Diarrhoea during pregnancy: what to know

Loose or watery stools can follow a stomach infection, food poisoning, a food intolerance or a change in diet. Pregnancy itself does not make every episode dangerous, and diarrhoea is not a reliable sign of a problem with the pregnancy. Ongoing symptoms can also occur with irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease or Crohn's Disease. The pattern, accompanying symptoms, recent meals, travel and medicines help a clinician work out the cause.

Sip water frequently and consider an oral rehydration drink if a clinician or pharmacist recommends one. Eat small portions of familiar foods when able, and avoid alcohol and foods that clearly worsen symptoms. Wash hands well and avoid preparing food for others if an infection is possible. Do not start anti-diarrhoea medicines, antibiotics or herbal products without checking that they are suitable in pregnancy. Keep taking prescribed medicines unless your maternity team advises otherwise.

Contact your maternity team or a clinician promptly if you cannot keep fluids down, are passing very little urine, feel faint, have a dry mouth, develop a fever, severe abdominal pain or blood in the stool. Seek urgent help for confusion, collapse or severe weakness. Pregnancy can increase the consequences of dehydration, so ask for advice if symptoms are not settling or keep returning.

Ask whether your symptoms could relate to an infection, food intolerance or a medicine, which rehydration product is appropriate, and whether any pregnancy medicines should be paused or changed. Mention your gestational stage, recent travel, fever, pain, vomiting and urine output.