Change in stool color during pregnancy


Reorganization of the body

From the moment of conception, processes begin in a woman’s body aimed at the development of the fetus. A pregnant woman feels a deterioration in her health and observes problems with the gastrointestinal tract. In the first months of pregnancy, existing diseases of the digestive system may worsen or new diseases may arise. This may result in changes in the consistency and color of stool.

Much depends on the nutrition of a pregnant woman. Eating fried, salted, smoked foods can lead to a number of complications in the functioning of the stomach and pancreas.

Dark stool during early pregnancy also occurs due to hormonal changes. A woman's body produces large amounts of the hormone progesterone, which affects all organs, causing them to function differently. Therefore, dark stool during pregnancy does not always indicate illness. In many cases, this change is normal and does not require medical intervention.

In addition to darkening of the stool, a woman’s frequency of urination, pulse, blood pressure, hemoglobin level and even psychological state change.

Light-colored stool during pregnancy


The reasons for light-colored stool can be either completely harmless (a plant-based diet, consuming large quantities of dairy products) or indicating serious problems. In case of infectious diseases affecting the liver and pancreas - hepatitis, pancreatitis, etc. - enzymatic processes are disrupted, and bile is produced in insufficient quantities. This is the reason for the lightening of stool.

Other causes of stool color change

Very often, darkening of stool is normal and occurs as a result of hormonal activity of the body. Also, dark-colored stool during pregnancy occurs due to taking certain medications or synthetic vitamins. Manufacturers of drugs always indicate in the instructions the effect of the components on organs of different systems.

Sometimes pregnant women can drink activated charcoal during indigestion. This natural sorbent is approved for pregnant women, but under its influence a change in the color of the stool may be observed. In this case, there is no reason to worry.

Dark stool is also observed during pregnancy if a woman has eaten foods containing dark pigments. Organic dyes are not absorbed by the body and are released along with feces, giving it a dark color.

If, apart from changes in stool, no other disturbances are noticed and the pregnant woman’s health is normal, there is no need to panic. Doctors recommend that such women monitor their health for several days. If the color of the stool does not change during this time, you should visit a doctor.

Causes and symptoms of black stool during pregnancy

During the period of gestation, the female body adapts to a new position. Pregnancy affects all the mother's vital organs. The fruit develops gradually, going through different stages. At the beginning, the process of organogenesis occurs. This period occupies the first trimester. During the second and third trimesters, the tissues and organs of the unborn child continue to grow.

For stable functioning in the womb, the fetus needs normal blood supply and nutrients provided by the placenta. A woman in the phase of placenta formation is capable of experiencing a number of problems - from toxicosis to miscarriage.

Dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract come first, leading to unpleasant symptoms that pregnant women describe during diagnosis:

  • complete lack of appetite;
  • nausea;
  • frequent vomiting;
  • constipation;
  • diarrhea;
  • aching joints;
  • increased body temperature;
  • dizziness.

This is usually accompanied by variability in the character and color of stool. Such changes can be caused by the degree of concentration of hormones in the blood, which gradually returns to normal without requiring any action. Table No. 1 shows the possible types of feces in an adult.

Table No. 1. Possible types of feces in adults

Stool optionsCharacteristics of feces
ConstipationHard balls
Oblong fragments molded from individual small ones
NormElongated fragments of loose consistency with cracks over the entire surface
Elongated fragments of uniform soft consistency
Individual soft fragments
DiarrheaUnformed mushy stool
Liquid, watery stool

The reasons for the change in the color of stool to black during pregnancy can be different. Conventionally, experts divide them into those that represent an acceptable norm and those that require immediate diagnosis. A pregnant woman needs to differentiate the condition of her stool, without succumbing to unnecessary panic when the color of the stool changes.

The safest cause of black stool is the consumption of certain foods that give this color after digestion. Some foods give black color to stool due to incomplete digestion in the stomach and small intestine, as well as insufficient conjugation in the liver. We are talking about the following:

  • plum;
  • currant;
  • pomegranate;
  • chokeberry;
  • blueberry;
  • prunes;
  • beet;
  • tomatoes;
  • animal liver;
  • blood sausage;
  • coffee;
  • colored carbonated drinks.

