You are 37 weeks pregnant and having green bowel movements that you have not had before what does mean?

Green bowel movements during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, can be caused by several factors:

1. Iron supplements: Iron supplements, commonly prescribed during pregnancy to prevent anemia, can cause the stools to turn green or black. This is a normal side effect and does not indicate any health concerns.

2. Changes in diet: Consuming certain foods, such as leafy green vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale), dark-colored fruits (e.g., blueberries, prunes), or foods with green food coloring, can temporarily alter the stool color to green. These dietary changes are not harmful and usually do not require medical attention.

3. Bile pigments: During digestion, bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, helps break down fats. Sometimes, bile pigments may pass through the digestive system more quickly, resulting in green stools. This can occur due to rapid bowel movements or certain medical conditions affecting digestion, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease.

4. Medical conditions: In rare cases, green bowel movements may indicate an underlying medical condition, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, or significant changes in bowel habits. Conditions such as celiac disease, malabsorption syndromes, or certain infections may cause green stools. If you have persistent green bowel movements and other concerning symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate management.

Therefore, green bowel movements during pregnancy can have various causes, ranging from harmless dietary changes to the effects of iron supplements or potential medical conditions. If you have any concerns or experience additional symptoms, it's advisable to discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.