Pregnancy can cause some bowel issues. You may either be constipated or have diarrhea. Stool may also be discolored or bloody. This condition is very common especially in the first trimester.

What causes bowel issues during pregnancy

Constipation :This is common during pregnancy. Delayed passage of bowel contents (slow transit) is the most common cause of constipation during pregnancy. Some other causes include :

• lack of fiber in your diet
• not drinking enough fluids
• medications such as  antacids, iron supplements, or narcotic pain medicines that were given during labor

Diarrhea : This could be due to food poisoning in which case it may resolve within 24 hours. Hormonal changes could also result in this.  Other causes are bacterial or viral infection.

Hemorrhoids : These  are also common during pregnancy and cause stool to become bloody.  It may be due to

• pressure placed on the blood vessels in the lower belly from the growing uterus
• constipation can also cause strained bowel movements. You can drink lots of water and eat lots of fiber to prevent constipation.

Bleeding can occur anywhere in the digestive tract. Blood that takes longer to pass through the digestive tract looks black and tarry. Those that move fast or occur near the rectum appears red or bright  red.

Call your doctor if your stools are black or bright red stools.

NOTE

Taking medications such as those with bismuth subsalicylate, such as Pepto-Bismol, or iron tablets can make the stool black. Certain foods   can also change stool color.

When should i see the doctor

See the doctor if diarrhea doesnt subside within 24 hours .  You should also see the doctor if stool looks black or appears bright red.