Is coffee harmful during pregnancy?

The pigments that provide the black color to stool are not digested by food enzymes produced by the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum.

In addition to foods, some medications also help change the usual color of stool to black. It can be:

  • Activated carbon;
  • some multivitamin complexes;
  • bismuth preparations;
  • multicomponent iron preparations.

For example, after severe diarrhea, many rush to take sorbents. The most accessible is activated carbon. Its molecules are not absorbed in the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract and are excreted in the feces in their original form, which causes the uncharacteristic black coloration.

Some multivitamin complexes contain iron. Once in the gastric environment, iron molecules are oxidized to hemin or iron oxide, and then pass through the entire digestive tract in this form. When mixed with feces, hemin turns the intestinal contents black, which in no way threatens the health of the woman and the fetus. However, iron can be one of the reasons for the consolidation of feces. Women prone to chronic constipation should consult a pregnancy doctor before taking iron-containing medications. It must be admitted that hemin enters the feces, which can be classified as excess in the body. Perhaps adjusting the dosage of iron supplements will eliminate this problem. Iron-containing medications that can be taken by pregnant women include:

We also recommend: Elevit® Pronatal during pregnancy

It is allowed during the gestation period to take dietary supplements, which include dry crushed fragments of berries and microelements that give a black color to stool.

It should be noted that you should not stop taking medications that turn stool black. Remaining iron is excreted by the intestines without any complications. Many pregnant women are often prescribed supplemental iron supplements to treat anemia and improve iron saturation in the blood. This microelement is essential during embryonic development, both for the mother’s body and for the developing fetus. Tables No. 2 and No. 3 show the possible colors of stool with a description of the reasons that cause them.

Table No. 2. Possible reasons for different colors of stool

Stool colorReasons for variability in stool color
GreenConsumption of foods enriched with chlorophyll, food intoxication, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, tumor processes in the gastrointestinal tract
YellowPancreatic pathologies, celiac disease
BlackEating licorice or iron-containing foods and medications, bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract
whitish brownBlockage of the bile ducts, tumor processes of the pancreas
RedConsumption of foods with a high content of dyes, bleeding from the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract

Table No. 3. Variability of stool color depending on various factors

ColorFactors
Dark brownMixed diet
Black-brownMeat diet
Light brownPlant based diet
BlackBleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Taking bismuth
Greenish blackTaking iron supplements
GreenHigh content of bilirubin and biliverdin with increased peristalsis. Vegetable diet
Greenish yellowCarbohydrate fermentation
Orange-light yellowDairy diet
White or grayish whiteStopping the flow of bile into the intestines

As can be seen from the tables, the reasons for the change in the color of stool also lie in some serious diseases of the internal organs. Infectious diseases of the digestive system of an inflammatory nature pose a high risk. This is typical for women suffering from the following pathologies:

  • chronic gastritis;
  • stomach ulcer;
  • duodenal ulcer;
  • ulcerative colitis;
  • liver dysfunction.

In such cases, the black color of stool is caused by internal bleeding from the lesions that enter the forming stool. The blood released from the burst vessel enters into a peculiar reaction with gastric juice, saturated with food enzymes and hydrochloric acid. It should be understood that such reactions in the body necessarily occur with additional symptoms. Usually this:

  • sharp pain in the abdomen;
  • paleness of the skin;
  • general weakness;
  • rapid heartbeat;
  • cold sweat;
  • lowering blood pressure;
  • dizziness.

The nature of feces, their consistency, color, volume, smell are direct indicators of the functioning of the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas. If the color of stool changes due to acute diarrhea or prolonged constipation, an intestinal infection or the colonization of pathogenic microflora on the intestinal mucosa can be suspected. Typically, such digestive disorders are accompanied by characteristic symptoms:

  • abdominal cramps;
  • increased body temperature;
  • chills;
  • headache;
  • feeling of heaviness in the stomach;
  • nausea;
  • frequent urge to defecate;
  • inability to empty the bowels for a long time.

