How Soon Before Labor Do You Have Diarrhea? - MedicineNet

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• Diarrhea Before Labor
  • How long after diarrhea do you go into labor?
• Causes
  • Why do you have diarrhea before labor?
• Other Signs
  • What are other signs that indicate labor will happen soon?
• False Labor
  • How do you know if you are in labor?
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  • What should you do if you think you're in early labor?
• FAQs
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about is diarrhea a sign of labor

How long after diarrhea do you go into labor?

Diarrhea may signal that labor will start within 24-48 hours.

Is diarrhea a sign of labor?

Diarrhea during third-trimester pregnancy can be a sign that your labor is going to start within 24 to 48 hours if you're close to your due date. However, this is not as reliable as some other signs that labor is approaching, and not all women experience diarrhea before giving birth.

There are many reasons for diarrhea to occur in the third trimester, and every woman's labor experience is different. While loose stools may be a symptom of impending labor, it is not as reliable as some other signs that labor is approaching, and not all women experience diarrhea before giving birth.

Diarrhea is defined as having more than three loose, watery stools during a bowel movement in a day.

Why do you have diarrhea before labor?

Diarrhea associated with pregnancy and labor is caused by a hormone known as prostaglandin. As labor approaches, the body releases prostaglandin hormones, like oxytocin, to soften the cervix and to stimulate the uterus to contract. These hormones also affect the intestine (bowel) and may cause loose stools. This may occur in the days or hours before labor begins.

What are other signs that indicate labor will happen soon?

There's no way to tell exactly when you'll go into labor, but here are some other signs that you may be going into labor soon:

Cramps

Labor cramps are strong, rhythmic, tightening, and squeezing sensations in the lower abdomen or back, caused by the walls of the uterus contracting to open the cervix for childbirth.

These cramps are different from Braxton Hicks contractions, which are a painless tightening of the uterus wall and feel like mild belly tightening. They most often occur after the 20th week of in the second half of pregnancy (after 20 weeks), and may be brought on by activity or a full bladder.

Early labor cramps are likely to come and go for hours or days before true labor starts.

Loss of mucus plug

During pregnancy, a thick mucus plug forms in the opening of the cervix. Early in labor, as the cervix begins to dilate, the plug is pushed into the vagina. The whole plug may be seen, or there might be vaginal discharge that is heavier and either pink or slightly bloody.

Like diarrhea leading up to labor, losing a mucus plug or having a "bloody show" is not a reliable sign of impending labor.

Lightening

Lightening or baby dropping occurs when the baby descends into the pelvis late in pregnancy in preparation for birth. The mother's abdominal shape may change when this happens, and there may be increased pelvic pressure.

Nesting

There may be an emotional burst of energy shortly before labor begins to get the home ready for the baby's birth. This is called nesting, and may include the urge to clean the house, shop for groceries, or organize all the baby's clothes.

SLIDESHOW

Conception: The Amazing Journey from Egg to Embryo See Slideshow

How do you know if you are in labor?

If some of the symptoms listed above have started and are followed by lower abdominal contractions, this may be labor. As labor progresses, the contractions will become more regular, frequent, and intense.

Here are some ways you can tell false labor from true labor:

Regularity

The contractions you feel during true labor have a pattern. They occur at regular intervals and get closer together as time passes, and they usually last for 60 to 90 seconds. False, or Braxton Hicks contractions, come and go and don't have a regular pattern.

Changes with movement

If you get up and move around, Braxton Hicks contractions may stop. If you're moving around when you feel them, try lying down and resting. If they go away, they probably aren't real contractions. True contractions don't go away with movement, rest, or change in position.

Intensity

True labor contractions get more intense and painful as they progress. Braxton Hicks contractions don't get stronger. They may start strong, but then get weaker.

Location of pain

You can usually only feel Braxton Hicks contractions in the front of your belly. True contractions, on the other hand, will generally start at your back and move around to your front.

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What should you do if you think you are in early labor?

Labor may be a long process and take time. Patience is needed, and there should be a discussion between the mother and the healthcare provider to go over the game plan once labor has begun. However, it is reasonable to call the healthcare provider at any time should you have questions.

