Blood in Stool During Pregnancy

As they say, every joy comes at some cost. Pregnancy is no exception to this axiom! The joys of motherhood are heralded by manifold physical pains and discomforts, one of them being blood in stool. During pregnancy, a woman undergoes various dietary and lifestyle changes which affects certain physiological processes such as bowel movements. Also, certain medications and dietary supplements impart certain side effects which, together, contribute towards mucus and blood in stool during pregnancy. Let us take a look at the various causes and reasons behind this condition.

Causes Behind Blood in Stool During Pregnancy

Constipation: Constipation caused by lack of fiber in your diet and low intake of fluids may result in bright red blood in stool. Constipation may also be caused due to the intake of iron supplements, antacids and pain killers, which are common medications taken during pregnancy.

Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids may occur during and after pregnancy and may cause small amounts of bright red blood to appear on the surface of the stool. Hemorrhoids are often caused during or after pregnancy due to the fact that as the uterus grows in size, it puts more pressure on the lower intestine. Also, constipation makes bowel movement less frequent and extremely strained, causing friction in the rectal area which may lead to hemorrhoids.

Rectal Tear: Constipation and the resultant strained bowel movement can cause small fissures on the rectal wall and these bleeding of these fissures manifest as blood in stool.

Bleeding in the Digestive Tract: The digestive tract may bleed at any place and the resultant blood is digested as it moves along the tract. The longer it takes to reach the rectum, the lesser it appears red - it becomes darker and blackish. If the stool appears black or tarry due to dark blood and blood clots, consult your doctor immediately as darkish blood is not a good sign and may indicate towards unknown complications.

Treatment of Blood in Stool During Pregnancy

Increase Fluid Intake: Drink lots of water and juices to avoid constipation and possible hemorrhoids. A well hydrated system allows for regular and smooth bowel passage which translates into less strain on the rectum and decreased chances of tear and friction.

Add More Fibers to Diet: Add more fibers to your diet. The fibers help form bulk and enable easy bowel passage, curbing constipation and its consequences. Intake of iron supplements often show constipation side effects and this can be countered by a high fiber diet which includes fresh leafy vegetables, whole grain cereals, etc.

Using Stool Softeners: Taking stool softeners such as Colace may help ease bowel movement. However, make sure to consult a doctor before trying any medication during pregnancy. Some medicines may show adverse side effects which may be disastrous to pregnancy.

See Your Doctor: In case of excessive, abnormal colored or frequent blood in stool during pregnancy, consult your doctor at once and get appropriate treatment to avoid complications.

Melena, and mucus in stool during pregnancy are common physiological discomforts during this time. However, these should not be dismissed as slight or negligible as blood and mucus in stool, in any form whatsoever, is not a normal phenomenon. Visit your doctor often and keep updating him/her about any such observation during pregnancy. After all, your well-being is in direct correlation to your unborn child's well-being. Any neglect to your health during these days may prove detrimental to the health of the fetus. When you take care of yourself during pregnancy, you automatically fulfill your basic parental duty of protecting your child against danger and bestowing your loving care. Your role as a parent starts much before your child is born. Hence, take care of yourself to bring your child to this world, healthy and safe.