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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Dark Bowel Movement And Stomach Pain During Pregnancy?

I'm 20 weeks pregnant and my symptoms are dark bowl movements, lower stomach pain (not contractions) and white discharge with the bowl movements. The baby move regularly for the stage in pregnancy. I'm thinking it's because of constipation but I'm wanting a second opinion. There was a UTI test done on the 4th of May that was negative, blood tests were done on the 18th along with a ultra sound. My next appointment is June 22nd.
Thank you! For any help you may be able to provide!
Thu, 9 Jul 2015
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OBGYN,  's  Response
Hi, I have understood your problem.

Are you on iron preparations? Usualy iron is prescribed during pregnancy as it is essential. Iron is known to give blackish dark colour to the stool and many times causes pain in abdomen. Please do not be worried about dark stools. if you are too much bothered by the pain in abdomen, you may change the brand of the iron preparation. Time released iron spansules are available. These spansules have very low side effects. You may switch over to that.

In whichever form, iron should be taken about half an hour before meals - preferably dinner. Taken after food hampers the iron absorption. Also, while on iron, please do not take antacids as for better iron absorption, stomach must have acidic medium.

If your stools are dark without iron preparation, it indicates bleeding inter upper gastrointestinal tract. In that case you have to report to your Obstetrician and get investigated for the responsible cause which can be ulcer, hook worms, etc.

I hope you got the answer to your query.
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What Causes Dark Bowel Movement And Stomach Pain During Pregnancy?

Hi, I have understood your problem. Are you on iron preparations? Usualy iron is prescribed during pregnancy as it is essential. Iron is known to give blackish dark colour to the stool and many times causes pain in abdomen. Please do not be worried about dark stools. if you are too much bothered by the pain in abdomen, you may change the brand of the iron preparation. Time released iron spansules are available. These spansules have very low side effects. You may switch over to that. In whichever form, iron should be taken about half an hour before meals - preferably dinner. Taken after food hampers the iron absorption. Also, while on iron, please do not take antacids as for better iron absorption, stomach must have acidic medium. If your stools are dark without iron preparation, it indicates bleeding inter upper gastrointestinal tract. In that case you have to report to your Obstetrician and get investigated for the responsible cause which can be ulcer, hook worms, etc. I hope you got the answer to your query.