Introduction
Pregnancy is a phase where a lot of new symptoms and changes can occur that a woman has never experienced. Black poop during pregnancy is one such change.
The usual color of an adult’s poop is anywhere between light brown to dark brown. But sometimes during pregnancy, poop color can be black. It is usually caused by the iron supplements that are prescribed as a part of prenatal supplements.
In most cases, black stool is usually not a sign of any underlying health condition unless it is accompanied by other symptoms including abdominal pain and stools with blood.
Is black stool during pregnancy normal?
Yes, black stool during pregnancy is normal for most mothers. Although noticing black stools can be strange, it is usually nothing to worry about.
Pregnant mothers are often prescribed prenatal supplements to help with the baby’s growth and development.
Iron is one of the main prenatal supplements that most pregnant mothers consume, which is the core cause of black stools during pregnancy.
But in some cases, it might be a sign of some serious health conditions, including IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).
IBD is a chronic health condition that can lead to inflammation in the digestive tract tissues, leading to stools with blood or black stools.
Please consult with a doctor if you experience black stools with other symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, and blood while passing stool.
Causes of black poop in pregnancy
Black poop during pregnancy is a common occurrence that is caused by various factors including:
Intake of iron supplements:
Iron supplements are recommended as a part of regular prenatal supplements. They play a significant role in the prevention of anemia and also help with the baby’s development.
While these are important, they may also cause mild and harmless digestive discomfort in a few cases. When iron supplements are consumed, they are broken and absorbed by the body.
During this process, some iron content may be left unabsorbed by the digestive system. Such particles get mixed with the gastric fluids and intestinal bacteria, giving the stools a darkish or black appearance.
Foods rich in iron and fiber:
A pregnant woman makes lots of dietary changes to balance her nutrition levels in order to support the baby’s growth. Sometimes these food alterations can lead to temporary changes in her bowel movement.
For instance, foods rich in fiber or iron, such as red meat, beetroot, leafy vegetables, legumes, blueberries, and plums, can cause darker stools during pregnancy.
Medications:
Apart from iron supplements, some antacids or other over-the-counter medicines can also cause black motion during pregnancy. It is always recommended to consult your doctor before consuming any medication during these days.
Gastrointestinal bleeding:
Black and tarry stools accompanied by a foul smell can be a cause of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Medically, this is termed Melena.
This condition occurs when the blood from the upper digestive tract reacts with the stomach acids, turning the stools to a darkish shade. Sometimes, Melena might be an indication of other underlying issues like ulcers.
How to avoid black poop during pregnancy?
Black stools are quite common for pregnant mothers as they intake iron supplements. Although one cannot do much to avoid black poop during pregnancy, there are a few precautions you can take to control black poop.
Avoid foods with artificial colours: Avoid foods that contain artificial colors and dyes as they can contribute to dark or black stools. It is important to be cautious of the food you eat and opt for natural and whole foods instead of processed foods or foods with additives.
Stay hydrated: It is important to drink a minimum of 10 to 12 glasses of water a day to prevent constipation. This is because, in some cases, constipation can make the poop darker or black in color.
Avoid self-medication: Using over-the-counter medications without a doctor’s guidance is not recommended for anyone, especially pregnant women.
These medications can significantly impact the digestive system, so it’s essential to consult a doctor before taking any.
Increase fiber intake: Constipation is a common pregnancy side effect. It causes stomach pain and discomfort and can change the stool color due to muscle strains.
Including a fiber-rich diet like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can improve digestion and help avoid constipation.
Probiotics: Including probiotics in your diet is another good way to maintain proper gut health. They are extremely helpful in reducing irritable bowel movements and anal strain. Foods like homemade curd, buttermilk, idly, apples, and paneer are rich in probiotics.
When to consult a doctor?
Although black stools in pregnancy are common, it might sometimes be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. So, it is important to consult a doctor if you notice symptoms, including:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in stool
- Intense foul odor in stool
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Frequent black stools
Conclusion:
Black poop during pregnancy is normal and is usually because of the iron supplements.
You need not worry about noticing black poop as long as you do not have any other significant symptoms, including abdominal pain or blood in your stools.
But it is important to talk to your gynecologist and ask for advice. For appointments and consultations with the best gynecologist in Chennai Dr. Deepthi Jammi, Contact Jammi Scans at 7338771733.
