Gastrointestinal Disease and Pregnancy D. Diarrhea


Description

Diarrhea, defined as three or more bowel movements per day, is common in pregnant women. It is typically associated with an increase in stool volume (>300g/day in up to 34% of pregnant women)

Symptoms

Consistent diarrhea, weight loss, malnutrition, fever, or signs of volume depletion are all symptoms of diarrhea.

Book an appointment with your gynaecologist if you experience any of these symptoms.


Causes

Smooth muscle contractions caused by prostaglandins can increase GI expulsion forces. Common causes of diarrhoea include food poisoning, medications, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Diagnostics

For patients with diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours, a laboratory evaluation with stool studies for bacterial culture, ova, parasites, fecal leukocytes, and a stool assay for Clostridium difficile infection is recommended.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is used to treat persistent diarrhea.


Treatment


Control diarrhea with fluid replacement and non-systemic medications such as bismuth salicylate and Loperamide.
Treat patients with irritable bowel syndrome with a high-fiber diet and stool-bulking agents.

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