Diarrhea During Pregnancy 2Nd Trimester Nhs

Pregnancy is a time of transition and growth as the mother’s body adapts to carrying and nurturing a baby. For some women, the transition to the second trimester of pregnancy can be accompanied by increased digestive symptoms like diarrhea. Diarrhea during pregnancy can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, and it is important to understand the causes and treatments for this symptom. This blog post will look at diarrhea during the second trimester of pregnancy, and provide information about when to seek medical help from the NHS. It will also explore the common causes of diarrhea during pregnancy and how to manage the discomfort. With this information, pregnant women can make informed decisions about how to care for their own health and the health of their baby.

Skin and hair changes in pregnancy

Your nipples and the region around them may darken due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Your skin tone may also slightly darken, either uniformly or in patches.

Birthmarks, moles and freckles may also darken. A dark line may appear in the middle of your stomach. After the baby is born, these changes will gradually go away, though your nipples might still be a little darker.

Pregnant women who sunbathe may find that they burn more easily. Don’t spend too much time in the sun and use a high-factor sunscreen to protect your skin. Read more about sunscreen and sun safety.

Varicose veins are veins that have become swollen. They can be uncomfortable but arent harmful. They most commonly affect leg veins.

Varicose veins can also develop in the vulva, though these typically improve after childbirth.

If you have varicose veins, you should:

avoid standing for long periods of time

try not to sit with your legs crossed

try not to put on too much weight, as this increases the pressure

sit with your legs up as often as you can to ease the discomfort

try compression tights, which you can buy at most pharmacies – they wont prevent varicose veins but can ease the symptoms

try sleeping with your legs higher than the rest of your body – use pillows under your ankles or put books under the foot of your bed

do foot and other antenatal exercises, such as walking and swimming, which will help your circulation

Try these foot exercises:

bend and stretch your foot up and down 30 times

rotate your foot 8 times one way and 8 times the other

repeat with the other foot

Stomach bugs in pregnancy

What to do if you have a stomach bug is listed below.

Don’t panic if you do have diarrhoea and vomiting.

Make sure you rest as much as possible.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Eat small, light meals if you are hungry and it doesnt make you feel sick.

If you don’t eat for 24 hours don’t worry but make sure you drink plenty of fluid.

Wash your hands before and after going to the toilet and after vomiting.

How to stop diarrhea when pregnant

Avoid foods that can aggravate diarrhea if you experience it while pregnant, such as dairy, caffeine, and anything high in fat and sugar. You should take precautions to prevent dehydration and restore your body’s electrolyte balance with fluids and simple foods:

Fruit juices (in moderation)	Caffeine-free soft drinks
Bananas	Potatoes
Rice	Toasts
Crackers	Soups
Pasta	Applesauce

If there are underlying conditions like IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease (gluten intolerance), digestive issues, including pregnancy diarrhea, can get worse. The best way to lower the risks and side effects of pregnancy is to take precautions when planning the pregnancy.

Remember to consult your doctor if you’ve recently returned from a trip to a less developed nation because diarrhea and pregnancy could be symptoms of a digestive infection.

While pregnant, many women experience stomach pain, especially in the upper part. It is a typical side effect of the fetus growing inside the womb, which forces the mother’s organs to move to make room for the growing baby.

There are numerous causes of pregnancy constipation, stomach pain, and diarrhea in the first trimester and, realistically, for the entire 40 weeks. The following are the most typical reasons for abdominal pain while pregnant:

Constipation

Flatulence

Muscle and ligament pain

Acid reflux

Stretching skin

Gallbladder or liver issues

Inflammation in the pancreas

Injury of the spleen

Appendix

Labour contractions

Avoiding abdominal cramps during pregnancy is unlikely. However, routine medical exams, a wholesome diet, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and managing your stress levels significantly reduce unneeded discomfort.

However, abdominal pain should be taken seriously, especially in the third trimester, as it may indicate early labor or placental abruption, both of which put mother and child at risk. Make sure to get immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms appear along with severe stomach pain while pregnant:

Abdominal pain accompanied by fever	Bleeding
Regular cramps	Unusual vaginal discharge/spotting
Vomiting	Lower back pain
Painful or burning sensation during urination	Severe pain lasting 30–60 minutes

Gastroenteritis, a fancy term for stomach flu, may explain why you experience an upset stomach during pregnancy and feel ill for a few days. However, there are some crucial differences that should be kept in mind because the symptoms can be mistaken for morning sickness diarrhea.

Because children are more likely to pick up germs at school, pregnant women with children are more likely to contract gastroenteritis. Because of this, it’s crucial to practice precautions like routine hand washing, surface cleaning, and refraining from feeding their infants with cutlery or food.

Normally, gastroenteritis lasts about three days. However, severe gastroenteritis during pregnancy should be treated seriously because it can result in electrolyte imbalance and dehydration, both of which, if left untreated, can have complications like preterm birth.

Common symptoms of gastroenteritis
Diarrhea (without blood)	Nausea and vomiting	Stomach pain
Mild fever	Headache	Cramps or aching muscles

The steps to managing gastroenteritis in pregnancy are very similar to the ones above (in the diarrhea and pregnancy section){#diarrhea-in-early-pregnancy): make sure you stay hydrated, eat plain food, and call the doctor if the symptoms persist or get very bad.

☝️REMEMBER☝️ Gastroenteritis medication may not be suitable for pregnant women. Always consult your doctor before taking anything.

Gas during pregnancy occurs along with other gastrointestinal side effects. It might result from hormonal changes, such as an increase in progesterone production. The body’s muscles, including those in the intestines, are relaxed by this hormone, which slows digestion and increases flatulence.

Try some straightforward lifestyle and dietary changes to relieve your stomach’s pressure if you experience gas while pregnant. Avoid fatty foods and fizzy drinks, eat low-fiber, difficult-to-digest foods like beans, and go for a walk to help things along.

CAUTION: If you experience constipation for two weeks or longer or if bloating is accompanied by severe pain that lasts longer than 30 minutes, you should contact your doctor.

FAQ

Is diarrhea normal in second trimester?

How much is too much diarrhea while pregnant?

Can diarrhea during pregnancy hurt the baby?

What are the danger signs of pregnancy for second trimester?

• Vaginal discharge – change in type (watery, mucous, bloody)
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pressure.
• Low, dull backache.
• Abdominal cramps, with or without diarrhea (may feel like menstrual cramps)

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