Diarrhea During Pregnancy: 10 Safe Home Remedies

Pregnant women with diarrhea may experience frequent bowel movements, abdominal pain, fatigue, and dehydration, causing them to worry whether it will affect the fetus. Diarrhea is often not serious, but during pregnancy, taking over-the-counter or prescription medications without medical guidance may not be suitable for both mother and baby. Therefore, if you are looking for ways to treat diarrhea for pregnant women or treat diarrhea for pregnant women at home, it is important to prioritize rehydration, proper nutrition, and monitoring for unusual signs. In this article, Tiptory compiles natural, easy-to-implement care methods to help mothers reduce discomfort and know when to contact a doctor.

Method 1: Proper rehydration during diarrhea

Adequate rehydration is the top priority when a pregnant woman has diarrhea

• Diarrhea causes the body to lose water and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. If the lost fluids are not replenished, pregnant women can suffer from dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, or weakness. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies rehydration as the most important measure to prevent and manage dehydration caused by diarrhea.

• Keep a water bottle nearby and sip frequently throughout the day. There's no need to try to drink a large amount at once; breaking up the intake makes rehydration easier, especially if you are nauseous.

• If you are looking for ways to treat diarrhea for pregnant women at home, don't just focus on reducing the frequency of bowel movements. The primary goal is to replenish lost water and electrolytes.

Prioritize electrolyte rehydration solutions when experiencing severe diarrhea

• When experiencing frequent diarrhea or showing signs of dehydration, oral rehydration solution (ORS) can help replenish both water and electrolytes. WHO recommends ORS containing glucose and electrolytes in appropriate ratios for more effective water absorption by the body.

• If using packaged ORS, mix with the exact amount of water indicated on the package, usually 1 sachet with the amount of water specified by the manufacturer. Do not arbitrarily make it more concentrated or diluted as this can alter the electrolyte concentration of the solution.

• For pregnant women with diarrhea, it is advisable to ask a doctor or pharmacist about suitable ORS, especially when diarrhea is prolonged, frequent, accompanied by vomiting, or if there is an underlying medical condition that requires careful fluid and electrolyte management.

Avoid making homemade rehydration drinks with non-standard recipes

• The recipe for water with maple syrup, sea salt, and lemon, as mentioned in the original content, is not a standard WHO ORS formula. Therefore, experts do not recommend using this formula to replace a standard electrolyte rehydration solution.

• If packaged ORS is unavailable, WHO provides a homemade rehydration formula consisting of 1 liter of clean water, 6 teaspoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. However, for pregnant women, if diarrhea is significant or there are signs of dehydration, it is better to prioritize standard ORS products and consult healthcare professionals rather than self-adjusting the formula.

Know when to see a doctor

• Do not solely rely on treating diarrhea for pregnant women at home if the condition becomes severe. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience signs of dehydration, inability to drink enough fluids, severe vomiting, prolonged diarrhea, blood in your stool, or worsening health. WHO also recommends seeking medical evaluation for prolonged diarrhea, blood in stool, or signs of dehydration.

• During pregnancy, proper rehydration is like "maintaining a safe water level for the body": don't wait until you are very thirsty to start drinking. If diarrhea is severe, prioritize rehydration and electrolytes, and consult a doctor before taking any anti-diarrhea medication.

Method 2: Eat light for easier digestion

Prioritize soft, easily digestible foods when a pregnant woman has diarrhea

• When a pregnant woman has diarrhea, her digestive system can become more sensitive. If still feeling hungry, start with simple foods like bananas, white rice, applesauce, or toast. These are all soft, easy-to-eat foods that have been recommended for a light diet during diarrhea.

• ACOG also states that bland foods like bananas, rice, and toast can be easier to digest during pregnancy, especially when the mother is experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort.

No need to strictly follow the BRAT diet

• BRAT stands for banana, rice, applesauce, and toast. However, current guidelines do not recommend eating only these four foods for an extended period to treat diarrhea for pregnant women.

• NIDDK states that people with acute diarrhea can usually return to a normal diet when they feel able to eat; fasting or following an overly restrictive diet does not help treat diarrhea.

• As you are pregnant, you still need a variety of foods to provide the necessary energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals for both you and the fetus.

Eat small portions and gradually increase as your stomach feels better

• If you are still bloated or having frequent bowel movements, divide your food into several small meals instead of one large meal.

