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Published on: 7/14/2026
What can cause vomiting and diarrhea during pregnancy?
Vomiting and diarrhea during pregnancy are common and can result from several causes, including viral or bacterial infections, food poisoning, hormonal shifts, or pregnancy-specific conditions such as hyperemesis gravidarum. While mild cases often resolve on their own, persistent or severe symptoms can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutritional concerns that may affect both mother and baby. Contact your healthcare provider promptly if symptoms worsen, if you can't keep fluids down, or if you notice signs of dehydration like dark urine, dizziness, or reduced urination.
Because pregnancy symptoms can overlap with many conditions, identifying the likely cause early helps you take the right next step—whether that's home care, a call to your OB, or an urgent visit. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your symptoms and get personalized guidance on what to do next.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026
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During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes, and sometimes you might get vomiting and diarrhea. Blood in either stool or vomit should prompt a visit with a doctor urgently.
One common cause is a stomach bug or food poisoning from bacteria or a virus. In some cases, severe nausea and vomiting, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, can happen. This is more than just morning sickness, and it may also be linked with diarrhea and dehydration.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also make your stomach more sensitive and upset. It is important to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and try to eat small, bland meals if you feel up to it.
However, if you start to feel weak, dizzy, or if you are not peeing much, these could be signs of dehydration. In these situations, or if your symptoms continue for a long time, you should call your doctor or healthcare provider right away. They can check you and your baby, give you the right advice, and help you feel better. If you're unsure about your symptoms, you can use Ubie's free symptom checker to better understand what might be causing them before speaking with your healthcare provider.
(References)
Einarson A, Maltepe C, Boskovic R, Koren G. Treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: an updated algorithm. Can Fam Physician. 2007 Dec;53(12):2109-11. Erratum in: Can Fam Physician. 2019 Jan;65(1):8. PMID: 18077743; PMCID: PMC2231543.
Body C, Christie JA. Gastrointestinal Diseases in Pregnancy: Nausea, Vomiting, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Constipation, and Diarrhea. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2016 Jun;45(2):267-83. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2016.02.005. PMID: 27261898.
Gomes CF, Sousa M, Lourenço I, Martins D, Torres J. Gastrointestinal diseases during pregnancy: what does the gastroenterologist need to know? Ann Gastroenterol. 2018 Jul-Aug;31(4):385-394. doi: 10.20524/aog.2018.0264. Epub 2018 Apr 27. PMID: 29991883; PMCID: PMC6033757.
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