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Dehydration in Pregnancy: An Overview

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A common negligence like not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which can cause significant damage during pregnancy. Read below to learn more.

Written by

Dr. Arjun Singh

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Daswani Deepti Puranlal

Published At December 18, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 18, 2023

Introduction:

Dehydration can be a problem at any time, but it is especially bad during pregnancy. In addition to the fact that more water is required than expected during pregnancy, the child needs water as well. Water is fundamental for life. It is crucial to the healthy development of the fetus. That implies remaining appropriately hydrated is a fundamental necessity.

How Does Dehydration Occur?

Dryness is the consequence of the body losing water more rapidly than the uptake of different liquids. The body may struggle to carry out its normal functions as a result. In the event of failure to supplant the lost liquids, dryness will become apparent.

During pregnancy, this is particularly troubling. Water frames the placenta, which passes supplements to the developing child. Additionally, the amniotic sac uses it. Lack of hydration during pregnancy can bring about intense complications, including:

  • Neural abnormalities.

  • Low amniotic liquid.

  • Untimely labor.

  • Poor formation of breast milk.

  • Birth abnormalities.

The body is involved in water in more prominent amounts during the pregnancy. If the fluids lost are not replenished, dehydration will always be a concern. Assuming dealing with morning sickness, which makes it challenging to hold anything down, lack of hydration turns out to be a significantly certain outcome. Vomiting can prompt a lack of liquids and electrolytes, in addition to the deficiency of stomach acid.

Further into the pregnancy, overheating can turn into an issue, resulting in a lack of hydration. Dehydration can also be brought on by:

  • Intense diarrhea.

  • Vomiting.

  • Fever.

  • Excessive sweating.

  • Not drinking enough water.

  • High-intensity exercises, especially if the weather is warm.

What Are the Signs of Dehydration During Pregnancy?

At the point when the body becomes dried out, the body starts showing specific signs. It is critical to remember them.

Maternal overheating can be a typical indication of drying out. In the event of a lack of sufficient water, the body might experience difficulty managing intensity/heat. This makes the body inclined to overheat.

Dull yellow urine is another preventative sign. The urine is clear during adequate hydration.

Mild to moderate dryness can likewise cause these side effects:

  • Dry, tacky mouth.

  • Sluggishness.

  • Feeling thirsty.

  • Diminished need to urinate.

  • Migraine.

  • Constipation.

  • Dizziness.

When encountering these side effects, hydrate and rest if possible. Calling the doctor and explaining the situation is also a good idea. During pregnancy, lack of hydration can set off Braxton-Hicks contractions. These are a tightening of the uterus that normally just lasts a little while. These training contractions are most normal in the third trimester but might be felt in the second trimester, as well. If experience a lot of these kinds of contractions, it could indicate the inadequacy of getting enough water.

Mild and, surprisingly, moderate dehydration can normally be overseen and turned around by drinking water. However, serious levels of dehydration, particularly during pregnancy, need quick clinical consideration.

Side effects of extreme lack of hydration include:

  • Outrageous thirst.

  • Advanced stages of dry mouth, skin, and mucous membranes.

  • Irritability.

  • Practically no urine.

  • Exceptionally dark urine.

  • Sunken eyes.

  • Quick heartbeat.

  • Low pulse and blood pressure.

Additionally, watch the skin. If the skin is dry, shriveled, and lacks elasticity, or if it is pinched into a fold and does not "bounce back," indicates dehydration. In the event that any of these side effects are available, seek clinical consideration immediately.

What Are the Complications?

Mild dehydration is not commonly hazardous in pregnancy as long as the lady rapidly gets an adequate amount of liquids. Dehydration can prompt lower levels of amniotic liquid, which can impact the child’s development, lead to preterm labor, and influence the production of breast milk. Lack of hydration can cause a lack of supplements that are essential for the health of the pregnant lady and the developing child. Dehydration can cause comatose states or even be deadly.

When to Go to the Emergency Clinic?

Ladies should go to the emergency clinic for dehydration when they:

  • Feel the child's pattern of development/movement changes.

  • Start to drain/bleed or release liquid.

  • Experience contractions that they think may be an indication of untimely labor.

  • Have been diagnosed to have a serious ailment, like renal/kidney failure.

  • Experience vomiting or loose bowels/diarrhea for longer than 12 hours.

  • Have ceased perspiring in spite of drinking liquid.

  • Producing very little or no urine.

  • Faint, have a seizure, or feel distressed.

Treatment for dehydration comprises giving liquids through a needle intravenous (IV). A few dehydrated ladies may likewise require electrolytes, like sodium and magnesium, to assist them with retaining liquids appropriately. For the purposes of monitoring, some people might need to spend several days in the hospital.

How to Avoid Becoming Dehydrated While Pregnant?

Preventing dehydration is not that difficult. The most effective way to remain appropriately hydrated during the pregnancy and after is to drink a lot of water consistently. Attempt to get at least 8 to 12 glasses of water every day. Instead of drinking while eating, which can cause indigestion, try to drink fluids between meals to prevent suffering from this condition. Take a stab at drinking a lot of liquids in the presence of morning sickness/vomiting. Talk to the doctor if the severity of this condition makes it hard to drink water.

Keep away from caffeine, which can increase urination. Water is great; however, drinking milk, regular organic product juices, and soup is also ideal. Be cautious with any exercises that cause overheating, such as high-intensity or vigorous activity. Overheating can occur even when spending time outside in an environment that is too hot or humid.

Conclusion:

Commonly, dryness/dehydration is a temporary bother that can be revised by drinking more liquids. Any individual who figures they may be dried out or who has a risk factor for lack of hydration ought to examine their concerns with a physician. It is more secure to give attention to dehydration than to disregard an issue that could be dangerous to the child. Dehydration can happen to anyone, but pregnant women are more likely to get it. The most effective way to stay away from mild, moderate, and serious drying out is to focus on hydration. When away from home, make it a habit to bring a water bottle along. Make an effort to keep track of the water consumption. Keeping the perfect proportions of water consistently will result in the body and the developing child having adequate resources.

Dr. Daswani Deepti Puranlal
Dr. Daswani Deepti Puranlal

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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