• You can start with white rice, porridge, boiled potatoes, toast, bananas, or low-fat dishes. As symptoms subside, gradually add protein and other food groups to return to a balanced diet.

• During diarrhea, you should limit fried foods, caffeinated beverages, sugary drinks, and foods that you notice worsen your symptoms. Some people may temporarily have difficulty digesting lactose after an acute episode of diarrhea.

Don't forget to rehydrate in conjunction with eating

• Food is only one part of treating diarrhea for pregnant women at home. More importantly, continue to replenish fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.

• If diarrhea is severe, accompanied by vomiting, or signs of dehydration appear, the mother should contact a doctor for guidance on rehydration and evaluation of the cause, instead of just changing her diet.

Method 3: Divide meals when having diarrhea

Divide into smaller meals to reduce pressure on the digestive system

• When a pregnant woman has diarrhea, loss of appetite or abdominal discomfort can make her reluctant to eat. Instead of trying to eat 3 large meals, divide food into smaller portions and eat when you feel you can tolerate it. This approach can help the mother eat more easily while still getting energy throughout the day.

• There's no need to fast to treat diarrhea for pregnant women. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), people with acute diarrhea are not recommended to fast or follow an overly restrictive diet; when their appetite returns, most can gradually return to a normal diet.

Eat small portions but still ensure nutrition

• If you're not ready to eat a lot, you can start with small amounts of easily digestible foods like rice, porridge, toast, or bananas, then gradually increase as tolerated.

• When your stomach feels better, gradually add nutrient-rich food groups instead of eating only a few items for an extended period. This is especially important during pregnancy as you still need energy and nutrients for both yourself and the fetus.

• If you have no appetite at all, don't force yourself to eat a large meal. Try a few small bites of food every few hours and continue to drink enough water and electrolyte replacement solution as needed.

Avoid foods that may worsen diarrhea

• During home treatment for diarrhea in pregnant women, it's best to temporarily limit foods and drinks that might exacerbate symptoms, such as:

  • Fried or high-fat foods.

  • Caffeinated beverages like coffee and some teas.

  • Soft drinks, or beverages and foods high in simple sugars.

  • Milk and dairy products if you notice they worsen diarrhea or bloating.

Prioritize rehydration if food intake is poor

• Eating little for a short period is often less concerning than allowing the body to become dehydrated. Diarrhea causes the loss of both water and electrolytes, so the mother needs to continue drinking water and can use appropriate electrolyte rehydration solution when diarrhea is severe.

• If diarrhea is prolonged, becomes severe, the mother cannot drink enough water, has signs of dehydration, or blood appears in the stool, she should contact a doctor. NIDDK notes that pregnant women with diarrhea are at higher risk of complications and should maintain contact with their doctor when concerning symptoms arise.

Method 4: Nutritional supplementation during diarrhea

Add nutrient-rich foods when your stomach feels better

• When a pregnant woman has diarrhea, she should not only eat white rice, bananas, or bread for a long time. Once she can eat again, she should gradually add various food groups to meet her nutritional needs during pregnancy. ACOG recommends that a pregnant woman's diet should be diverse, including grains, vegetables, fruits, protein-rich foods, and milk or suitable alternatives.

• If the digestive system has stabilized, you can start with starchy and easily digestible foods like potatoes, unsweetened cereals, plain crackers, then gradually add cooked vegetables and protein-rich foods.

Prioritize easily digestible protein for recovery

• Protein is essential for maintaining and repairing body tissues. During pregnancy, mothers can supplement protein from eggs, poultry, fish, lean meat, yogurt, cheese, beans, and nuts, depending on their tolerance.

• If you're looking to treat diarrhea for pregnant women at home, don't force yourself to eat protein-rich foods if they cause more stomach discomfort. Start with small amounts, prioritize low-fat foods, and gradually increase as symptoms subside.

• Fish, poultry, or lean meat can be reintroduced into the diet once the mother is eating better. During pregnancy, it's crucial to choose thoroughly cooked foods and adhere to food safety principles.

Yogurt can be consumed if the body tolerates it well

• Yogurt provides protein and calcium, and some products contain live microorganisms. This is a food option that can be added during pregnancy if it doesn't cause bloating or worsen diarrhea.

