen separately from other clothes and at the highest temperature possible for the fabric.
Keeping up these hygiene tips can help you guard against catching another tummy bug in the future. Hand-washing alone is thought to reduce your chance of getting diarrhoea by around a quarter. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands after gardening or touching your pets. Find out which pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore, and get tips on staying hydrated in pregnancy, Sophie Bell is an editor at BabyCentre. She updates and creates health content and is responsible for email newsletters.
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How many Litres of water should a pregnant woman drink a day?
How much do I need to drink in pregnancy? – You need to drink 6 to 8 medium (200ml) glasses of water or fluid a day, or 1.6 litres. All drinks count, including hot drinks such as decaf tea and coffee. It is important to limit drinks that contain caffeine during pregnancy, as too much can affect your growing baby, this includes energy drinks and cola.
water fruit or herbal teas ( that are suitable for pregnancy ) fresh fruit juice (stick to one glass a day, which also counts as one of your 5 a day) skimmed, 1% or semi-skimmed milk or plant-based milks.
Try to drink 1.6 litres of fluid a day. Carrying a one litre bottle of water with you allows you to keep track of how much you are drinking throughout the day.
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Can I take Metrogyl for loose motion on pregnancy?
Pregnancy – Q: Can I take Metrogyl 400 tablet during pregnancy? A: Metrogyl 400 mg tablet should not be used during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester (first 3 months) of pregnancy. However, the doctor may prescribe you this medicine after accessing the benefit of the treatment and its necessity.
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Can I eat Metrogyl in pregnancy?
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking or using metronidazole You can use metronidazole while you’re pregnant.
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Is ofloxacin safe in pregnancy?
Abstract – This study aimed to analyse perinatal outcomes in ofloxacin-exposed pregnancies. This prospective study was conducted on 143 singleton pregnancies between January 2001 and April 2014, after oral ofloxacin exposure in the first trimester. A total of 33 exposed mothers were compared with 110 age-matched controls who were not exposed to teratogen.
- The mean maternal age was 31.4 ± 3.6 years, and the median gestational age was 4.1 weeks at the exposure.
- No significant differences were observed in either gestational age or in the foetal ultrasonographic long bone length between the exposed and control groups.
- Spontaneous abortions occurred without a significant difference (6.1% versus 10.0%, p =,733).
In addition, no significant differences were found in either the stillbirths or in the major birth defects between the exposed and control groups (0% versus 2.0%, p = 1.000 and 0% versus 4.0%, p =,572, respectively). Ofloxacin has no significant effect on perinatal outcomes.
Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Ofloxacin and other quinolones are avoided during pregnancy because of concerns about cartilage toxicity. But we do not find human data reporting such toxicity in a case report. What the results of this study add? Previous studies were designed for evaluation of just congenital anomaly.
But in this study, we measured the fetal long bone length to replace for evaluation of fetal cartilage toxicity. In fetal stage, we can not measure the cartilage of fetus. so we measure fetal long bone length for evaluation that ofloxacin might influence to fetal cartilage growth.
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