A pregnant woman’s body goes through a lot of physical and biological changes during the nine-month period. Apart from suffering from problems like morning sickness, nausea, body pain, etc. pregnant women also often have to deal with diarrhea or loose motions. Let’s take a look at how to stop motions during pregnancy.

Getting loose motions during pregnancy is nothing to worry about and is not a cause of some underlying issue. But it can be uncomfortable for the ‘to be moms’ and hence, some things can be done to stop the motions.

Why do pregnant women get loose motions?

Dr Sonal Kumta, Senior Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Fortis Hospital, says, “Like any other person, a pregnant woman can get loose motions either due to stomach infections, gastroenteritis, or food poisoning.” That is why it is often recommended that pregnant patients have a diet based on home-cooked meals that are freshly cooked. They must avoid eating food from roadside stalls or unhygienic places that could give them stomach infections. Dr Kumta further says that it is essential to prevent infections during pregnancy as there might arise a need to treat them with antibiotics, which can harm the growth and safety of the fetus.

How to stop motions during pregnancy?

1. Increase your fluid intake

The best way to treat loose motion is through proper hydration. When a person is suffering from loose motions, they lose fluid from their body at a fast rate and hence, it is essential to replenish what is lost. “Some popular home remedies include hydration with warm or cold water, oral rehydration liquids containing lots of electrolytes like lemon juice and coconut water,” says Dr Kumta.

2. Take probiotics

Probiotics are a combination of healthy bacteria and yeast that help your body fight with the bad bacteria. They are especially good for your digestive system and can help stop the motions. Probiotics or medications that will improve the gut flora and fight against infections are recommended by Dr Kumta. For example, buttermilk and curd are natural probiotics and can be taken.

3. Antibiotics

If nothing works, the only alternative is to use safe antibiotics to kill the organisms that have given rise to stomach infections. But antibiotics can pose a risk to the pregnant woman or her baby. Hence, the doctor advises that antibiotics should only be prescribed to a pregnant woman when they are safe for her unborn child. Do consult your doctor before taking any kind of antibiotic.