• However, yogurt or probiotics should not be considered a guaranteed method to cure diarrhea. NIDDK states that evidence regarding the use of probiotics to treat or prevent diarrhea is not yet strong enough for widespread recommendation.

• If choosing yogurt during pregnancy, prioritize pasteurized products and store them correctly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Do not force yourself to eat if your digestive system is not ready

• If you still have diarrhea or loss of appetite, you don't need to force yourself to eat a lot. NIDDK states that when appetite returns, most people with acute diarrhea can gradually return to a normal diet. There is no evidence to suggest that a strictly restricted diet must be maintained to treat diarrhea in pregnant women.

• The important thing is to continue to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes, then gradually increase the variety of foods. If a food item worsens diarrhea or abdominal pain, temporarily stop eating it and try again after your digestive system has stabilized.

• If diarrhea is prolonged, frequent, bloody, accompanied by fever, severe vomiting, inability to drink enough fluids, or signs of dehydration, pregnant women should contact a doctor instead of continuing to self-treat diarrhea at home.

Method 5: Proper electrolyte replenishment during diarrhea

Replenish water and electrolytes to prevent dehydration

• When a pregnant woman has diarrhea, her body loses not only water but also electrolytes. Therefore, rehydration and electrolyte replenishment are important priorities during recovery. NIDDK recommends consuming electrolyte-containing liquids, including broth, to help prevent dehydration.

• During pregnancy, water needs are already increased. ACOG recommends that pregnant women drink approximately 8–12 cups of water daily, equivalent to about 1.9–2.8 liters, depending on individual needs and physical condition. When experiencing diarrhea, the amount of fluid needed may increase due to fluid loss through stool.

Fruit juice can be consumed but not in excessive amounts

• Some fruit juices can provide potassium and water, such as orange juice or apple juice. NIDDK also lists fruit juices among the types of fluids that can be used to replenish water and electrolytes in people with acute gastroenteritis.

• However, fruit juices contain high amounts of simple sugars, which can worsen diarrhea in some people. Therefore, if you are treating diarrhea for pregnant women at home, prioritize plain water or ORS and avoid overly sweet fruit juices or those with added sugar. NIDDK recommends limiting sugary drinks when experiencing acute diarrhea.

Consider electrolyte-containing sports drinks

• Sports drinks containing electrolytes can help replenish some lost fluids and electrolytes. This is one of the options mentioned by NIDDK for managing acute diarrhea at home.

• However, sports drinks are not entirely equivalent to ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution). If diarrhea is severe, accompanied by vomiting, or signs of dehydration, ORS is generally a more suitable choice because it is formulated with a specific combination of glucose and electrolytes to aid rehydration.

Prioritize ORS when diarrhea is severe or there's a risk of dehydration

• If a pregnant woman has frequent diarrhea, she should ask a doctor or pharmacist about a suitable ORS instead of just drinking fruit juice or sports drinks.

• When using packaged ORS, mix it with the correct amount of water according to the product instructions. Do not arbitrarily make it more concentrated or add sugar or salt, as this can alter the electrolyte concentration.

• Do not consider fruit juices or sports drinks as the primary method to treat diarrhea for pregnant women. The most important goal is to maintain adequate fluids and electrolytes while monitoring symptom progression.

Seek medical attention if signs of dehydration appear

• Contact a doctor if diarrhea is prolonged or becomes severe, especially if the mother cannot drink enough fluids, vomits frequently, urinates little, has dark urine, dizziness, or blood in her stool. NIDDK notes that pregnant women with diarrhea are at higher risk of complications and should stay in touch with their doctor.

• If the goal is to treat diarrhea for pregnant women at home, you can start with simple principles: rehydrate first, replenish electrolytes when necessary, limit sugary drinks, and do not take medication without guidance. This is a safer approach than just trying to reduce the frequency of bowel movements.

Method 6: Replenish water and sodium with broth

Drinking diluted broth can help rehydrate and replenish electrolytes

• When a pregnant woman has diarrhea, her body loses water along with electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. NIDDK recommends consuming electrolyte-containing liquids, including broth, to help prevent dehydration.

• The mother can have a small bowl of chicken broth or vegetable broth if she finds it easier to consume than plain water. Broth provides fluids and a certain amount of sodium, and is also suitable when experiencing loss of appetite or slight nausea.

Choose light, low-fat, and easily digestible broth

• If you are looking to treat diarrhea for pregnant women at home, prioritize clear broth that is low in fat and not too spicy or heavily seasoned.

