Diarrhoea before labour: what to know

Late-pregnancy bowel changes can have several explanations, including gastroenteritis, food poisoning, food intolerance or a pre-existing bowel condition. Coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, giardiasis and an overactive thyroid can also cause diarrhoea, but they need assessment in context. Labour is identified by the wider pattern: regular tightening that becomes stronger or closer together, waters breaking, a bloody show or other advice from your maternity team. Loose stools alone cannot establish the cause.

Contact your midwife, obstetric team or maternity unit for pregnancy-specific advice, particularly if the diarrhoea is new. Take frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration solution and rest. Eat small, simple meals if tolerated. Avoid self-treating with anti-diarrhoeal medicines, antibiotics or herbal products until a maternity professional confirms they are suitable. Keep track of contractions, fluid intake, urine output, fever, vomiting and fetal movements.

Call your maternity unit urgently if your waters may have broken, contractions are regular or painful, you have vaginal bleeding, reduced fetal movement, severe abdominal pain, fever, faintness, confusion, blood in the stool or cannot keep fluids down. Reduced urination, a dry mouth or worsening weakness can signal dehydration. Follow the emergency plan provided by your maternity team rather than waiting for diarrhoea to settle.

Ask whether you should attend for assessment, which rehydration drinks and medicines are suitable, and how to distinguish contractions from bowel cramps.