Black stool during pregnancy is common, and there may not be any concerning causes in most cases. Dietary supplements, certain foods, food dyes, medications, and digestive changes in pregnancy can be the reason for the black pigment (1). Although avoiding the causative factor can change the stool color to normal, it is not recommended if there are no health issues. However, if you experience any other symptoms or concerns, you may seek your doctor’s opinion. Read on to understand the reasons for black stool during pregnancy, how to prevent it, and when to seek medical care.
Common Causes Of Black Stool During Pregnancy
Black or tarry stools could be due to one or more of the following factors. According to Dr. Alan Lindemann, obstetrician, who was also a clinical associate professor at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, “The iron in pills will be black even if the pills don’t look very dark. Bleeding from your rectum is not the same thing as black stool from taking iron supplements. It’s just that iron is turned black by your digestive tract, whether it’s coming from the iron in blood or from iron supplements.” Dr. Lindemann says, “If your stool is black, we say the blood is coming from higher up in your digestive tract because it is staying in your colon for a longer time, long enough to change the color to black. Although it is possible for you to have bleeding in your colon from a tumor, benign or malignant, it is extremely unlikely for a woman of 20 to 35 years. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you will probably want to have some kind of examination or testing after you deliver.”
Symptoms That May Accompany Black Stools
Depending on what the cause is, you may notice these symptoms along with black stools.
Fever
Abdominal or chest pain
Diarrhea
Breathing difficulty
Nausea or blood vomiting
Lightheadedness or dizziness
If you notice dark stools along with these symptoms for an extended period, consult your health care provider to rule out any complications for both you and your baby.
How Can You Avoid Black Stools During Pregnancy?
Changes in your diet, medication, and hygiene habits might help you avoid dark stools.
How Is The Cause Behind Dark Stool Diagnosed?
The healthcare provider may study your medical history, do a physical examination, and order some tests. You may have to go for a combination of blood tests, x-rays, and stool examinations. If the results are inconclusive, the doctor may ask you to go for an endoscopy that will examine the gastrointestinal tract and help identify the cause. Based on the tests and results, you will be given the appropriate treatment.
References:
