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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Rectal bleeding and loose stools during pregnancy - really worried.

24 replies

MadamAnt · 21/04/2009 11:20

I'm 20 weeks pg and have frequently had blood in my poo - sometimes quite a lot. My poos have also generally been a bit looser (not diarrhoea, just mushy...sorry!) and I've often been needing to go twice in quick succession (usually I'm a regular once a day person).

I went to the doc and she said it was piles after examining my bottom (incl finger action ). She prescribed bum cream which helped a bit.

Anyway, I'm suddenly overcome with anxiety that it's rectal/bowel cancer, and that nothing could be done about it as I'm pregnant. Not sure what I'm hoping to hear on here. I'm going to go back to the doc this week, but just thought it might help to hear about others who have had similar issues but have been fine.

Oh yeah - I also have a history of v mild Crohn's disease (bowel disease) and had a couple of polyps removed at the time of my diagnosis about 10 yrs ago. Both of these factors put me at a higher risk for bowel cancer apparently

OP posts:

wishingchair · 21/04/2009 11:36

Because you're so worried, I would go back to the dr and ask for a test. I thought if your poo was really dark then that could indicate blood actually in your poo and therefore possible bowel cancer, rather than red blood on teh surface of the poo which would sound more like piles.

A simple test would put your mind at rest ...

whomovedmychocolate · 21/04/2009 11:36

It's normal

I had it, it went away, it was the weight of the baby pushing out piles. Also loose stools can be caused by high hormone levels - I get it terribly before my period - tis v normal. The alternative is chronic constipation which is WORSE .

Red blood in poo is rarely a serious issue. Coffee ground like dried blood is worth checking out though.

JetLi · 21/04/2009 11:39

Have been a bit "looser" in second and now third trimester but no bleeding. TBH it has been a blessed relief from the first trimester constipation

Don't blame you for worrying though - it sounds like you're having a rubbish time

I've put my change in habits down to a much improved pregnancy diet, specifically on the fibre front.

JetLi · 21/04/2009 11:41

Actually whomovedmychocolate is right - I get the same when my period is due too. Never thought of the hormones!

Original poster

MadamAnt · 21/04/2009 19:44

Thank you lovely people. I'm feeling somewhat reassured

OP posts:

traceybath · 21/04/2009 19:48

i had this in first two pregnancies when having boys and now am pregnant with girl am constipated.

are you having a boy as anecdotally i know a few friends who've had the same .. .

Original poster

MadamAnt · 21/04/2009 19:52

Oooh we just found out yesterday that it is indeed a boy

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traceybath · 21/04/2009 20:05

Its my official guess the sex test

CountessDracula · 21/04/2009 20:08

I have crohn's and it got a lot worse during pregnancy. Is the doctor aware of this history? I had to take steriods for 18 months during and after my pregnancy, having not had to take any for a long time (or since)

I would say it is very likely to be that - the bleeding and increased frequency are symptoms as I'm sure you know

Have you had a colonoscopy recently?
I would expect you should have one every 10 years

Original poster

MadamAnt · 21/04/2009 20:18

CD - yes, she's aware of the history, although I've only fairly recently moved to the area, and I doubt she's read all my notes.

I haven't have a colonoscopy since I was diagnosed. I have actually asked about it a couple of times but have been told it's not necessary, as I've not had a significant flare up since the initial diagnosis and treatment. I did have a mild flare up about a year ago and went back on the medication until I started TTC.

TBH I don't think I've been very responsible about it all...I've moved house SO many times that I've really never had any continuation of care, and I know I should have pushed for more regular colonoscopies....but as long as I was feeling well it seemed like an easy thing to avoid.

Sorry...tired and rambling

OP posts:

CountessDracula · 21/04/2009 20:22

I think you need to go back to the Doc and tell them about this - I was in a high-risk group (ie saw the consultant every time) when I was pg because of my crohn's

(btw if it is the crohn's then your absorption of vitamins adn minerals will be affected so you really need to get it sorted as obv could affect the baby too.)

What meds did you take?

whomovedmychocolate · 21/04/2009 21:21

Traceybath - I hate to disillusion you but I've had this problem with both DS and DD. Actually it was worse with DD - mind you I didn't have so much time to worry with subsequent DS so I may just have not noticed!

