During pregnancy, almost every woman faces the problem of constipation and diarrhea. Most of these changes in color and consistency of stool are normal. But if you notice too much black stool which is persistent, then you should see the best gynecologist in Pakistan.
Pregnancy is the time in which the woman’s body undergoes many changes and transformations. Many hormonal and physical changes occur which also results in some digestive issues, including dark or black stool in pregnancy.
Sometimes this is normal if it is temporary, but if it is persistent then it might be a cause of concern. Thus, it is necessary to understand the condition and get proper care and attention.
In this blog, we will look closely into the possible causes of black stool in pregnancy and preventive tips to avoid dark poop. If you are a first-time mother or pregnant woman facing dark poop in her pregnancy for the first time, this article will help you a lot.
Is Black Stool In Pregnancy Normal?
Hi Moms-to-be!
It is normal to have hormonal changes and weird changes in your body during pregnancy.
But what about black poop in pregnancy?
First of all, there is no need to panic yet!
Black stool in pregnancy can be due to various reasons, including iron supplements, prenatal vitamins, dark-colored foods, etc.
However, if you have dark or black stool during the first, second, or third trimester, it is recommended to talk to the best gynecologist in Pakistan.
Causes of Black Stool In Pregnancy
Some of the common causes of black poop in pregnancy are as follows:
- Medications
- Dark Colored Foods
- Iron Supplements
- Bleeding (GERD or intestinal tract bleeding)
- Health Issues
One of the reasons for black poop can be due to any underlying health problems.
- If the stool is black with an extremely foul smell, it can be due to a condition called Melena.
- If it is tarry and black, it can be due to internal bleeding.
- During the third trimester, if the anal region swells and the stool is black, it can be due to an anal tear.
Read More: Early signs and symptoms of pregnancy
Preventive Measure to Avoid Black Poop In Pregnancy
To avoid black and dark poop in pregnancy, you should follow these effective preventive measures:
- Increase fiber intake: Take a high-fiber and mineral-rich diet. Moreover, take healthy and complex carbohydrates.
- Quit Smoking: You should avoid or quit smoking during pregnancy, as the risks are approx. 3 times as bad as normal. Smoking can also affect the health of your baby.
- Stay Hydrated: To maintain the health of the GI tract, hydration is important. Moreover, it also avoids constipation and many other digestive system issues. Eat water-rich food such as grapes, watermelons, cucumbers, etc.
- Avoid Self-Medication: You should avoid taking any medicine on your own. Even if you are taking any OTC, you should keep your doctor in the loop.
- Practice Yoga or Exercise: Practice yoga or some light exercise to avoid constipation and also maintain the organ’s health.
Read More: 8 Isabgol Side Effects During Pregnancy That Females Should Know
Constipation During Pregnancy
One of the common issues faced by pregnant women is constipation. It causes less frequent and more strained bowel movements. The bowels move more slowly during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, many factors contribute to constipation, including less fiber foods, hormonal changes, etc. Normally, it is due to the increase in progesterone hormone. Progesterone slows muscle contractions in the intestine which results in less movement or flow of bowels.
On the other hand, iron in prenatal vitamins can also end up in constipation.
Talk to Gynecologist on Constipation In Pregnancy
Some of the common symptoms of constipation are as follows:
- Dry Stool
- Hard Stool
- Straining
- Pain
- Bloating
- Feeling gas in the stomach
However, constipation can be relieved by drinking plenty of fluids (water) and adding more fiber to the diet.
Moreover, you can also use a stool softener to relieve severe constipation. But, it is recommended to talk to the best gynecologist in Pakistan before using anything in pregnancy on your own.
Diarrhea During Pregnancy
Hormonal changes can change the consistency of the stool and also make them watery or loose. When the body releases the hormone relaxin, diarrhea occurs. This hormone is usually released during pregnancy.
It loosens the joints and ligaments and prepares the body for labor and delivery. However, the issue is that relaxin can also loosen the joints around the rectum which causes bouts of diarrhea.
Read More: Effective Natural Remedies for Loose Motion
If you have diarrhea, then it is necessary to stay hydrated and have a lot of fluids.
If you have the following symptoms, then consult the doctor immediately.
- More than 3 loose motions a day
- Weight loss
- Mucus or Blood in the stool
- Stomach pain
- Fever
Blood in Stool During Pregnancy
If you see blood in your stool or after wiping, then you might get worried. But don’t panic.
A few drops of blood in the stool or on the toilet paper are common in pregnancy if you have constipation.
As consitpation can lead to straining, this can cause small rectal tears (fissures) or swollen veins (hemorrhoids). These both can cause bleeding from the rectum in small amounts – usually pink or bright red color.
However, the color of the blood can also indicate the area of the body it is coming from. It can be reddish brown, bright red, black like tar, or pink.
A little bright red blood can be due to mild rectum irritation. On the other hand, if you have black or tarry blood, then it can be due to any issue in the digestive tract.
Although hemorrhoids, constipation, and fissures are normal and common during pregnancy, you should always consult the best gynecologist in Pakistan.
Unusual Stool Colors During Pregnancy
Normally, the stool color is light to dark brown. However, in pregnancy, the poop changes its color. It can also turn green. But take it normally. It can be due to overconsumption of fiber or eating more leafy green vegetables.
If you take iron supplements or prenatal vitamins, then the poop color can change from brown to green. The color also changes if you take antibiotics during pregnancy.
However, the color of your poop will return to normal after you stop taking medicines and vitamins.
Although green poop is normal you should talk to your doctor. Because green poop can be due to any infection, irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning, gallstones, etc.
Moreover, very dark stools can also occur in pregnancy. It can be due to food dyes or any bleeding in the digestive tract. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor in this regard.
کھجور مردوں اور عورتوں کے لیے بھرپور فوائد والا حیرت انگیز پھل
Key Takeaways
During pregnancy, the stool color can change from normal light/dark brown to green or black. However, it is totally normal in pregnancy to have a different poop color.
If you have blood in the stool or changes in stool color, then don’t take it normally all the time, instead consult the best gynecologist in Pakistan via Marham.
It is not easy to travel and pay multiple visits to the doctor during pregnancy; therefore, if you have any concerns, then you can book a video consultation with the top gynecologists in Pakistan via Marham’s application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Black Poop Indicate Miscarriage?
Normal black stool does not indicate any miscarriage. However, if black stool comes along with other symptoms, including cramping, fever, or heavy bleeding it could potentially indicate a miscarriage or any other complication. But before assuming anything on your own, it is best to talk to your doctor first.
2. Do Prenatal Vitamins Cause Black Stool?
Yes. Prenatal vitamins and iron supplements can cause blackish or dark-colored stool during pregnancy.