Diarrhoea in the first trimester: what to know

The first trimester can involve altered appetite, nausea and new supplements, while infections and food triggers remain common explanations for diarrhoea. Food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease and Crohn's Disease can cause ongoing symptoms. Diarrhoea is not a dependable way to judge pregnancy health. A clinician will consider the stool pattern alongside vomiting, fever, abdominal or pelvic pain, bleeding, travel and recent antibiotics.

Sip water often and ask a pharmacist about an oral rehydration solution if losses continue. Rest and return to small, simple meals as tolerated; include nourishing foods when appetite allows. Wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for others while infection is possible. Check every medicine, supplement and herbal product with your maternity team or pharmacist before taking it, and do not change prescribed treatment alone.

Contact a clinician promptly if you cannot drink, are passing little urine, feel faint, or develop fever, worsening pain, blood or black stool. Seek urgent help for collapse, confusion or severe weakness. In early pregnancy, vaginal bleeding, one-sided pelvic pain or fluid loss also warrants prompt maternity advice, whether or not diarrhoea is present.

Ask which rehydration products and medicines fit your first-trimester care, whether infection testing is needed, and how to keep taking essential supplements. Tell them when symptoms began, how often they occur, what you can drink, and whether anyone close to you is unwell.