Nausea & Digestion
Diarrhoea in Pregnancy
Loose, frequent stools that can happen at any stage of pregnancy — usually short-lived, but worth watching for dehydration.
Written and fact-checked by the ParentVibes editorial team against WHO, NHS, ACOG and peer-reviewed guidance. Not yet reviewed by a named clinician.
Quick facts
- When it happens
- Any trimester
- Usual course
- Settles within a few days
- Main causes
- Stomach bugs, food, hormones, diet changes
- Biggest risk
- Dehydration
- See a doctor if
- Can't keep fluids down, or lasts beyond 2 days
Needing the bathroom urgently, with loose or watery stools, can happen to anyone at any time — and pregnancy doesn't make you immune. Most bouts of diarrhoea in pregnancy have the same everyday causes as at any other time, like a stomach bug or something that didn't agree with you, and settle on their own within a day or two.
What's different in pregnancy is that dehydration matters more, both for you and your baby, and a small number of warning signs mean diarrhoea should be checked rather than waited out. This guide covers common causes, safe ways to look after yourself, and when to get medical advice.
What is diarrhoea in pregnancy?
Diarrhoea means passing loose or watery stools, often more frequently than usual, sometimes with cramping, urgency or a general feeling of being unwell. It can be a one-off, isolated event or last a few days, and it can occur in any trimester — it isn't linked to a particular stage of pregnancy the way morning sickness or heartburn are.
For most people, a short bout of diarrhoea is unpleasant but not dangerous, and it resolves on its own within a couple of days. The main thing to watch is hydration, since being pregnant increases your fluid needs and dehydration can affect both you and your baby if it becomes significant.
Not the same as loose stools from other pregnancy changes
Some people notice looser stools near the very end of pregnancy as the body prepares for labour — this is different from an acute bout of diarrhoea from a bug or food, though the self-care overlaps.
What causes diarrhoea in pregnancy?
Pregnancy doesn't change the usual causes of diarrhoea much, though a few factors are more relevant when you're expecting.
Stomach bugs (gastroenteritis)
Viral or bacterial infections picked up from food, water or close contact with someone unwell are one of the most common causes, often alongside nausea, vomiting or a mild fever.
Food intolerances or new sensitivities
Pregnancy can change how your gut handles certain foods, including dairy or very rich meals, sometimes triggering loose stools that weren't a problem before.
Changes in diet or supplements
Eating more fibre, fruit or new foods, or starting a new prenatal vitamin, can temporarily loosen stools until your gut adjusts.
Pregnancy hormones
Hormonal shifts affect gut motility in both directions — while constipation is more common overall, some people experience looser stools, particularly in early pregnancy or as labour approaches.
Stress or anxiety
Stress can speed up gut transit for some people, contributing to looser, more urgent bowel movements.
Near your due date?
- Loose stools in the days before labour are common and thought to be your body's way of preparing
- This is different from an infection and doesn't usually come with fever or being generally unwell
- If in doubt, especially with other signs of labour, contact your midwife
When diarrhoea is normal
A short, self-limiting bout of diarrhoea is common and usually not a cause for concern. The following are reassuring:
- Loose stools that improve within a day or two with rest and fluids.
- You're able to keep sipping fluids and stay reasonably hydrated throughout.
- No high fever, severe pain, or blood in your stool.
- You feel tired but otherwise well between bathroom trips.
- Baby's movements continue as usual, if you're far enough along to feel them.
| Usually normal diarrhoea | Needs medical attention | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Improves within 1–2 days | Lasts more than 2 days, or keeps returning |
| Fluids | You can sip and keep fluids down | Can't keep fluids down, or signs of dehydration |
| Stool | Loose or watery, no blood | Blood or mucus in the stool |
| Other symptoms | Mild cramping, tiredness | High fever, severe pain, or regular tightenings before 37 weeks |
Rest and fluids do most of the work
Most short bouts of diarrhoea settle by themselves. Your main job is staying hydrated and resting — you don't usually need anything more than that for a mild, brief episode.
Warning signs — get medical help now
Certain features of diarrhoea in pregnancy need prompt medical attention. Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit urgently, or go to your nearest emergency department, if you have any of the following:
Seek urgent medical care if you have
- Signs of dehydration: you can't keep fluids down, very dark or infrequent urine, dizziness, a fast heartbeat, or feeling faint.
- Blood or mucus in your stool.
- A high fever, or you feel very unwell rather than just tired.
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain.
- Diarrhoea together with regular tightenings or period-like cramps before 37 weeks, which could be a sign of preterm labour.
- Diarrhoea lasting more than 2 days despite resting and drinking fluids.
