If you have an upset stomach and diarrhea while pregnant, you may want to do whatever you can to make it stop. Pepto Bismol 1 treats both upset stomach and loose bowels, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 2 says to stay away from it while pregnant.
The way your body breaks down the ingredients of Pepto Bismol can result in too much of a chemical called subsalicylate 3 , which can harm your baby.
For nausea and heartburn, Tums 4 is a pregnancy-safe alternative. For diarrhea, the FDA recommends taking Immodium 5 , but only under the direction of your healthcare provider. Your provider will also want to check if your diarrhea could be caused by a virus or another treatable condition. Once they know what’s causing the problem, they can help you figure out how to get some relief.
