Baby Daily Life
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Letting baby cry himself to sleep: methods, benefits and limits
The approach of labor is a period that can raise many questions, some of which are quite unexpected. Today, we focus on the topic of “pre-labor diarrhea”. Can this sign really be used to know how soon labor will begin? What causes diarrhea before labor?
Diarrhea before labor: here’s the explanation!
Understanding diarrhea before labor
Diarrhea before labor is a common phenomenon that can surprise many pregnant women. This change in bowel movements is mainly due to an increase in prostaglandins, a hormone notably present at the end of pregnancy.
The prostaglandin hormone plays an important role in preparing the body for birth since it softens the cervix and stimulates contractions. However, it can also affect the digestive system, causing faster transit and softer stools. Thus, early labor contractions and diarrhea can be closely linked.
It is important to note that pre-labor diarrhea is not necessarily acute diarrhea. Often, it manifests as a slight increase in stool frequency, allowing space in the rectum to facilitate the baby’s passage. This phenomenon is generally harmless but may be accompanied by mild abdominal cramps. Also note that while some women experience this phenomenon a few days before labor, for others, it may not happen at all.
Did you know? Prostaglandin is also involved in menstruation, which explains why some women may experience digestive troubles during their period.
Signs indicating labor
When a pregnant woman approaches her due date, she may notice various signs indicating labor. Although diarrhea can be one of these signs, it does not necessarily mean labor is imminent. Let’s take a closer look at other signs that may indicate labor is about to start.
Contractions
Contractions are one of the most reliable signs that labor is approaching. They play a crucial role in preparing the uterus for birth (this is called the dilation phase). However, be careful not to confuse the different types of contractions, as they don’t all mean the same thing:
- Braxton-Hicks contractions: Braxton-Hicks contractions can occur throughout pregnancy and are often irregular and painless. They are sometimes called “false contractions.”
- Labor contractions: unlike Braxton-Hicks, these become regular, stronger, and closer together as labor approaches.
Other potential signs of labor
Besides contractions, other signs may be related to the onset of labor:
- Loss of the mucus plug: this is a thick substance that seals the cervix during pregnancy. The loss of the mucus plug can occur when the cervix starts to change, which happens at the beginning of labor. However, like diarrhea, its loss can also be completely unrelated to imminent labor.
- Water breaking: the rupture of the amniotic membranes is a clear sign that labor is probably imminent. If this happens, it is advised to go to the maternity hospital.
- Pressure sensations: some babies position themselves lower at the end of pregnancy, which can cause increased pressure and more frequent urination.
Note that each woman experiences these stages differently, and it’s normal for symptoms to vary from pregnancy to pregnancy. If in doubt or concerned, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare professional for advice tailored to your situation.
Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your pregnancy.
Distinguishing pre-labor diarrhea from other health problems
The period before labor can be accompanied by various digestive symptoms. However, it is important to distinguish between diarrhea before labor discussed earlier and other health issues that may require medical consultation.
- Pre-labor diarrhea: accompanied by uterine contractions late in pregnancy, it can cause mild cramps and abdominal pain without other signs of illness.
- Gastroenteritis: often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever, this illness can occur at any time during pregnancy.
- Listeriosis: it may include symptoms like high fever, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Another distinguishing factor: duration. Pre-labor diarrhea is generally temporary and resolves on its own. However, persistent diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours despite appropriate dietary adjustments requires medical consultation. 
Tips for better managing diarrhea before labor
Diarrhea before labor can be a source of discomfort, but as we’ve seen, it is a phenomenon that doesn’t last and usually resolves on its own. Here are some tips to better manage it.
- Rest: it can’t be said enough, especially during pregnancy, take time to rest. Fatigue can worsen digestive symptoms (as well as other pregnancy ailments), so as much as possible, make sure to get enough sleep.
- Soothing warmth: apply a warm heating pad to your belly to relieve cramps and abdominal pain. This can also help relax the digestive muscles.
- Comfortable position: find a position that reduces pressure on your intestines. Lying on your left side may promote better transit.
Diarrhea before labor is thus a relatively common phenomenon for pregnant women, caused by the prostaglandin hormone. This phenomenon usually resolves on its own and does not require medical intervention. However, if diarrhea is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or vomiting, consult your healthcare professional promptly. 
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Photos: gpointstudio | seventyfourimages | RossHelen | msvyatkovska
This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.
