The Danger of Dehydration During Pregnancy

Pregnant women are prone to dehydration. This is because of the increased need for fluids during pregnancy, as well as complaints of nausea that make pregnant women often vomit and have no appetite, so that fluid intake is reduced. In fact, dehydration during pregnancy can be dangerous, you know!

Ideally, fluids that enter and leave the body should always be balanced, especially during pregnancy. Excessive fluid loss that is not balanced with adequate fluid intake can make pregnant women lack fluids, even become dehydrated. Pregnant women can become dehydrated if they don't eat and drink enough, for example due to fasting, diarrhea, frequent vomiting, and sweating a lot or often feeling hot during pregnancy.

What Are the Dangers of Dehydration During Pregnancy?

Dehydration during pregnancy can harm the pregnant woman and the fetus in her womb. Here are some of the dangers that can occur:

1. Too little amniotic fluid

Amniotic fluid is a protective fluid that the fetus needs while in the womb. In addition, this fluid will give the fetus room for movement while in the womb. There are a number of factors that can cause a small amount of amniotic fluid. One of them is dehydration during pregnancy.

The volume of amniotic fluid that is too little, especially in early pregnancy, can lead to impaired fetal development or even miscarriage. While in the later stages of pregnancy, deficient amniotic fluid will increase the risk of premature birth and complications throughout childbirth.

2. Triggers false contractions

Dehydration throughout pregnancy also can trigger Braxton-Hicks contractions, that are false contractions that sometimes last 1-2 minutes. These contractions usually occur within the third trimester, however also can occur within the second trimester. When experiencing this condition, try to drink water in sufficient quantities. If it improves, it's possible that the contractions you're experiencing are caused by dehydration.

3. Very serious complications

In addition to the above conditions, pregnancy complications that can occur when pregnant women are dehydrated are decreased milk production, babies born with congenital defects, babies experiencing disorders of the nervous system, and premature labor.

4. Death of the baby or mother

Severe dehydration conditions that aren't handled properly will cause shock which might threaten the lives of pregnant women and fetuses.

Looking for Signs of Dehydration

To prevent dehydration, always get enough fluids and recognize the signs of dehydration. The simplest way which will be done to recognize it's to pay attention to the colour of urine. If the color of the urine is dark yellow and dark, it means that the pregnant woman's fluid intake is less. On the other hand, a clear and clear urine color indicates that the pregnant woman's body is well hydrated.

Apart from the color of urine, dehydration can also be recognized from the symptoms that appear. The following are the symptoms of dehydration based on their severity:

1. Mild to moderate dehydration:

• Reduced frequency of urination
• Feeling thirsty
• Sleepy
• Mouth feels dry and sticky
• Headache
• Dizzy
• Constipation

2. Severe dehydration:

• Decreased number and frequency of urination or none at all
• Dark yellow urine
• Feeling very thirsty
• Sunken eyes
• Very dry mouth
• Very dry skin and lack of elasticity (takes a long time to return to normal when pressed)
• Easily angry and confused
• Heart beating fast and breathing fast
• Faint

For mild to moderate dehydration, pregnant women will still handle it by drinking lots of water and obtaining enough rest. Meanwhile, for severe dehydration, pregnant women must get immediate medical attention.

How to Stay Hydrated?

Actually, preventing dehydration during pregnancy is quite easy, namely by drinking about 3 liters of water per day or the equivalent of 8-12 glasses. However, it should be noted that if pregnant women are doing more activities, exercising, or doing outdoor activities during hot weather, add 1 cup daily to the amount they usually drink. In addition, do some of the following tips to maintain body fluid balance and prevent dehydration:

• Avoid caffeinated drinks, like coffee, tea, and soft drinks. This drink has drug properties which will cause pregnant women to urinate additional often.
• If you don't like drinking water, pregnant women can add sliced ​​fruit to the water to add flavor. Some types of fruit that can be added are kiwi, lemon, and orange. Pregnant women can also eat fruits that contain lots of water, such as pears and watermelon.
• If pregnant women expertise symptoms of nausea, attempt to continually eat and drink when pregnant women aren't feeling nauseous.

Pregnant women also need to drink and eat before normal delivery to get enough energy and avoid dehydration. Always keep fluid intake so that pregnant women avoid the danger of dehydration during pregnancy. If pregnant women experience severe nausea and vomiting that makes it difficult to eat or drink, consult a gynecologist for treatment. And remember, immediately consult a doctor if pregnant women experience symptoms of dehydration.