Dark Stool During Pregnancy – Causes, Remedies, Diagnosis

What are the Causes of Dark Stool During Pregnancy?

Some of the reasons that trigger the passing of dark stool are:

1. Iron Supplement

Giving iron dietary supplements to expecting moms is a common practice. Iron is vital to generate new blood cells and transport enough oxygen for both mother and child. The blood volume increases up to 50% in the course of pregnancy and pregnant women are more prone to anemia. Iron is the essential substance in the blood that holds oxygen.

Keeping up an adequate iron level in the blood is critical for guaranteeing enough oxygen supply for the child, which is essential for its advancement. Sometimes the mother’s body cannot easily assimilate and utilize some particular kind of iron supplement, for example, ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate. In such cases, the unabsorbed iron gives the stool a dark color.

2. Food

Intake of certain foods during pregnancy often results in the dark-colored stool. Blueberries and licorice are specifically known to give stool a dark color. Artificial food colors which are used while preparing certain food items can likewise influence the stool color. By maintaining a food journal every time the stool appears dark, you can slowly get an idea of which food is influencing the color of the stool.

3. Medicines

Some medicines other than iron supplements can also result in dark stool during pregnancy. One of such most commonly used over-the-counter medicines used by pregnant women is Pepto-Bismol, which is prescribed to deal with stomach upset.

4. Health Issues

You are prone to digestive sicknesses like constipation, hemorrhoids, anal tears, and fissures (which might turn big causing small tears on the rectum) over the span of pregnancy as a result of increased pressure in the pelvic area. This will increase the odds of blood blending with the stool, bringing about the dark stool.

5. Bleeding

Bleeding that happens within the digestive system, especially in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GI) like the intestines, stomach, or esophagus can cause a change in the color of the stool during pregnancy. The stool will appear very dark instead of bloody by the time it passes out of the body. The dark color is an aftereffect of the blood being blended with the digestive juices.

[Read: Top 10 Iron Rich Foods To Combat Anemia]

How Can I Avoid the Dark Stool During Pregnancy?

1. Eat Iron-Rich Food

If the dark stool is associated with the intake of iron supplements, you can increase iron intake in your daily diet by eating iron-rich food including liver, dry fruits, red meat, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, etc., to meet the extra demand for iron. The iron in the food can be easily assimilated by the body, you can avoid the dark stool.

2. Avoid Over the Counter Medicines

It is always better to avoid over-the-counter medicines in the course of pregnancy. By any chance, you observe any unusual, such as changes in the color of the stool after taking a medicine, immediately bring it to the attention of your doctor.

[Read: Drugs And OTC Medicines During Pregnancy]

3. Take Measures to Avoid Constipation

Increase your fluid intake in the course of pregnancy. Also, include fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber in your daily menu. Do mild exercises, including Kegel exercises (only after consulting with the doctor) for better muscle functions around the rectum and vagina. All these will help to regulate the bowel movements, decreasing the chances of constipation, associated ailments, and bleeding

4. Following a Healthy Lifestyle

Following a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol will decrease the chance of the irritation of the inner inning of the esophagus and intestine (irritation, usually increase the chances of bleeding).

5. Drinking Plenty of Water

Increase your intake of water every day to at least 10-12 glasses and also the inclusion of fresh fruit juices and other health drinks in your daily diet will make your stool softer.

How is Dark Stool During Pregnancy Diagnosed?

To diagnose the condition, the doctor will analyze your medical history, dietary changes, and the complete list of medications you consume. The doctor will send the stool for further examination in the lab to rule out the possibility of internal bleeding.

If the presence of blood is confirmed, the doctor will take additional tests to find out the cause and the treatment will be planned accordingly. If there is no blood, then he will consider changing the dosage or type of iron supplement that you are taking.

[Read: Morning Sickness During Pregnancy]

What Should Do When I Notice Dark Stool During Pregnancy?

Whenever you notice dark stool in the course of pregnancy, inform your doctor. Though mostly it is not a matter of worry, but still it must be attended to, as it can be an indication of an underlying issue. Along with dark stool, if you experience the symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or fever seek medical assistance immediately.

FAQ’s

1. Do all Pregnant Women Have Dark Stools?

Not all of them. Many of them do. This is due to hormonal changes and the medicines.

2. Does Dark Stool in Pregnancy Mean It Is Blood?

It can. Some women do experience bleeding in the digestive tract. Do consult your doctor on this one.

3. Can Dark Stool in Pregnancy Indicate Miscarriage?

No, not always. If the dark stool is due to blood, it could indicate a problem. If you are having cramps or contractions, consult your doctor immediately.

4. Can My Iron Supplements Cause Dark Stools During Pregnancy?

Yes, it can. It is in fact one of the leading causes. If it gets uncomfortable, ask your doctor to change the medicine.

Read Also: Blood In Stool During Pregnancy – Causes, Symptoms And Treatment