Feces from the inflamed intestine come out black-green in color and have a watery consistency. When, during severe diarrhea, streaks of uncoagulated blood are observed in the stool, a conclusion can be made about bleeding from the lower parts of the large intestine. Presumably, too hard or watery feces irritate the sensitive layers of the epithelium of the intestinal walls, which leads to the release of small portions of blood into the intestinal cavity. However, long-term exposure of the intestines to stool of uncharacteristic consistency can also lead to large blood losses. As a result of such blood loss, anemia develops, which the woman begins to feel through general weakness and loss of performance.

In the same way, dysbiosis makes itself felt. If it is impossible for the mother’s intestines to absorb water and nutrients normally, the embryo begins to experience a lack of microelements and vitamins. There are also signs of water-salt imbalance, manifested in dehydration of the fetus.

A possible cause of bleeding in the intestinal cavity may be helminthic infestations. Unfortunately, not all types of helminths are found in feces. Some parasites develop in the upper parts of the digestive tract, “transferring” only their waste products into the feces. These are very complex conditions that can lead to complications such as intoxication, intestinal adhesions and digestive disorders in general. Of course, during pregnancy there is a high risk of infection of the embryo.

One of the reasons for the situational nature of the appearance of black feces, which should not cause concern to a pregnant woman, is the ingestion of blood through the esophagus as a result of nosebleeds and after tooth extraction.

Internal bleeding poses a high risk to the life of the woman and the unborn baby. Intestinal bleeding becomes the first clinical manifestation of internal diseases. If you notice the appearance of black feces accompanied by the described symptoms, you should immediately go for a diagnosis to a gastroenterologist.

Black stool after childbirth

Pregnancy and the birth of a baby are periods when a lot of changes occur in a woman’s body.
Women, understanding the full responsibility of these two periods, are worried that everything will go smoothly. And any changes alarm them. Often after the baby is born, women note that the color of their stool has changed. Of course, such a process may seem abnormal, but there is no need to worry. Today we will figure out what can cause a change in the color of stool.

Why is there black stool after childbirth?

First of all, it should be said that such changes in the functioning of the digestive tract should not be associated only with childbirth, because they have almost no effect on the functioning of the intestines. After childbirth, most patients become anemic.

In this case, doctors prescribe them to drink drugs that help increase iron. Usually, after taking such drugs for a short time, the iron level returns to normal, but the stool turns dark. As soon as women stop drinking iron-containing products, the stool becomes its usual color.

However, if this does not happen within 3 days, then this is not a reason to sound the alarm. Often after the birth of a baby, intestinal motility is disrupted. This provokes a slow release of drugs from the body. Therefore, stool may remain an unusual color for up to 9-10 days.

Activated carbon can also color stool, as well as some agents that have an anti-inflammatory effect. You need to consult a doctor, he will explain everything to you and reassure you.

After all, after giving birth you shouldn’t worry, you need to be collected and calm.

You should also take into account the fact that vitamin supplements, dietary supplements, and medications that include bismuth can change the color of stool and make it black.

As you can see, the range of drugs is quite wide, which is why we recommend trying a doctor and telling him about your problem. In some cases, dark-colored feces may occur in case of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, and this is a very dangerous condition.

An increased risk exists if a woman has gastrointestinal problems such as gastritis, ulcers, various inflammatory processes, and varicose veins. Therefore, in order not to expose yourself to danger, the best option would be a medical examination and consultation.

Does the color of stool depend on food?

A woman who has just become a mother monitors her own diet very carefully. She consumes natural products that contain beneficial substances and vitamin components.

You need to know that the color and other features of feces depend on the food consumed, or more precisely on the microelements that are present in it.

Therefore, before you sound the alarm and run to the doctor, review your own menu initially.