If all is going well, then the following steps may be helpful if you think you are in early labor:

Try to ignore it

Naturally, going into labor and having your baby is probably all you're thinking about by this point. But the best thing you can do in early labor is to keep going about your normal routine as much as possible. Your body will let you know when it's time to get serious. Until then, if you feel okay, just do what you'd normally do.

Time some contractions

It's good to note what time you started having contractions, how long they last, and the spacing between them. However, don't time all of them. You'll be exhausted before you ever get to the hard part. After you've timed a few, go do something else to distract yourself.

Rest

This will likely be the last chance you have to rest for a while, so take advantage of it. Try to get a nap, or at least lie down for a while. Drink plenty of fluids and have a light meal or snack. You're going to need your energy for giving birth.

Stay at home

Your home is much more comfortable than even the most modern hospital room. Stay at home for as long as possible during early labor. You'll have more freedom to move around and do whatever helps you feel better. Besides, if you go to the hospital too early, you're likely to be sent home disappointed anyway.

How do you know when it is time to go to the hospital?

When you start having regular contractions, you should call your healthcare provider and discuss it with them. They may tell you to wait at home until the contractions are stronger, or they may want to see you and check your cervix to get a sense of the baby’s presentation, whether it is headfirst or breech (butt first). This may occur in the hospital or at home if a home delivery is planned.

Call the healthcare provider when the contractions become less than ten minutes apart, when there is fluid leaking from the vagina, and when the contractions become increasingly painful.

It is especially important to call and seek immediate care in the following situations:

• If your labor starts early, before 37 weeks.
• If your water breaks.
• If you have any vaginal bleeding.
• If the quality of labor pains changes, and the pain becomes constant.
• If there is concern that the baby isn't moving or is moving less than normal.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about is diarrhea a sign of labor

How soon after diarrhea does labor start?

While not a reliable sign of labor, diarrhea before labor may occur 24 to 48 hours before the onset of labor, but can also occur even two weeks before the due date. This does not mean that premature labor is expected. The signs of labor are different for each woman and for each pregnancy.

When should I worry about diarrhea in my third trimester?

There are many causes of diarrhea, and most are self-limited and caused by a gastrointestinal infection. It's time to worry if there is an associated fever, signs of dehydration, or blood in the stool.

The most important thing is to stay hydrated if you have diarrhea in the third trimester, or at any time during pregnancy, for that matter. Drink a lot of water, juices, and soups to prevent loss of water and electrolytes. Eat something light that will give you the energy you need, but is easy to digest, like chicken broth or toast and jam.

If it is close to your due date, watch for other signs of labor. Talk to your doctor if you think your diarrhea is not associated with labor, lasts longer than a couple of days, or you have other symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection.

How long do you have diarrhea before going into labor?

You may have diarrhea for a couple of days before you go into labor, and it may continue during active labor as well. It usually resolves on its own, as the mother's prostaglandin levels drop after delivery.

What can I take for diarrhea in the 3rd trimester?

Diarrhea due to pregnancy is usually self-limited and is treated with supportive care, like a clear diet. Medications should not be taken unless prescribed by the healthcare provider caring for the mother and her pregnancy.

When should I go to the hospital for diarrhea during pregnancy?

You should, of course, go to the hospital if your contractions become regular and intense and you have other signs of labor, along with diarrhea. If you have diarrhea at any time earlier in pregnancy, you should go to the hospital if:

• It does not stop within a couple of days or so.
• You have reason to suspect you have a case of food poisoning or infection.
• You have blood in your stool, even if you have loose and bloody stools only once.
• You develop fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, or dizziness.

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Medically Reviewed on 6/9/2025 References Body CM, Christie JA. Gastrointestinal Diseases in Pregnancy: Nausea, Vomiting, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Constipation, and Diarrhea. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America 2016. 45(2): 267-283 Ray J, La Bundy J. Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders.Clinical Updates in Women’s Health Care. https://www.acog.org/clinical/journals-and-publications/clinical-updates/2022/06/lower-gastrointestinal-tract-disorders Updated: June 2022 Accessed: 07Jun2025

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