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Pregnancy is a delicate and exciting moment, but our daily life is often compromised by some unpleasant intestinal tract disorders, such as diarrhea. Don’t worry: diarrhea in pregnancy is normal. Let’s find out the causes and remedies.
What are the possible causes of diarrhea in pregnancy?
Among the main causes of diarrhea in pregnancy we can identify the following:
CHANGES TO THE POWER SUPPLY
The gynecologist may have advised to increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables, to counteract the risk of constipation, a frequent disorder in pregnancy. A sudden increase in the usual amount of fruit and vegetables may cause the body to react with diarrhea. In these cases it is sufficient to temporarily reduce the consumption of fibers, re-distributing the introduction in small quantities.
HYPERSENSITIVITY TOWARDS CERTAIN SUBSTANCES OR FOODS
It can rarely happen that pregnancy, probably due to hormonal alterations, induces a certain hypersensitivity to some substances and foods, otherwise well tolerated. In this case, it is sufficient to stop or reduce the intake of these foods, reintegrating them into the diet at a later time. However, we consult our doctor or gynecologist for specific suggestions.
DRUG TAKING
A common cause of diarrhea during pregnancy (and beyond) is the possible side effect of certain medications. Very often it is iron supplementation that causes intestinal problems. In these cases, it is usually sufficient to communicate the problem to the gynecologist, to evaluate a different formulation.
HORMONAL CHANGES
The hormonal changes typical of gestation can cause intestinal disorders. The elevation of progesterone and estrogen can cause changes in the gastrointestinal tract, very frequently also associated with episodes of constipation.
VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS OR INTESTINAL INFLUENCE
The most common reasons for episodes of diarrhea during pregnancy are viral gastroenteritis, as it happens regardless of pregnancy. It is very easy, in fact, to contract an intestinal flu that can cause diarrhea and other unpleasant ailments.
Diarrhea and intestinal dysbiosis
In general, poorly regular bowel motility with episodes of liquid stool indicates a condition of intestinal dysbiosis. It is a’alteration of the physiological balance of the intestinal microflora, normally populated by good bacteria and potentially harmful bacteria, in balanced coexistence with each other and with our body (eubiosis). When this balance is altered, various symptoms related to the gastrointestinal tract may appear, including diarrhea.
Let’s take a step back to understand better. The human microbiota is the collection of bacteria (but also of viruses, protozoa, fungi, yeasts …) that live in our organism. In particular, we are interested in knowing more about the intestinal bacterial component, because it is closely related to the immune system. As we have mentioned, numerous microorganisms coexist in our intestine, partly good and partly potentially harmful, in balance with each other and with our organism (eubiosis). The intestinal microflora is therefore a complex and delicate ecosystem, different from one individual to another (we speak of bacterial fingerprint or bacterial fingerprint). The bacteria that make up that complex ecosystem that is the intestinal microflora are very numerous and different for strains, species and genus.
It may happen that this balance is altered, due to different factors and conditions. In this case we speak of intestinal dysbiosis, related to various pathologies, chronic inflammatory diseases and other disorders related to the intestinal tract.
How can we remedy diarrhea problems in pregnancy?
To try to stem diarrhea episodes during the gestation period, we can follow some simple health tips:
- We drink abundantly, at least one and a half liters of water a day, to hydrate and replenish the liquids lost with the emission of liquid stool;
- We do not take drugs unless on the precise indication of the gynecologist;
- We introduce fibers in moderation. Fibers are essential to guarantee normal intestinal functions, so let’s not remove them from the diet, but temporarily suspend them in case of diarrhea;
- We take lactic ferments. These are live and vital bacteria, with beneficial action, able to balance the altered intestinal microflora, which plays an important role on the intestinal barrier and on the immune system. As we have seen, the good bacteria of our intestine are numerous and different for strains, species and genus. It is therefore important to take products containing lactic ferments of different strains, species and genus so that they act in synergy and with a greater probability of colonizing the intestine, integrate the missing microorganisms, favor the richness and abundance of different microbial species in the intestine ( bacterial diversity).
- We avoid foods with a laxative action, such as milk and dairy products (if we have intolerances), spicy, fatty foods, elaborate preparations or foods that are too sugary, coffee. We often eat small meals, spreading them out throughout the day. We prefer white rice, bananas, boiled potatoes and apples for their remineralizing and nourishing action.