Of course, not all food can cause the appearance of black excrement. Typically, in most cases, this can happen when eating beets, prunes, pomegranates, red grapes, blueberries, licorice, black currants, and bananas.

In addition, coffee drinks, offal, rare meat dishes, and red wine can be the culprits, especially if consumed in large quantities.

If the patient ate the indicated foods before or after childbirth, then this must be taken into account if the stool has darkened.

It is also important to include fruits, berries and vegetables in your diet, which contain many vitamins, because when consumed, the body will be able to recover much faster and begin to function normally.

Plain rice can fix the problem. You should leave it and eat it, this will help the woman cope with this problem, check for black liquid feces.

When to sound the alarm?

If the appearance of black feces occurs together with the manifestation of unpleasant sensations, then this is a reason to make an appointment with a doctor. You should run to the clinic if you have a high fever or pain in the abdomen. Alarming symptoms are the appearance of cold sweat, exhaustion, the presence of diarrhea, as well as dyspeptic symptoms - nausea and vomiting.

Disturbances in general health may indicate that internal bleeding has opened. Also, such disorders may indicate that the woman has disorders such as Conn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, helminthiasis, or an infection in the intestines.

We can conclude that darkening of bowel movements after childbirth, which occurs without deterioration in well-being, is a completely normal phenomenon; in this case, there is no need to worry. Therefore, the first thing you should do is look for the reason that provoked this phenomenon in the food you eat and taking various medications, and only after that go to see a doctor.

Source: https://mamapedia.com.ua/rodu/poslerodovoy-period/chernyj-kal-posle-rodov.html

Possible diseases

Pay attention to the general condition of the pregnant woman. How have you been feeling over the past few days? What has she been sick with in the past? If a pregnant woman feels normal, then most likely the change in stool color is associated with food or taking vitamins.

If the expectant mother feels unwell, has a stomach ache, constantly suffers from heartburn or nausea, periodically experiences constipation and vomiting, has bloating and anemia, then we are talking about a disease.

Most often this is due to a sharp exacerbation of hepatitis, cirrhosis, ulcers or other previously suffered disease. It is imperative to call an ambulance if:

  • vomiting appeared;
  • body temperature increased;
  • the woman previously suffered from a stomach ulcer;
  • the stool became liquid;
  • with persistent anemia.

Sometimes the stool is not homogeneous, but has undigested inclusions of black food. If we are talking about berry seeds or fruit peels, then there is no reason to worry. If a woman’s adult body is unable to cope with regular food, we are talking about an upset stomach and intestines.

Very often we are not talking about stool pigmentation, but about parasites that color it. If a pregnant woman has black worms in her stool, she should see a doctor and be tested for the presence of worms.

If a pregnant woman has black, loose stools, then we are talking about bleeding inside the intestines. You definitely need to see a doctor. In the stomach and intestines, the blood is decomposed by digestive enzymes and bacteria, which changes its color from red to black.

A similar phenomenon may be a consequence of polyps in the intestines or enlarged veins in the esophagus. Under such conditions, the disease will be accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • weakness or loss of consciousness;
  • pale skin;
  • loss of appetite and dizziness;
  • low blood pressure and anemia.

If such symptoms are present, a pregnant woman should be shown to a specialist. To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes FGDS. Crohn's disease may cause bloody stool.

Sometimes a woman has black stool when she has lost a child. In the event of a miscarriage, severe hormonal disruption occurs, and for this reason, similar side effects may occur.

Features of drug influence

Any multivitamin that is prescribed to expectant mothers includes iron. In this regard, it is recommended to carefully monitor the medications and vitamin complexes used, since often black stools during pregnancy should not cause increased concern. If your doctor has not warned you about the potential effects of vitamins or medications, further consultation is advisable to maintain peace of mind.

Almost always, when taking iron, the stool turns black. This physiological phenomenon is considered normal, and therefore does not require any medical procedures; you can be confident in the naturalness and high quality of the vitamins.

