How concerned should I be about diarrhea dehydration and fluid loss  during pregnancy?

There are many changes during pregnancy in a woman's body to support the growth of the fetus. One of the most important change in pregnancy occurs in the water dynamics. During pregnancy, your body increases in weight, and much of that weight gain involves  an increase in total body water and changes in the regulation of body water balance. Likely over 50% of your body weight increase involves an increase in fluids, with the other parts including the baby, the uterus, and the placenta.

What events can lead to fluid loss or dehydration in pregnancy?

You can lose weight, and get dehydrated in pregnancy through many different ways:

• Not drinking enough fluid
• Being exposed to heat and sweating
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Most diarrhea usually lasts one to two days and then goes away on its own without any special treatment. Changes in bowel movements (both loose and hard stools) can be part of a normal pregnancy. The major concern with diarrhea is dehydration, losing too much fluid. Because diarrhea can lead to dehydration, you should call your doctor if you are concerned. 

Pregnant women should drink on average about 10 cups of water or fluids a day. And more if you exercise, sweat a lot, or have diarrhea. If you feel thirsty then you are already behind the needed water. You should never feel thirsty in pregnancy.