Loose Motion in Pregnancy - How to Stop? Top Home Remedies

Experiencing more than three loose bowel movements daily indicates loose motion or diarrhoea. Three types of diarrhoea are clinically diagnosed. These include the following:

1. Acute watery diarrhoea (this type of diarrhoea lasts for a few hours or days)
2. Acute bloody diarrhoea (It is otherwise also known as dysentery)
3. Persistent diarrhoea (This type of diarrhoea lasts for more than 14 days)

Loose motions during the third trimester of pregnancy occur due to the peak hormone levels and the uterus being at its maximum size, preparing for delivery. It may also indicate that labour is approaching, but it does not necessarily mean premature birth or immediate delivery. However, if there are significant changes in bowel habits, it is crucial to seek medical attention. 

Various factors may cause loose motion in pregnancy. These factors may be related to pregnancy or include factors other than pregnancy. Loose motion can happen in early pregnancy due to the following factors:

Pregnancy-related causes of loose motions in pregnancy

Loose motion in pregnancy is common. Several reasons may cause loose motion in pregnancy. Some of the common pregnancy-related causes of loose motions in pregnancy include the following:

1. Hormonal changes: A woman's body goes through various changes during pregnancy. Changes in hormones during pregnancy are widespread. These hormonal changes during pregnancy may interfere with digestion and cause loose motions during pregnancy. For example, an increase in the level of prostaglandins during pregnancy may cause pregnancy-induced loose motions. 
2. Dietary changes: Pregnant women often experience food aversions and cravings, leading to changes in their diet. These dietary changes during pregnancy can affect the digestive system and cause loose motions during pregnancy.
3. Growing of the uterus: As the uterus grows and enlarges during pregnancy, it can add pressure on the digestive tract and cause bowel changes, which may lead to loose motion in pregnancy.
4. Prenatal vitamins: The prenatal vitamins taken by pregnant women may also be the reason for experiencing loose motion during pregnancy. Diarrhoea may occur as a side effect of prenatal vitamins. Hence, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about the vitamins if it is causing loose motions. 
5. Newfound Food sensitivities: It is common to develop sensitivity towards certain foods during pregnancy. The foods that were digested and tolerated earlier may cause gastric issues and loose motion during pregnancy. 

Where loose motion in pregnancy is usually caused due to pregnancy-related factors, there are some instances in which loose motions can occur due to other non-pregnancy-related factors. These other factors causing loose motions in pregnancy include the following:

1. Infections: Certain infections may occur during pregnancy due to consuming contaminated water or food. Additionally, women who travel to places infected by microorganisms may also be at risk of loose motion during pregnancy due to the contraction of certain infections. These infections may lead to loose motion in pregnancy, called infectious diarrhoea. The following microorganisms may cause loose motion during pregnancy: Bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, Campylobacter, or Shigella genera. Viral infections are caused by rotavirus, viral gastroenteritis, norovirus, and Parasites such as Cryptosporidium enteritis. 
2. Bowel disorders: When experiencing loose motion in pregnancy, you must check whether you have any bowel conditions. Specific bowel problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBD) and ulcerative colitis may cause loose motion during pregnancy.
3. Food poisoning: It is common to have cravings during pregnancy. In some cases, eating food or consuming unhygienic or low-quality water can cause food poisoning. Loose motion during pregnancy may occur as a result of food poisoning. 
4. Stress: Feeling stressed during pregnancy is normal. Giving birth and bringing a new life into the world can be overwhelming. Heightened emotions and anxiety during pregnancy may cause loose motions.
5. Other conditions: Some other conditions that may cause loose motion during pregnancy include traveller's Diarrhea, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease.

The various symptoms that may be a sign of loose motion during pregnancy include the following:

1. Having watery loose stools three or more than three times a day
2. Pain in the abdomen or cramps 
3. Nausea and vomiting 
4. Constant urge to go to the loo
5. Weakness 
6. Bloating 

In some cases, loose motion in pregnancy may clear up on its own in a few days. Specific home remedies may be used for loose motion in pregnancy, as it is unsafe to self-medicate. Home remedies that can help with loose motion in pregnancy include the following:

1. Hydration: loose motion during pregnancy may cause loss of water and electrolytes. Hence, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Water, electrolyte solutions, juices, broths, and coconut water are good options for staying hydrated during pregnancy.
2. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy balanced diet may help in better digestion. To ease loose motion in pregnancy, eat bland foods such as bananas, toast, saltine crackers, rice, carrots, toast or potatoes.
3. Take probiotics: Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that can help balance the gut microbiome, may help treat loose motion during pregnancy.
4. Take adequate rest: Exercising must be avoided when having loose motions during pregnancy. Additionally, loose motions may cause weakness; hence good rest is to be taken to recover from loose motions during pregnancy.

Loose motion in pregnancy can be avoided by following the below-mentioned tips:

1. Drink clean water to avoid the risk of infections or food poisoning
2. Avoid foods that can trigger or worsen loose motion during pregnancy, like Spicy, fried, fatty foods, dairy products, sodas and sugary drinks, foods containing gluten 
3. Avoid eating food outside as it may be unhygienic and contaminated. Instead, eat home-cooked meals.

Seeking a doctor immediately when loose motion persists for longer than usual is essential. Inform your doctor if you experience any of the below-mentioned symptoms along with loose motions in pregnancy:

1. Dark yellow coloured urine
2. Severe stomach pain 
3. Dryness and stickiness in the mouth 
4. Decrease in urine output
5. Vomiting blood
6. Cramps in the lower abdominal region
7. Rectal pain 
8. Thirst 
9. Dizziness 
10. Lightheadedness
11. Fever 
12. Headache 
13. Vaginal bleeding 
14. Sudden loss of weight 
15. Bloody stools 

Loose motion during pregnancy is a common occurrence that various factors can cause. While it is usually not a serious issue, it can cause discomfort and dehydration, leading to other health concerns if left untreated. It is essential to know the potential causes and symptoms of loose motion in pregnancy and to speak with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

By taking preventive measures and following the treatment plan recommended by a healthcare provider, most cases of loose motion in pregnancy can be successfully managed, allowing expecting mothers to enjoy a healthy and comfortable pregnancy. At HexaHealth, we are committed to providing exceptional care for pregnant women, with a range of services designed to ensure the health and safety of both mother and baby. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals ensures that every patient receives the best care during pregnancy.