Short answer
Dark green or black stool is often caused by iron in prenatal vitamins. Constipation is very common in pregnancy and can cause hemorrhoids and small amounts of bright red blood. Heavy bleeding, black tarry stool, pale stool, persistent diarrhea, or severe itching should be reported to your provider promptly.
What stool changes are common in pregnancy?
Common stool changes in pregnancy include dark green or black stool from prenatal iron, constipation, and small amounts of bright red blood from hemorrhoids.
- Dark green or black stool. Usually from iron in prenatal vitamins or iron supplements. See iron and black stool.
- Green stool. From leafy greens, iron or loose stool. See green poop.
- Constipation. Hormones slow digestion, and iron and the growing uterus add to it. Ask your provider what may help, and before taking any medicine or laxative.
- Bright red blood on the paper. Hemorrhoids and small tears are common in pregnancy. Still mention bleeding to your provider.
- Diarrhea. Usually an infection or diet. Stay hydrated and call your provider if it lasts.
- Orange or red stool from food or dye. See orange and red stool.
When should you call your provider about stool changes in pregnancy?
Call your provider about diarrhea that lasts, repeated bleeding, pale stool or strong itching. Black tarry stool, heavy bleeding or severe belly pain need care right away.
Call your provider within a day
- Diarrhea that lasts more than a day or two
- Bright red blood that keeps coming back
- Pale or clay-colored stool, or dark urine
- Strong itching, especially on the hands and feet, in later pregnancy
Get care now
- Black, sticky, tar-like stool
- A lot of blood, dizziness or fainting
- Severe belly pain, or vaginal bleeding with belly pain
- Signs of dehydration, such as very dry mouth or little urine
Severe itching with pale stool and dark urine in pregnancy can be a sign of a liver condition called cholestasis of pregnancy. It needs medical assessment.
Warning signs to know
These are signs that published medical guidance says need prompt or urgent care. The list is not complete, and ticking boxes cannot tell you whether you are ill. If you are worried, contact a clinician whatever you tick.
Questions people ask
Why is my poop green during pregnancy?
Commonly from iron in prenatal vitamins, leafy greens, or quicker digestion. It is usually harmless.
Is black poop normal in pregnancy?
It can be, if you take iron and the stool looks formed. Black, sticky, foul-smelling stool or dizziness needs medical care.
Is blood in stool common in pregnancy?
Small amounts of bright red blood from hemorrhoids are common. Mention any bleeding to your provider, and get urgent care for heavy bleeding.
Why am I so constipated?
Pregnancy hormones slow the gut, and iron and pressure from the uterus add to it. Your provider can advise on what may help.
Sources
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