According to this scheme, the female body removes excess amounts of iron, which comes along with vitamins. For the proper functioning of all organs, the absorption of only a certain norm is required, and an excess amount of the substance stains the stool. In this regard, you should not stop taking vitamins if black poop appears.

In the absence of negative changes in health, drug or vitamin therapy remains acceptable and plays an important role. If any concerns arise, it is advisable to consult a doctor and make sure that black stools are considered physiologically normal.

If consultation with a specialist is not possible, it is permissible to carry out diagnostics at home and temporarily stop taking iron supplements in order to make sure that the color of the stool has returned to normal.

Conditions requiring attention

But you shouldn’t give up rational alertness. An established diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease, concomitant weakness, pallor, cold, sticky sweat and even abdominal pain should increase vigilance. If at the same time the stool is dark in color and has a mushy consistency, then there may be gastrointestinal bleeding. It is necessary to take a general blood test as early as possible to monitor the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells, a biochemical blood test to monitor possible organ damage, feces for coprogram and feces for occult blood to clarify the disease. You should also consult a doctor who can prescribe an FGDS, make a final diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Black feces during pregnancy can appear during exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Gastritis, hepatitis, enterocolitis contribute to disruption of food processing and release excess amounts of enzymes. As a result, the dark color of the stool is formed by pigments and black, poorly digested food particles. In this case, if the stool darkens, it is necessary to undergo a stool test for an extended coprogram, which includes chemical, macroscopic and immunochemical examination. You should also consult your doctor.

It would seem that with the birth of a small miracle, all adversity should pass, but why do the conditions described above persist after childbirth? It’s simple: the body has adapted for a long time to the developing child, so recovery also takes time. After childbirth, stool returns to normal within a month, but dark-colored bowel movements may persist longer if the woman continues to take iron supplements or multivitamins.

When should you worry?

If none of the factors described above took place, and the stool is still black, then you need to resort to a biochemical blood test. A stool test to check for occult blood may also help. Black stool can be a manifestation of gastric bleeding, but in this case it is usually liquid and along with this there is pallor, the release of sticky cold sweat, etc. If you notice such symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Author of the publication: Nikita Rybakov

Comments (22):

When I told the doctor that I had black stools, she told me to stop taking Elevit, especially since my hemoglobin was 160.

Girls, hello everyone. I was scared too, but I read that it was from the vitamins. I started drinking Maltofer.

As soon as I started drinking Maltofer, my stool immediately turned black)

Victoria, 2015-10-24 15:28:27:

Girls, I almost went crazy when I saw that the stool was black, I started to make a lot of things up. It’s good that there are sites that have a lot of useful information. After reading this article, I calmed down)

Foods that change the color of stool

Dark stool during pregnancy can be a result of eating the following foods:

  • Black berries (blueberries, currants).
  • Some fruits (blue grapes, pomegranate).
  • Prunes.
  • Dark-colored vegetables (beets, tomatoes).
  • Offal (blood, liver).
  • Drinks (red wine, dark grape juices, coffee).
  • If a pregnant woman consumed any of the listed foods the day before, she is most likely healthy. The darkening of the stool occurred under the influence of coloring pigments, which the body removed along with digested food.

Effect of medications

Often women experience changes in stool after taking medications. Darkening of stool can be caused by the following medications:

  • Iron preparations (“Ferrum-Lek”, “Sorbifer”, “Tardiferon”).
  • Multivitamins that contain iron (Elevit, Vitrum).
  • Sorbents (activated carbon).
  • Preparations containing bismuth (“De-Nol”).
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Aspirin).
  • Most women experience a decrease in hemoglobin during pregnancy. Therefore, doctors prescribe medications to provide the body with the necessary amount of iron. Taking such medications is the most common cause of black stool.

    Before prescribing an iron supplement, the therapist should talk about possible changes in stool so that the woman reacts calmly to dark stool.

    Alarm Signals

    Sometimes black stool can be a symptom of an illness. It may indicate bleeding in the digestive system. Pregnant women who have previously had a stomach or duodenal ulcer are at risk. In such women, dark stool during pregnancy may indicate internal bleeding caused by an open ulcer. But in this case, not only the color, but also the consistency of the stool changes.

