Dehydration in Pregnancy Can Be Serious - Know the Symptoms

Dehydration in pregnancy is a common occurrence, and many are surprised to learn that it can lead to serious complications. While most expectant mothers focus mainly on adequate consumption of essential vitamins like folic acid and avoiding things like alcohol and caffeine, many neglect their bodies' increasing need for more water. The main problem with dehydration during pregnancy is that it can sneak up on an expectant mother without many obvious warning signs. The following is a guide to recognizing dehydration symptoms during pregnancy, what you should do if you do become dehydrated, and how to avoid it in the first place.

Dehydration and Pregnancy - "What is it?"

Dehydration is quite simply the body's inability to replenish fluids at the rate they are being eliminated. Dehydration during pregnancy is most troubling because it can endanger the baby and the mother alike. It is more common during pregnancy because of several factors, including, higher-blood volume and the mother's tendency toward nausea and vomiting.

Dehydration Pregnancy Risks - "What are they?"

Dehydration in pregnancy can lead to several problems and many women have to be hospitalized and/or receive IV fluids. Dehydration in early pregnancy or first trimester, can lead to an insufficient amount of amniotic fluid. This can lead to the baby laying directly against the uterus and can cause limb deformities. Becoming dehydrated during pregnancy in the second and third trimesters can lead to heat exhaustion, muscle-cramping, fatigue and even premature labor.

Signs of Dehydration in Pregnancy - "What to look for"

Symptoms of dehydration in pregnancy include, dark yellow urine, infrequent or lack of urination, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness and lightheadedness, excessive thirst, headaches, chapped lips, nausea and vomiting, and lack of skin elasticity. Although the signs of dehydration in pregnancy may seem obvious, sometimes there may be very little warning before the proverbial bottom falls out and the mother has to hospitalized.

Dehydration and Pregnancy - "Avoidance and Treatment"

Preventing dehydration in pregnancy may sound simple, but with today's hectic schedules, many pregnant women simply forget to drink adequate amounts of fluid. For this reason, you may want to keep track of how much you are drinking by keeping a log. If dehydration during pregnancy is caused by nausea or vomiting, you should talk to your ob/gyn about possible solutions including, some types of pharmaceuticals like, Phenergan, Reglan, or Zofran that help relieve these symptoms. Consuming popsicles and products like Gatorade and Pedialyte, can help replenish electrolytes lost during vomiting and profuse sweating. For severe symptoms of dehydration in pregnancy, hospitalization and IV fluid treatment may be required.

Dehydration in pregnancy, though common, can be considerably dangerous for both mother and child. It is also easily avoided if proper steps are taken. Knowing what to look for and taking proper precautions can go a long way at preventing unnecessary risks.

Source:

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
http://books.google.com/books?id=s-7d20ulE8UC&pg=PA1&dq=dehydration+pregnancy+mayo+clinic