Dehydration During Pregnancy - Causes, Signs, and Symptoms,

Table of Content

• Symptoms of Dehydration During Pregnancy

• What Causes Dehydration During Pregnancy?

• Drinks & foods to avoid dehydration in pregnancy 

• Complications of Dehydration During Pregnancy

• How to Prevent Dehydration During Pregnancy?

• How Much Water Should a Pregnant Woman Drink?

• When to go to the Hospital for Dehydration in Pregnancy?

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on Dehydration During Pregnancy

Introduction

During pregnancy, diet and maternal behavior are critical for baby's brain development. Maternal physiological and metabolic adaptations throughout pregnancy would influence fetal development. There are many researches suggesting that maternal nutrition influences pregnancy output, but the question is if hydration status affects the baby? So let us tell you, maternal water intake is necessary to regulate metabolism and may influence fetal growth.

Water is a very crucial element of human life. Dehydration in any age group is bad, but it becomes more dangerous for the unborn babies. Dehydration in mothers can be due to many reasons like less water intake or excessive sweating or excess vomiting. Infact, dehydration is more common in expecting mothers than others due to the increased demand of the body. Dehydration can lead to various health complications thus it is crucial to understand the causes and symptoms of dehydration in pregnancy and take the necessary steps to prevent it. This blog will explore the causes, symptoms, and prevention of dehydration during pregnancy and when to seek medical help if necessary.

Symptoms of Dehydration During Pregnancy

Usually, one of the most obvious signs of dehydration is an excessive thirst. As the body loses fluids, it tries to compensate by triggering the thirst mechanism. People who feel thirsty after sweating, spending long periods of time in the heat, or going for long periods without water are especially likely to be dehydrated.

Other symptoms of dehydration are: 

• Dry throat or mouth 

• Chapped lips

• Sunken eyes 

• Dry and wrinkled skin

• Less frequent urination

• Dark-colored urine

• Lack of sweating

• Weakness 

• Constipation and hard stools

• Lightheadedness

• Muscle cramps

• Rapid heartbeat

Dehydration can cause Braxton Hicks contractions in some individuals. 

When dehydration worsens, thirst disappears. Signs of severe dehydration during pregnancy include: 

• Dizziness 

• Confusion 

• Rapid heartbeat 

• Alterations in the baby's activity patterns. 

• Low blood pressure, which may cause dizziness or fainting. 

Severe dehydration can lead to organ failure. It may potentially be harmful to the baby.

What Causes Dehydration During Pregnancy?

The fluid intake and hydration status during pregnancy may influence the health outcomes of both the mother and the fetus. However, there are few studies related to this. What is more important to know is what causes this dehydration in expecting mothers that in turn affects the health of both the mother and the child. Here are few causes doctors have found out that can lead to dehydration in pregnancy:

1. Increased fluid demands: You might be knowing that during pregnancy, the demand of everything in the expectant mother’s body increases as it has to compensate for both the mother and the growing baby. This demand not just increases for nutrients and calories, but even in case of water. Yes! An expectant mother needs more fluids than a regular lady of her age. The body needs more fluids for the extra blood volume, amniotic fluid production, and the increased metabolic rate during pregnancy. This demand further increases for someone living in a hot and humid climate or someone who is physically active like a working expectant mother, as they sweat more. 

2. Morning sickness and vomiting : As you must be knowing, expectant mothers suffer through a lot of morning sickness and vomiting specially in the first trimester of the pregnancy. This causes a lot of fluid loss and this needs to be compensated by drinking extra liters of fluids!

3. Frequent urination: the growing baby imparts pressure on all the organs of the mothers body. This pressure is also imparted on the bladder and thus the frequent urgency to urinate. Usually we get tired of this and avoid drinking water, but that instead harms us and thus adversely affects the growing baby. 

4. Inability to absorb water: The inability of the body to absorb necessary amounts of water can be caused by certain conditions, particularly those that induce vomiting and diarrhea.  

During pregnancy, nausea and vomiting are more common than at other periods. Three percent of pregnant women develop hyperemesis gravidarum, which is characterized by severe vomiting that results in dehydration and weight loss. Dehydration can also be caused by other medical conditions,like:

• Kidney  failure

• Diseases that affect the digestive system, like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or celiac disease, might make it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients.

