diarrhoea at 34 weeks

[lauren_s]

Just a little concerned, yesterday I had two episodes of diarrhoea (sorry for TMI) and felt a few cramps in my stomach and back just before both of them. I rang the midwife and she said don't worry unless it happens again. I've had none today, and no other problems or symptoms. I was a bit worried that I had picked up some food poisoning such as listeria? I know that can have mild symptoms. Is there a test available for listeria? I've read lots of conflicting information.
I can't think of any high risk foods I've eaten, but at work I do often buy a toasted sandwich with avocado, tomato and cheese (safe to eat, cheddar cheese), do you think I could get listeria from the tomato? I know unwashed unvegetables can cause it but I thought that was more in the case of lettuce and leafy vegetables. Any thoughts? Can't help but be worried...

[catetay]

i think it's more likely to be a gastro type bug, toasting the sandwich *should* kill off any Listeria, but i don't think tomatoes are a high risk anyway?
For me, my bowels are all over the place while pg anyway!
If you continue to feel unwell, go to your Dr to get checked out just in case, but otherwise try not to worry too much

[njon2]

I have been alternating between constipation and diarrhea/extremely loose stools (sorry TMI) throughout the last couple of months of my pregnancy. My midwife told me not to worry about it because it is common for people to experience either throughout their pregnancy.

I guess the only concern is if it is really excessive and prolonged you might start to dehydrate.

[Traveller]

As others have said, don't be too concerned if your midwife is not concerned. As long as you are feeling well now, and bubs is moving and kicking you lots, then it is probably just a virus which is out of your system. Severe diarrhoea can sometimes trigger labour, and this is why some women induce with castor oil, but if you have not gone into labour by now then you will probably not have to worry about it until your EDD or beyond.

As always though, if you experience any more cramping or diarrhoea then ask your midwife to give you a check over just to be safe.

[[M]umma[M]ia]

Im another one who's bowels go from one extreme to another during pregnancy. Usually the runs though, the whole pregnancy..

Midwives are pretty good, they see so many pregnant women. I would trust the midwifes opinion

[CrazyLady]

I can't think of any high risk foods I've eaten, but at work I do often buy a toasted sandwich with avocado, tomato and cheese (safe to eat, cheddar cheese), do you think I could get listeria from the tomato? I know unwashed unvegetables can cause it but I thought that was more in the case of lettuce and leafy vegetables. Any thoughts? Can't help but be worried...

It's more a concern if the ingredients have been cross contaminated. One example could be someone constructing the sandwich touches ham and then goes to get a piece of tomato/cheese/avocado and accidentally brushes another piece not going on the current sandwich. The toasting process should remove any bacteria if it's piping hot.

Hoping all is well hun!

[lozzy_mac]

I agree that its probably just a pregnancy thing. I've had a very ... unwieldy GIT my whole pregnancy!
But even if it was a bug, the chances of it being listeria are SOO low. Much more likely to be garden variety E.Coli or something like that!
Even women eating soft cheese and sushi and hotdogs have a very low chance of picking up listeria, and my midwife said that in 30 years of practicing, she's not once seen a case of it!
If it makes you feel better, there have been some studies showing that maternal exposure to bacteria decreases the child's risk of allergy E.Coli is our friend haha
The only thing to watch out for is fever
Hope its all cleared up for you now

[mom2be]

I also had diarrhea but not very watery though. My stomach really hurts a lot. I'm glad i am back to normal. I didn't know that it can induce labor. I am still on my 28 weeks.