Diarrhea before childbirth – signs of the imminent arrival of the baby in the world

Diarrhea is a symptom from the gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by an increased amount of stool, a change in its consistency or an increase in the frequency of bowel movements. The affected person usually has to use the toilet more than 3 times a day. Usually it does not require treatment, but it is necessary to protect against dehydration. The reasons are many. They are most often associated with bacterial or viral infections. Interestingly, many women develop diarrhea before giving birth. This is a perfectly normal condition.

What does diarrhea before childbirth mean?

Diarrhea before childbirth is a symptom that many people do not associate with the impending birth of a child. Meanwhile, it turns out that quite a few moms-to-be are experiencing it. This is a physiological phenomenon related to the action of pregnancy hormones.

Diarrhea before childbirth is associated with an increase in prostaglandin levels. These hormones are needed for uterine contraction activity to begin. However, these substances affect the entire body, not just the reproductive organs. They cause increased water secretion, accelerate the transport of ingredients between the cells of the digestive system and stimulate smooth muscle contractions. Thus, the intestines empty faster.

How much earlier does diarrhea occur before delivery?

An important consideration is how much diarrhea occurs before delivery. This symptom can already be observed in the last weeks of pregnancy. It usually occurs after the bottom of the uterus is lowered. However, this is not the rule. Sometimes diarrhea appears only a few hours before delivery. Dismissal is therefore not an indication to head for the delivery room. The mother-to-be should keep a close eye on her body.

Many women also wonder how long diarrhea can last before giving birth. There is no clear answer to this question either. This symptom usually does not last long. However, he may still be present in the delivery room. Regardless of the duration, measures should be taken to prevent the onset of water-electrolyte disorders. They are very dangerous for the pregnant woman and her baby.

What is the importance of cleansing before childbirth?

Cleansing the body before childbirth is very important. It is a way to remove toxic substances, but not only. During its course, the removal of fecal deposits that linger in the intestines takes place. This allows the baby to pass unhindered through the birth canal.

When fecal deposits are present in the intestines or the lower intestine is filled with stool, the baby may have trouble squeezing through the birth canal. The toddler has very little space there anyway. The woman’s body instinctively tries to counteract this, the very symptom of which is diarrhea before labor.

Dissolution before childbirth vs. stress

Diarrhea before childbirth can also be the result of stress. Under the influence of a strong emotional reaction, certain areas of the nervous system are activated. Adrenaline secretion also increases. The hormone acts on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. In the stomach, the amount of digestive juices increases. There are also intestinal contractions that increase peristalsis.

Pre-partum diarrhea due to stress is not uncommon. Even long before termination, there are already negative feelings about bringing a child into the world. Women are afraid of complications and pain. Just before the actual delivery, there is general anxiety, the heart begins to beat faster, and hot flashes are also present. In such a situation, the body may react with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complaints.

Does every woman develop diarrhea before childbirth?

It is worth remembering that diarrhea before childbirth does not have to occur in every pregnant woman. Its absence should not be a cause for concern. Every body reacts differently. However, it is a possible and common symptom. So it is worth taking into account the possibility of diathesis associated with childbirth.

What other signals indicate that childbirth is imminent?

Diarrhea before labor is not the only sign that a solution is imminent. Pregnant women may also be bothered by other gastrointestinal complaints. Vomiting often occurs. Their purpose, too, is to cleanse the body before childbirth. They can also be a reaction to stress. In addition, the mother-to-be may experience bloating and rectal pushing. When the birth of a child is imminent, a woman usually has no appetite. He also loses a little weight (about 1 kg) a few days before.

However, the only sure sign that labor has begun is the contraction activity of the uterus. Contractions are cyclical. Initially, they appear every 10-30 minutes. Later, it gets to the point where they occur every 2 minutes, and each one is painful and long (can last up to 90 seconds). Contractions are needed for the cervix to dilate.

Diarrhea before childbirth vs. infection

It may be that diarrhea occurring in the last weeks of pregnancy is not related to the impending delivery. This symptom is associated with disorders from the gastrointestinal tract – especially a viral or bacterial infection. Dissolution is also the result of food hypersensitivity. A woman should observe her body for other signs of impending labor or ailments and take appropriate steps based on this.

Prevention of diarrhea before childbirth

With diarrhea before childbirth, it is very important to prevent water and electrolyte disorders. The mother-to-be should drink increased amounts of water. It is important to drink in small sips – especially when nausea and vomiting are also present. You can support yourself with ready-made hydration preparations, which are available at the pharmacy without a prescription.

It is not necessary to give up eating when suffering from diarrhea. However, attention should be paid to the foods consumed. The dishes should be easily digestible. It is necessary to eliminate products that have a lot of fiber. Rice gruel, baked apple, cooked carrots, wheat bread work well. Once the symptoms have subsided, the diet should be expanded gradually. No medication for diarrhea is recommended.