Constipation and diarrhoea at the same time during pregnancy

Hard stool can sit in the bowel while softer stool passes around it, creating constipation and loose bowel movements close together. Hormonal changes, iron supplements, a change in diet, food intolerance, or a stomach infection may also contribute. Irritable bowel syndrome can cause alternating bowel habits, but new symptoms in pregnancy deserve individual assessment. Diarrhoea can remove fluid faster than usual, so watch for dehydration such as a dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, or passing urine less often.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if stools are loose. Choose gentle foods you tolerate, then gradually return to fibre-rich foods as diarrhoea settles. Do not strain or use a laxative, anti-diarrhoeal medicine, herbal product, or supplement without checking that it is suitable in pregnancy. Keep a note of stool changes, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, medicines, and fetal movement if relevant, so your maternity clinician can guide you.

Contact your maternity team promptly for blood or black stool, severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fever, faintness, signs of dehydration, or diarrhoea that does not settle. Seek urgent care for severe pain with vaginal bleeding, regular tightening, fluid leakage, or reduced fetal movement. A clinician can check hydration, review supplements, and decide whether testing or treatment is needed.

Could my iron supplement, diet, or another medicine be affecting my bowel movements? Which fluids, foods, and constipation treatments are appropriate at my stage of pregnancy? What symptoms should make me contact the maternity unit?