During the summer, it is normal for us to experience diarrhea or abdominal pain caused by diarrhea. However, for expectant mothers, these symptoms can be more challenging as it is inconvenient for them to take medication during pregnancy. As the saying goes, "medicine is three parts poison," which means that medication can have an impact on everyone, let alone expectant mothers and their unborn babies. So, what are the causes of diarrhea and abdominal pain in pregnant women during the summer? How can it be prevented? What should pregnant women do if they have diarrhea or abdominal pain? Below, I will provide some measures for expectant mothers to cope with these issues!
Causes of Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain in Pregnant Women
1. Infection: Bacteria and viruses can cause infections in the digestive system, which is the most common cause of diarrhea in pregnant women. Common pathogens that cause infections include Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, and viruses. Food poisoning or viral infections in other parts of the body can also cause diarrhea in pregnant women.
2. Dietary factors: Consuming rough or spoiled food and having poor dietary habits, or being allergic to seafood and other foods can cause diarrhea.
3. Underlying chronic diseases: Conditions such as thyroid disease, tuberculosis, and colitis can also cause diarrhea in pregnant women. If the diarrhea shows no signs of infection, lifestyle adjustments can be made to minimize the need for injections or medication.
Prevention of Diarrhea in Pregnant Women
1. Fasting during the acute phase: During an episode of acute diarrhea, it is necessary to temporarily fast to allow the intestines to rest. Intravenous fluid may be administered if necessary to prevent excessive dehydration.
2. Light liquid diet: In the early stages of diarrhea, consuming light liquid foods such as fruit juice and rice soup is recommended. It is important to avoid consuming milk, sugarcane, and other liquid foods that produce gas.
3. Dietary choices: After the diarrhea has subsided, a low-fat, low-residue semi-liquid or soft diet can be followed. Eating small meals at regular intervals facilitates digestion. It is also advisable to limit the intake of fibrous vegetables and fruits and gradually transition to a regular diet.
4. Vitamin supplementation: Daily intake of vitamin B and vitamin C is important for preventing diarrhea.
5. Pregnant women who experience diarrhea after consuming formula milk should investigate the cause and temporarily stop the milk. It is also important to avoid consuming cold foods and pay attention to staying warm during cold seasons.
What to Do if Pregnant Women Have Diarrhea
1. Adequate fluid replacement: It is important to replenish the lost fluids, electrolytes, and potassium ions due to diarrhea. It is also essential to closely monitor the condition of the fetus for any signs of preterm labor or miscarriage.
2. Be cautious with medication: Pregnant women should be cautious when using antibiotics. Many commonly used antibiotics and antiprotozoal drugs have potential adverse effects and may even cause birth defects. Mild antidiarrheal agents that reduce intestinal motility and absorb water can be considered. Avoid using opiate drugs to stop diarrhea, as they can lead to bacterial overgrowth and repeated infections, worsening the diarrhea.
3. Pregnant women with diarrhea who are about to give birth should be isolated to prevent the spread of intestinal infectious diseases and ensure the safety of the baby and other expectant mothers.
4. Most cases of diarrhea in pregnant women resolve within 24-96 hours. If treatment is ineffective, stool culture and sensitivity testing, as well as examination for intestinal parasites, should be conducted. If necessary, a colonoscopy should be performed to rule out inflammatory bowel disease.
5. If the condition of the fetus is abnormal in pregnant women with diarrhea, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications such as miscarriage or preterm labor.
Dietary Therapy for Diarrhea in Pregnant Women
Pregnant women with diarrhea should pay attention to dietary adjustments and refrain from taking medication without proper guidance. They should consume foods rich in vitamin C and folic acid.
1. Consume at least one food rich in vitamin C every day, such as citrus fruits, cauliflower, honey, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
2. Consume at least one food rich in folic acid every day, such as dark green vegetables, lean beef, and legumes. Pregnant women need 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.
3. Consume foods rich in vitamin A every other day, including carrots, pumpkins, spinach, and cabbage.
4. Consume at least four servings of dairy products and high-calcium foods daily to obtain 1200 milligrams of calcium in the regular diet. Consume at least three servings of iron-rich foods daily to ensure an intake of 30 milligrams of iron from the regular diet.
5. Drink plenty of water and eat millet rice. Avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods, as well as cold and greasy foods.
6. Reduce the portion size and extend the interval between meals.
7. Consume easily digestible foods such as rice soup and noodles. Eat foods that have an antidiarrheal effect, such as boiled eggs, fried rice noodles, sugar-salt water, and rice soup. Avoid meat and reduce the intake of fruits and vegetables, especially fried and grilled foods.
9 Types of Foods to Avoid for Pregnant Women with Diarrhea
1. Stimulating foods: Foods with strong stimulation, such as chili peppers, mustard, pepper, and garlic, can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and easily cause diarrhea or inflammation, further hindering the recovery of gastrointestinal function.
2. Oily and greasy foods: Excessively greasy foods can increase the burden on the stomach and cause indigestion, leading to diarrhea. This is known as fat diarrhea, and therefore, it is advisable for people with diarrhea to avoid consuming oily foods as it will only worsen the condition.
3. Cold foods: Consumption of cold drinks and cold dishes can stimulate the intestines, accelerating intestinal motility and worsening diarrhea.
4. Coarse grains: Foods such as sweet potatoes, corn, sorghum, and wheat are considered coarse grains. Most coarse grains are difficult to digest for the human body. Consuming coarse grains while experiencing diarrhea will only burden the stomach and intestines without neutralizing the loose stools.
5. Foods that promote bowel movements: Foods such as peaches, bananas, and honey that have a laxative effect and promote bowel movements can exacerbate the condition.
6. Eggs: People with diarrhea have reduced digestive secretions and enzyme activity, leading to metabolic disorders. Consuming eggs can worsen the condition.
7. Garlic: Although garlic has antimicrobial properties, it also has a strong stimulating effect that can aggravate diarrhea. Pregnant women should especially avoid eating eggs if they experience diarrhea.
8. High-fiber vegetables and fruits: Most high-fiber vegetables, like bamboo shoots, celery, spinach, black fungus, shiitake mushrooms, seaweed, and pumpkin, are difficult for the body to digest (vegetable fibers cannot be absorbed). Therefore, they should be consumed in moderation when experiencing diarrhea.
9. Dairy products and seafood: These two types of food can be factors that cause diarrhea for some individuals. Such symptoms are likely to be due to allergic enteritis, and it is important to identify the allergen, such as milk or seafood. Avoiding or reducing the consumption of allergenic foods can help prevent allergic enteritis and the resulting diarrhea.
Did you find the information about the causes of diarrhea and abdominal pain in pregnant women during the summer, how to prevent diarrhea, what to do if pregnant women have diarrhea, and dietary therapy for diarrhea helpful? In any case, it is best not to take medication without proper guidance, as it can have a significant impact on the baby.