    Other symptoms of possible health problems:

  • deterioration of health;
  • pallor;
  • cold sweat.
  • If, in addition to darkening of the stool, a woman experiences the listed symptoms, she should seek medical help.

    Black stool at 36 weeks of gestation

    There is absolutely nothing left before the birth, and then suddenly black feces? To begin with, analyze the possible cause of this “symptom” yourself.

    If you cannot find it, contact your doctor. After all, he will either calm you down or find the source of this coloring.

    This can include internal bleeding, hemolytic anemia, and intestinal infections.

    Be sure to pay attention to the consistency of the stool, which, in this case, is more informative than its color (liquid stool, in combination with other ailments, requires immediate treatment, and even hospitalization).

    The main thing is to remember that our body always warns us of danger. We just have to recognize these warning signs.

    Discussing many sensitive issues confuses expectant mothers. One of them is if during pregnancy a woman’s stool becomes black. This problem is not unique to pregnant women; almost everyone faces it. Let's find out what is the reason for this phenomenon.

    Why is pregnant women's stool black?

    There are many reasons why stool may be black during pregnancy. They are divided into natural and unnatural when there are health problems. Recognizing and understanding them is sometimes difficult, but after analyzing your condition, as well as the lifestyle that has taken place in recent days, you can come to a certain conclusion.

    Natural causes

    Most often, the situation when a pregnant woman's stool is black means that this is the effect of the so-called pregnancy hormones. They are the ones who are to blame not only for the change in the color of the stool, but also for the bad mood, its changes, and the frequent urge to eat small meals. This is a normal phenomenon and does not require any treatment.

    A woman could eat a lot of currants, blackberries, blueberries, and then the feces turn black, thanks to a natural dye. But food products such as liver, kiwi, pomegranate, when consumed regularly, turn the stool black, thanks to the natural iron they contain.

    By the way, multivitamin complexes also contain this essential component for every pregnant woman and produce a similar effect. If you once see that the stool has changed color, you should not be alarmed - most likely this is the effect of iron.

    Deviations from the norm

    But, if a woman feels weak, her pulse quickens, dizziness, fainting, and her skin becomes pale, then black stool may indicate internal bleeding. Some people think that an opened ulcer should give a bloody color, but it will not be so, since the blood decomposes thanks to the digestive enzymes of the intestine and comes out in the form of black liquid feces.

    Not only can it cause a change in stool color. Ulceration of the duodenum, intraintestinal hemorrhoids - all this provokes black stool. These are not normal situations where you should consult a doctor immediately.

    Such diseases can occur during pregnancy, and then it will take time to determine the cause of blackened stool. But if a woman knows that she has chronic diseases, she is obliged to inform her local gynecologist about them during registration.

    Now we know why women may have black stool during pregnancy. You should be attentive to even the little things while carrying a baby, and then this time will become one of the happiest periods of your life.

    All people experience embarrassment at the mention of feces, and even sensitive pregnant women tend to avoid such a sensitive topic. In fact, there is nothing funny or awkward in discussing these issues with doctors, since the color of the stool signals changes in the body, and during pregnancy, expectant mothers should especially carefully monitor their health. In addition, fear of discussing topics related to feces can lead to fears and anxieties that are absolutely inappropriate given such an interesting position of a woman.

    The liver is responsible for the preservation of stool, its color, consistency and smell, and during pregnancy it works in enhanced mode. Normal stool from a healthy person is usually colored brown by bile pigments. But depending on changes in the body, the color of the stool may vary from white to black. This effect can occur due to the consumption of foods with intense color (everyone knows what happens to feces after beet salad, for example), but this can also manifest any abnormalities in the body. Changes in the color of stool during pregnancy are important for diagnosis, since in most cases it is associated with developing diseases or pathologies.

