Show
Last Updated on May 14, 2019 Pregnancy symptoms are varied, confusing, and not in the least pleasant. From morning sickness and acid reflux to swollen ankles and a sore back, you can imagine the discomfort a pregnant woman is in for. One of these symptoms is diarrhoea. Many pregnant women experience loose stools, especially in early pregnancy as the baby begins growing rapidly. This then poses the question, is diarrhoea a sign of pregnancy? Before a missed period, a bout of diarrhoea can make this seem likely. But, let’s explore if it holds true otherwise. Can Diarrhoea be a Sign of Pregnancy?It is true that some women experience diarrhoea in early pregnancy, but this isn’t a good indicator of pregnancy. You can be sure of being pregnant only by taking a valid pregnancy test. This is because diarrhoea may be caused due to various reasons, many of which have nothing to do with you being pregnant. You may have changed your diet which upset your digestive system or may have a caught an infection in your intestine. Indigestion, digestive disorders and urogenital disorders may also be a reason for severe loose stools. Should You Worry?The onset of diarrhoea after a missed period does not need to be a reason for worry. As mentioned, pregnant women may experience diarrhoea, but it is not a sure indicator of pregnancy. If you notice that your diarrhoea symptoms are not long term, you have nothing to worry about. However, if you face any other symptoms like blood in the stool, a high temperature and nausea, along with diarrhoea, it is best to consult a doctor to rule out any serious concerns. Effective Measures to Stop DiarrhoeaThere is no major concern if you have diarrhoea unless it is accompanied by symptoms mentioned above. However, this does not stop one from feeling intensely uncomfortable and annoying. While it will reduce on its own, it is better to do something from your end to expedite the process. Here are some things that you can do to get your diarrhoea under control.
Diarrhoea, although not a definitive sign of pregnancy, can be a hassle to deal with. If you experience it, do not assume it to be a sign. Instead, take a pregnancy test and confirm. You can then take measures to get much-needed relief from diarrhoea. Also Read: Unique Signs & Symptoms of Pregnancy What are common symptoms of pregnancy?Everyone experiences different symptoms of pregnancy and at different times. It’s important not to compare your pregnancy to someone else’s because pregnancy symptoms can vary so dramatically. There are several signs of early pregnancy that you may or may not have. The most common symptoms include:
Remember, the only way to know for sure that you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test or have your healthcare provider perform an ultrasound. What are some less common signs of early pregnancy?There are some additional signs of early pregnancy that aren’t as common. Just like with the most common symptoms, these signs of pregnancy may or may not happen. It’s important to remember that everyone is different and experiences signs of pregnancy differently. Less common signs of early pregnancy can include:
How early do pregnancy symptoms start?It varies. Some people feel pregnant within a few days of conception, while other people don’t feel pregnant for weeks after a positive pregnancy test. Pregnancy symptoms vary between people and even between pregnancies. Can you feel pregnant before you miss your period?Yes, you can feel pregnant before you miss your period. Some people say they’ve felt pregnancy symptoms within a week of conception (about one week before a missed period). Could I have the symptoms of early pregnancy and not be pregnant?Many of the symptoms of early pregnancy overlap with other medical conditions, as well as your typical menstrual cycle. Premenstrual symptoms can be very similar to pregnancy symptoms. This can make it difficult to tell the difference. You can also miss a period and not be pregnant. This can happen when you lose or gain a lot of weight or are stressed. Breastfeeding can also cause your period to stop. The best way to know you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are available at your local pharmacy or grocery store without a prescription. How soon can I take a pregnancy test?Pregnancy tests work by detecting a certain level of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in your pee. You can take a pregnancy test as soon as you’ve missed your period. However, it’s best to wait at least one week after you’ve missed your period to get the most accurate results. While some tests claim to give you accurate results before a missed period, taking a test too soon can result in a false negative (the test says you aren’t pregnant, but you are). Your healthcare provider can take a blood sample to test for pregnancy as early as one week before a missed period. When should I call my doctor about a new pregnancy?If you’ve missed your period and gotten a positive pregnancy test, your next step will be to call your healthcare provider for your first appointment. While scheduling, your provider may ask if you have already started taking a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid. Prenatal vitamins are important in early pregnancy because they help in the development of the fetal neural tube. The neural tube will become your baby’s brain and spine. Many healthcare providers recommend that anyone who could become pregnant take folic acid at all times. If you’re planning a pregnancy, a preconception appointment with your healthcare provider is a good place to start. A preconception appointment is especially important if you take medication for a chronic illness or have other medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or lupus. During this appointment, your provider will discuss any current medical conditions, as well as your general health before pregnancy. This appointment is meant to get you into the best place for a new pregnancy. A note from Cleveland Clinic Everyone experiences pregnancy differently. Things like missing your period, sore or tender breasts, feeling more tired and nausea (morning sickness) are common symptoms of early pregnancy. Some people have symptoms of pregnancy before they miss their period. Take an at-home pregnancy test if you think you might be pregnant. They’re available at most grocery stores and are highly accurate when used correctly. Call your healthcare provider if you get a positive result. Early prenatal care is important and ensures you and the fetus are healthy. Is diarrhea a symptom of pregnancy before missed period?That said, some people consider diarrhea an early sign of pregnancy. It's true that hormone changes around the time of conception and in the first weeks of pregnancy can cause stomach issues and even lead to diarrhea. However, breast tenderness, fatigue, and nausea are much more common symptoms of early pregnancy.
What is early pregnancy diarrhea like?Diarrhea in pregnancy first trimester (and second) is usually mild, but having the runs because of an upset stomach during pregnancy 3rd trimester is most common. Symptoms of diarrhea include: Loose watery stools 3+ times per day. Urgent frequent need to have a bowel movement.
|