• Individuals who have a pre existing medical condition are more susceptible to dehydration during hot weather, after strenuous exercise, or when they don't drink enough water.

Drinks & foods to avoid dehydration in pregnancy 

Morning sickness, common in the first trimester, can quickly deplete your fluids as well as other nutrients causing dehydration. Drinking plenty of water – 8 to 12 glasses per day – is recommended to remain hydrated. Other drinks  to help stay hydrated are:

1. Natural fruit juices

2. Milk

3. Soups

4. Watermelon

5. Celery

6. Strawberries

7. Cucumber

Complications of Dehydration During Pregnancy

Pregnancy-related mild dehydration is usually not harmful as long as the mother consumes enough fluids soon. Severe dehydration poses a risk to the mother and the unborn child. Here are some of the potential complications of dehydration in pregnancy:

• Lower levels of amniotic fluid

• Preterm labor

• Affect the production of breast milk.

• Dehydration can cause deficiencies in nutrients that are vital for the health of the pregnant woman and the developing baby.

• Increased risk of urinary tract infections in mother 

• Other maternal complications like headache and fatigue

How to Prevent Dehydration During Pregnancy?

The answer is simple. Drink plenty of water! You should try to drink at least 12 glasses of water if you're pregnant, but honestly speaking, that is not the final thing. The amount of water consumption should depend upon the amount of dehydration. Usually when the body starts going into mild dehydration it hints you by increasing your thirst but this might not happen if you are severely dehydrated and thus you should look out for other symptoms too!

Try making drinking water or juices after every lil while a habit. You can also try using apps or timers to track down your water intake everyday!

Another way to prevent dehydration with pregnancy is to eat a healthy diet rich in water-containing foods. Fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and celery, are excellent sources of hydration. Consuming these foods regularly can help maintain fluid balance and prevent dehydration.

Moreover, it is important for pregnant women to take breaks and not overexert themselves. This can help prevent injury and other complications. Another way to stay comfortable during pregnancy is to wear comfortable clothing. Loose-fitting and breathable fabrics can help regulate body temperature and prevent excessive sweating. By following these simple guidelines, pregnant women can stay healthy and comfortable throughout their pregnancy.

How Much Water Should a Pregnant Woman Drink?

Dehydration is the result of your body losing water faster than you are taking it in. pregnant women require eight to twelve glasses of water per day, more than the normal person. Water plays an important role in the healthy development of your baby such as helping to form the placenta, which is what your baby relies on to receive nutrients during pregnancy.

When to go to the Hospital for Dehydration in Pregnancy?

Dehydration during pregnancy can be a serious condition that requires medical attention. Knowing when to go to the hospital for dehydration in pregnancy is essential to prevent complications and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Several factors can contribute to dehydration during pregnancy, including vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, and insufficient water intake.

If you experience symptoms of dehydration in pregnancy, such as dark-colored urine, dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue, it is important to increase your fluid intake immediately. If dehydration in pregnancy symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Dehydration pregnancy symptoms can also include a rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and constipation. If left untreated, dehydration in pregnancy symptoms can worsen and lead to more severe complications. Talk to your gynecologist now.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe symptoms such as persistent vomiting or diarrhea, high fever, reduced fetal movement, or significant weight loss. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to severe complications such as neural tube defects, low amniotic fluid, preterm labor, and birth defects.

It is also important to note that dehydration during pregnancy can be more severe than in non-pregnant individuals. As a result, pregnant women should take precautions to avoid dehydration, such as drinking plenty of fluids and eating a healthy diet. By staying hydrated and seeking medical attention when necessary, women can reduce the risk of complications associated with dehydration during pregnancy.

Take-Home Points

• Causes of dehydration during pregnancy include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, and inadequate water intake. Dehydration pregnancy symptoms can also include dry mouth, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and constipation.

• Pregnant women are more vulnerable due to the growing fetus's fluid demands, making it crucial to avoid side effects of dehydration during pregnancy, like birth defects and preterm labor, by staying hydrated. 

• Symptoms include dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue, while severe symptoms such as high fever or reduced fetal movement require medical attention. If left untreated, dehydration in pregnancy symptoms can worsen and lead to more severe complications. 

References

• Dehydration

• Are patients with threatened preterm labor more dehydrated than women without it?

• Morning Sickness

• Management of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy