Is Pooping a Lot a Sign of Pregnancy?

If you’re anxiously waiting till it’s time to take the all-important pregnancy test, it can be tempting to think that any strange feeling or bodily function is a possible sign.

So is pooping a lot a sign of pregnancy? It may just be a myth.
When it comes to early pregnancy signs poop is a big conversation.

Between bloating, nausea, and cramping, it feels only natural that your digestive system should have its moment.

Besides, we’re all familiar with period poops. 💩

Well, it turns out pregnancy and bowel movements look a little different.

In this article 📝

So, is pooping a lot a sign of early pregnancy?

Despite it being a common talking point, it’s not true that frequent bathroom trips for #2 mean you’re pregnant.

If anything, the opposite might be the case, as rising progesterone levels associated with becoming pregnant can actually cause constipation.

It’s normal, though, for your appetite to change during pregnancy, and foods you once loved can turn your stomach or have you running to the bathroom.

It’s also a time when you’re more at risk of catching food poisoning, thanks to your compromised immune system, so pregnancy-related diarrhea isn’t unheard of.

What are the signs of pregnancy in the first week?

It’s unlikely you’ll feel any signs of pregnancy as early as the first week or two.

Technically speaking, the first week of pregnancy starts on the first day of your period, so you won’t have any pregnancy symptoms at all at this time.

Around three weeks, you might feel a bit bloated and experience a change in your sense of taste.

But generally speaking, those typical first signs of pregnancy, like sore boobs, pregnancy nausea, fatigue, and food aversions, don’t start becoming noticeable until about week 5.

Why do you poop a lot in early pregnancy?

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule.

Though frequent bowel movements aren’t a sign of pregnancy, some people might be more prone to diarrhea during early pregnancy.

If you already suffer from IBS, for example, the sex hormone changes in pregnancy affect the gut-brain axis and change the intestinal mucosa, exacerbating existing gastrointestinal issues.

And, of course, the two-week wait can come with extra nervousness and stress, which for some people, can lead to stomach issues.

Plus, once you get that positive result, the literal “oh sh*t” realization that your world is about to be turned upside-down can be enough to have you running to the toilet.

Should I be worried if I poop a lot?

It’s not common in early pregnancy, but it’s also not usually something to worry about.

Constipation and the associated issues like bloating and hemorrhoids (as the hormonal changes relax the veins) are more common digestive issues during pregnancy, due to your growing uterus and changing hormones.

Just before going into labor, some mamas report experiencing frequent loose bowel movements, which is often attributed to a sudden shift in hormones preparing for birth and urging your pelvic floor muscles to relax.

So if you find yourself pooping a lot during pregnancy, is it something to be worried about?

Not necessarily.

But if you’re suffering from pregnancy diarrhea frequently, it’s worth having a chat with your doctor.

Especially if you’re losing weight because of it or experiencing painful abdominal cramps or a fever.

Is pooping a lot a sign of pregnancy or period?

So if getting pregnant and pooping a lot isn’t necessarily linked, can it be a sign of your period?

It may not be the news you’re hoping for, but often times yes.

Research has found 34% of women report experiencing gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, during their period.

A lot of it’s to do with, you guessed it, hormones.

The main culprit is prostaglandins, whose responsibilities include relaxing the muscle tissues in your uterus to help it shed its lining every month.

And this also has a similar effect on your bowels.

On the other hand, the pregnancy hormone progesterone (the hero behind your thickening uterine walls come ovulation) tends to promote constipation.

Progesterone is essential for implantation.

So, if your bowel movements start to slow when in the throes of TTC (trying to conceive), it may just be time to take a pregnancy test – or at the very least an ovulation test

With so much nervous energy, anxiety, and lifestyle changes going on, your bowel movements may be the least reliable of pregnancy signs.

A blood pregnancy test is best for knowing with certainty if you’re pregnant or not.

And hey, if the nerves are still there, the Peanut community is here for you.

Always. 💛