• You can add a small amount of lean chicken, rice, or noodles to the broth when the mother starts eating better. This helps to provide additional energy and protein instead of just drinking liquid.

Do not completely substitute broth for ORS

• Broth can contribute to fluid and sodium replacement, but it does not have electrolytes in the optimal ratio like oral rehydration solution (ORS). Therefore, if diarrhea is severe or there are signs of dehydration, mothers should not rely solely on broth for fluid replacement.

• If significant electrolyte replacement is needed, ask your doctor or pharmacist about appropriate ORS. This is especially important when a pregnant woman has diarrhea accompanied by vomiting or an inability to drink enough water.

Monitor for signs of dehydration and know when to seek medical attention

• If diarrhea does not improve, lasts longer than 2 days, contains blood or pus, is accompanied by fever, severe abdominal pain, or shows signs of dehydration such as excessive thirst, dizziness, fatigue, decreased urination, or dark urine, the mother should contact a healthcare professional.

• Pregnant women need to pay special attention to dehydration because diarrhea and vomiting can cause the body to lose too much fluid. The ACOG recommends talking to an obstetrician if dehydration is suspected.

• Therefore, when treating diarrhea in pregnant women, broth can be considered a "bridge" to help the mother more easily supplement fluids and sodium, but proper rehydration and electrolyte replacement remain the focus.

Method 7: Limit dairy, sugar, and caffeine

Temporarily limit dairy, sugar, and caffeine during diarrhea

• When a pregnant woman has diarrhea, some foods and drinks can worsen symptoms. The NIDDK recommends that people with acute diarrhea limit caffeinated beverages, foods or drinks high in simple sugars, and milk and dairy products containing lactose if they increase symptoms.

Reduce caffeine during diarrhea

• Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some sodas containing caffeine can stimulate the digestive tract and are not good choices when experiencing diarrhea.

• For pregnant women, the ACOG recommends limiting total caffeine intake to under 200 mg per day. When experiencing diarrhea, mothers can temporarily reduce or avoid caffeine to limit the potential for worsening symptoms.

• If you need to stay alert, prioritize water or appropriate electrolyte replacement drinks instead of coffee, strong tea, or energy drinks. This is especially helpful when the goal is to treat diarrhea in pregnant women at home.

Temporarily reduce dairy if consumption worsens diarrhea

• After an episode of acute diarrhea, some people may temporarily have difficulty digesting lactose in milk. This condition can sometimes last for several weeks or longer.

• Therefore, if drinking milk causes bloating, abdominal pain, or increased bowel movements, you may temporarily reduce milk and high-lactose products for a short period.

• However, not all pregnant women need to completely avoid dairy. If tolerated, dairy products can provide essential calcium and vitamin D during pregnancy. The NIDDK also notes that individuals with lactose intolerance may still tolerate a certain amount of lactose.

Limit high-sugar drinks and foods

• Soft drinks, high-sugar fruit juices, sweets, and high-sugar desserts can worsen diarrhea in some people. High amounts of simple sugars can draw water into the intestines, making stool looser.

• When treating diarrhea in pregnant women, prioritize water, ORS, or appropriate fluids instead of sugary sodas. If drinking fruit juice, avoid varieties with added sugar.

No need for excessive restriction

• Limiting dairy, sugar, and caffeine does not mean mothers have to fast or adopt an overly strict diet. The NIDDK states that people with acute diarrhea can usually return to their normal diet when they feel able to eat, and only need to restrict foods that actually worsen symptoms.

• If a food does not cause discomfort, it is not necessary to eliminate it completely. Observe your body's reaction and adjust your menu according to your tolerance.

Prioritize rehydration and symptom monitoring

• Restricting certain foods is only a supportive measure, not a treatment for the underlying cause of diarrhea. The focus of treating diarrhea in pregnant women at home is still to drink enough water and supplement electrolytes when needed.

• Because pregnant women are at higher risk of complications from diarrhea, the NIDDK recommends staying in contact with a doctor if diarrhea occurs, especially if symptoms persist or there are unusual signs.

Isabella Moore Family general practitioner

Graduated from Duke University School of Medicine, with 12 years of experience in internal medicine and routine family healthcare. Currently working at Houston Methodist Hospital, distinguished by practical, long-term applicable treatment methods.