If your baby's movements feel reduced or different from usual at any point, contact your maternity unit the same day, regardless of your other symptoms.
Dehydration is the main danger
The real risk with diarrhoea in pregnancy is dehydration, which can affect both you and your baby. If you can't keep fluids down, don't wait — contact your maternity unit or seek urgent care rather than trying to manage it alone.
Self-care & home remedies
Most short bouts of diarrhoea can be managed safely at home, with a strong focus on staying hydrated.
Focus on fluids
- Sip water regularly and often, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Oral rehydration solutions from a pharmacy can help replace lost salts and fluids — ask your pharmacist which is suitable in pregnancy.
- Avoid alcohol and go easy on caffeine, both of which can worsen dehydration.
Ease back into eating
- Eat small amounts of plain, easily digested food as you feel able — rice, toast, bananas and plain crackers are gentle options.
- Avoid very fatty, spicy or rich food until things settle.
- Reintroduce your normal diet gradually as symptoms improve.
Rest and hygiene
- Rest as much as you can — your body is working hard to recover.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially if a stomach bug is the likely cause, to avoid spreading it.
- Use a separate towel and be extra careful with food hygiene while you're unwell.
Check before taking anti-diarrhoea medicine
Not all over-the-counter anti-diarrhoea medicines are recommended in pregnancy. Speak to your pharmacist, doctor or midwife before taking anything, rather than reaching for what you'd normally use.
When to consult a doctor
Contact your doctor or midwife promptly (not necessarily an emergency, but don't wait it out) if:
- Diarrhoea lasts more than 2 days despite resting and drinking fluids.
- You're finding it hard to keep enough fluids down.
- You've recently travelled somewhere with a higher risk of stomach infections.
- You have an ongoing health condition that diarrhoea could affect, such as diabetes.
- You're not sure whether what you're feeling could be early labour, especially before 37 weeks.
Keep track of your symptoms
Noting how often you're unwell, what you've been able to keep down, and any other symptoms helps your midwife assess you quickly if you do need to call.
Open the Pregnancy TrackerFrequently asked questions
Can diarrhoea harm my baby?
A brief, mild bout of diarrhoea is very unlikely to harm your baby. The main risk is dehydration if it's severe or prolonged, which is why staying hydrated matters and why ongoing or severe diarrhoea should be checked.
Is it safe to take anti-diarrhoea medicine while pregnant?
Not all anti-diarrhoea medicines are recommended in pregnancy. Speak to your pharmacist, doctor or midwife before taking anything so they can suggest an option that's appropriate for you.
Could diarrhoea be a sign of labour?
Loose stools can sometimes happen in the days just before labour, as the body prepares. If you have diarrhoea along with regular tightenings or period-like cramps before 37 weeks, contact your maternity unit, as this combination could indicate preterm labour.
How much fluid should I be drinking if I have diarrhoea?
More than usual — sip water regularly throughout the day and consider an oral rehydration solution from a pharmacy if you're losing a lot of fluid. Ask your pharmacist which products are suitable during pregnancy.
When should I worry about diarrhoea in pregnancy?
Get checked if you can't keep fluids down, notice blood or mucus in your stool, have a high fever or severe pain, if it lasts more than two days, or if it comes with regular tightenings before 37 weeks.
What can I eat while I'm recovering?
Start with small amounts of plain, easily digested food like rice, toast, bananas and plain crackers, and avoid fatty, spicy or rich meals until your stomach settles. Gradually return to your normal diet as you feel better.
Your next steps
Track your pregnancy
Log symptoms week by week, get personalised tips, and see how your pregnancy is progressing.
Open Pregnancy TrackerPregnancy week-by-week
Follow your baby's growth and your body's changes from week 1 to 40 in plain language.
Explore the guideFind a gynaecologist
Have a personal concern? Book with a trusted obstetrician or gynaecologist near you.
Find a doctorRelated pregnancy symptoms
Helpful resources
Sources
- NHS — Pregnancy: common symptoms & concerns
- ACOG — Pregnancy resources (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
- WHO — Maternal health & pregnancy care
- NHS — Diarrhoea and vomiting in pregnancy
- NHS — Signs of premature labour
Next review due: 6 January 2027.
Medical disclaimer
This page is general information about a common pregnancy symptom and does not replace personal medical advice. Every pregnancy is different. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, a bad headache with vision changes, reduced or absent baby movements, breathing difficulty, fever, or you feel something is seriously wrong, contact your doctor or midwife or go to your nearest emergency department straight away. When in doubt, always get checked — it is never a waste of anyone's time.
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