One of the best ways to treat diarrhea during pregnancy is to drink plenty of fluids. Eating a bland diet can help the digestive system get back to normal. Also, avoiding fried or fatty foods can help ease the uneasy feeling in the stomach. Diarrhea can cause deyhdration, so if the condition lasts for more than a day or two or occurs multiple times a day, or if the stools contain blood or mucous, a woman should contact her doctor to ensure she is not becoming excessively dehydrated or has a serious condition.
The most important treatment for diarrhea during pregnancy is to consume plenty of fluids. Affected women should be on the lookout for symptoms of dehydration such as dry mouth, weakness, or infrequent urination. Loose, watery stools can easily lead to dehydration, so it is important to replace the fluids being lost. Water or sports drinks are both good choices to keep the body hydrated, while caffeinated or sugary beverages should be avoided.
Eating correctly is another good tactic for treating diarrhea during pregnancy. When the issue first arises, it can be useful to avoid eating anything for several hours to allow the digestive system to rest. Then it is important to eat easily digestible, bland foods that are easy on the stomach and help to bind the bowels. Following the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast is typically a good start. Other foods that are also gentle on digestion include potatoes, crackers, and broth.
In addition to eating the right foods, avoiding the wrong ones is important to address diarrhea during pregnancy. Anything that the woman may be allergic to should be avoided; for example, women with lactose intolerance should stay away from dairy products. Foods that are difficult to digest or may be hard on the stomach, such as fatty, fried, or spicy dishes, should also be left out during this time.
Since diarrhea is not actually a disease but a symptom, it is also important to take general good care of oneself as with any other illness when it occurs. Getting plenty of rest will help allow the body recuperate from the underlying cause. One should also be aware of any other symptoms such as fever or vomiting which may warrant a call to the doctor.