Diarrhea can happen during pregnancy, but it is not considered a reliable sign of pregnancy by itself. More typical early pregnancy signs include a missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, tiredness, and needing to urinate more often.
When diarrhea occurs during pregnancy, it is often caused by the same things that affect people who are not pregnant, such as a stomach infection, food poisoning, or an existing digestive condition. Pregnancy-related hormonal changes may affect digestion, but they are more commonly linked to nausea, reflux, or constipation than diarrhea.
A pregnancy test is the best way to check for pregnancy, especially after a missed period or possible conception. Diarrhea alone cannot confirm whether someone is pregnant. It is also important to drink enough fluids because frequent loose stools can lead to dehydration.
Medical care is recommended if diarrhea is severe, lasts more than a few days, or occurs with fever, blood in the stool, strong abdominal pain, dizziness, or reduced urination. A primary care provider, OBGYN, or gastroenterologist can help identify the cause. Avoid taking anti-diarrheal medication without medical advice, particularly during pregnancy.