Original poster

MadamAnt · 21/04/2009 22:28

CD - really? I just had MW-led care for the last two pregnancies...it was never even mentioned that Crohn's would put me at higher risk! Just to complicate matters my original flare up didn't present with diarrhoea or bleeding, it was "only" upper abdominal pain and weight loss, so I suppose I'm just not convinced this is Crohn's iykwim. Hey ho...I know I have to got to the docs anyway so I'll see how t goes.

Re: vit/min absorption, would I not be feeling kind of ill if it was that severe? Slightly freaked out now that my baby's suffering!

OP posts:

CountessDracula · 21/04/2009 22:53

i'm sure if you are feeling ok then everything will be fine. Don't want to scare you but I think it is worth getting it checked out.

Original poster

MadamAnt · 22/04/2009 14:15

Quick update: did another poo avec un petit peu blood this morning, but this time it was slighty darker and clotted looking. I duly freaked out and ran to the phone to make an appt. The doc was v reassuring and said that even though it wasn't bright red blood it was most probably from internal piles. He took some blood and gave me a bit more bum/finger action.

He said that if the bloods indicate Crohn's, there's prob nothing they would do at this stage as the symptoms are so mild (I feel fine other than the bloody poo). If it's piles then it's just a case of waiting for them to go away. He said the symptoms really didn't fit with cancer

I've got also a routine Crohn's check up booked for the end of May, but he said that they obviously won't be able to do any in depth investigations (i.e. colonoscopy) as I'm pg and my symptoms aren't worrying enough to outweigh the risks of the procedure.

Anyway, thanks all - you really helped!

OP posts:

CountessDracula · 22/04/2009 14:34

Ah good he has taken blood
I think pregnancy causes raised ESR anyway

Original poster

MadamAnt · 22/04/2009 14:40

Is that the inflammation marker? And if so, how will they know what's causing any raised ESR level? He also mentioned anaemia, and I don't think I've ever had a blood test with good iron levels

OP posts:

CountessDracula · 22/04/2009 14:54

really?
Do you take folic acid all the time?
I do for this reason
I think ESR only slightly raised in pg, more so in Crohn's (it is ages since I have bothered to look at my results so I can't tell you figures but the dr will know)

Original poster

MadamAnt · 22/04/2009 15:00

No I don't usually take folic acid (but obv have since TTC). I was also very low in folic acid about 18 months ago and took an intensive course of supplements, at the end of whch my levels were sky high

Just googled ESR and apparently elevated levels can be a sign of all sorts of nasties incl cancer It's a hard life when you have hypochondriach tendencies.

OP posts:

anushageda · 28/12/2014 11:56

Hi MadamAnt..
I am 23 weeks pregnant facing the same problem as yours...looser poo with red blood ...
So worried thinking that what would be the cause of this... After reading this page talk felt somewhat relaxed...
Could you please confirm when did your problem solve..?
Which would help me feel good...

prechyto · 15/03/2015 04:03

i have been having these frequent stool and passing out of blood,im just to scared to visit a doc now any one have any idea of what i can do?im in my 3rd trimester.

prechyto · 15/03/2015 04:07

can folic acid also be the course because i take alot of it lately im just so scard just in my 37th week and 5 days

Carrie5608 · 15/03/2015 04:25

Prechyto you need to see a Dr. They will do blood tests. If there are raised inflammatory markers they will use a camera at the hospital to look for ulcerative colitis. It won't be a full colonoscopy its called a sigmoidoscopy. They are some things you can use for it in pregnancy usually by suppository or enema.

It won't be caused by folic acid but it is really important that you see a Dr as you may need iron, Vit D and a higher dose of the folic acid.

GrownUpSproglett · 15/03/2015 19:31

Prechyto you definatley need to go see your GP. I had similar symptoms in 2013 and was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis/Ulcerative Proctitis. Its really easy to treat. I was scared when it first flared up and it took 6 months, it getting worse, and me loosing a lot of weight before I finally went to see my GP, but I just have to take granules and use daily suppositories and I am fine and dandy. I had a sigmoidoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and it was uncomfortable but ok. Put my mind at ease that its nothing more serious as I have a family history of bowel cancer. Also means if it gets worse you are already in the system. Hope it all stops but if it is Crohn's or UC it could flare up again in the future.

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