    If the stool is green

    Dark green stool during pregnancy indicates a change in a woman's diet. Mostly, green stool coloration is associated with a certain diet. Many pregnant women take extra care of their health and consume excessive amounts of green leafy vegetables. Broccoli, spinach, and lettuce contain a green pigment that gives stool the appropriate color.

    Vitamin and mineral complexes may also be the cause of green stool. Such preparations contain large quantities of various microelements, the undigested part of which turns the stool green.

    Green stool during pregnancy

    Such feces can appear for various reasons. If a person is healthy and nothing bothers him, then a similar phenomenon can occur when eating foods with green dyes.


    Green feces can also appear due to gastrointestinal diseases, for example, dysbacteriosis. There is also a putrid, unpleasant odor. These symptoms occur due to dead white blood cells that accumulate in the intestines as a result of an acute inflammatory process.

    Green stool can also occur with dysentery, but in this case such symptoms as general weakness, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea and increased body temperature are added.

    In diseases of the blood and liver, a massive breakdown of red blood cells occurs, resulting in the formation of bilirubin - this pigment colors stool dark green.

    If there is green stool and any accompanying symptoms, a pregnant woman should definitely consult a doctor to identify the cause of the deviation.

    Call: +7 (495) 222-13-94

    Prevention of stool disorders

    In most cases, a change in stool color is not a symptom of illness. Most often, darkening of the stool is caused by dietary disorders.

    In order for the gastrointestinal tract to function normally, doctors advise pregnant women to monitor the intake of different foods, correctly compile a daily diet and carefully monitor the body’s reaction to medications.

    In some cases, dark-colored stool during pregnancy is associated with diseases of the digestive system. Therefore, women who have previously had gastrointestinal diseases should closely monitor their health and be monitored by a therapist throughout their pregnancy. To prevent complications, your doctor may prescribe prophylactic medications.

    Dark stool caused by taking an iron supplement is not a reason to stop taking it. Iron deficiency can lead to the development of intrauterine pathologies and even cause premature birth. In this case, it is recommended to discuss all your concerns with your doctor in order to respond normally to changes in the body.

    If darkening of the stool is caused by a disease, treatment should be taken seriously. Illnesses of a pregnant woman can negatively affect the fetus.

    Illness without taking vitamins

    Have you not taken iron supplements or vitamins, but your stool remains black?

    Before you worry, remember what you ate the day before

    and whether you were taking any
    medications
    (even activated charcoal can turn your stool a sallow color).

    And dark berries (blackberries, currants, blueberries), beets, tomatoes, black coffee, dried prunes and greens can give stool a red, greenish or marshy tint. Not to mention black.

    If all these reasons can be excluded, then the “dye” should be looked for in the body itself. The first thing that can do this is blood

    .
    When oxidized, it turns the stool black. And its sources
    can be:

    • nose bleed;
    • ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract;
    • internal varicose veins.

    At the first suspicion of internal bleeding, waiting for further symptoms is very dangerous. Contact your doctor immediately

    and complete the necessary research. Remember: now you are responsible not only for yourself, but also for your little life.

    Prevention

    In most cases, an isolated change in stool consistency or color during pregnancy is not dangerous and can be corrected by following a balanced diet with mandatory product quality control.

    Nutrition should be balanced, with sufficient amounts of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

    Taking medications should be under the supervision of a doctor, and in the case of correction of anemia, it is necessary to monitor the indicators of red blood cells (in a general blood test). When identifying dark stool during pregnancy, the main thing is to correctly determine the reason for the change in normal stool.

    Girls! Let's repost.

    Thanks to this, experts come to us and give answers to our questions! Also, you can ask your question below. People like you or experts will give the answer. Thank you;-) Healthy babies to all! Ps. This applies to boys too! There are just more girls here ;-)

    Did you like the material? Support - repost! We try our best for you ;-)

    Almost all women during the period of bearing a baby are too worried about the proper development of pregnancy. Expectant mothers listen carefully to all changes in the body, this also applies to the functioning of the stomach. Having seen bowel movements of a different color and consistency, there are reasons to find out why black stool appeared during pregnancy.

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