During pregnancy, your body needs more water than ever. Besides, your unborn baby cannot have a drink by themselves, so you have to drink for them too. Water has a huge impact on fetal development. To help your baby grow healthily, you have to stay hydrated throughout your pregnancy.
How do I know if I am dehydrated?
A major symptom of dehydration is overheating. If you have enough water, your body will be able to regulate your body temperature. Dehydration puts you at risk of overheating. Another thing you can look at is your urine. If it is dark yellow, you probably need to drink more water. Other signs of dehydration include:
−A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
−Frequent thirst
−Sleepiness
−Decreased urine output
−Headache
−Dizziness
Besides the symptoms above, if you have severe dehydration, you may also suffer:
−Irritability
−Confusion
−Little or no urine
−Sunken eyes
−Rapid breathing
−Pounding heart
−Low blood pressure
Why am I dehydrated?
When you drink less water and other fluids than the amount your body is spending, dehydration occurs. During pregnancy, water is extremely important since it’s responsible for the formation of the placenta – the nutrition gateway to your baby. Common causes of dehydration are:
−Excessive exercising
−Severe diarrhea
−Vomiting
−Fever
−Intense sweating
−Low water intake
How does dehydration affect my pregnancy?
Dehydration during pregnancy may result in severe complications, including:
−Neural tube defects
−Oligohydramnios (Low amniotic fluid levels)
−Preterm labor
−Low milk supply
How to prevent dehydration during pregnancy?
Needless to say, the key to avoiding getting dehydrated is drinking plenty of water and other fluids. Next, it is advisable to steer clear of products containing caffeine because caffeine may stimulate your body to urinate more frequent, resulting in hydration loss. Also, avoid intense exercises that may cause excessive sweating and overheat. Exercise is good for pregnancy, but you should keep it moderate. If the weather is hot, limit your time outdoor to prevent overheating.
Make sure you always have a bottle of water with you everywhere you go. Remember to keep track of how much water you drink to make sure you have enough. It’s recommended to have at least 12 glasses of water every day. If you are having digestive problems, do not drink as you eat. Instead, stock up on water between meals so you do not upset your stomach. If you have severe morning sickness (to a point that you are unable to keep any fluids down), seek medical help.
You might also want to read:
- Hernia during Pregnancy
- Fifth Disease during Pregnancy
- Bacterial Vaginosis during Pregnancy
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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