The importance of water during pregnancy cannot be over-emphasized. Pregnancy is the period in which the fetus develops inside a woman’s womb or uterus, pregnancy lasts for about 40 weeks or about over 9month which is measured from the last menstrual period to delivery. Food poisoning treatment
There are three segments of pregnancy which are called trimesters.
Pregnancy is a period where the body requires a good intake of water to enable a unique state of health for the mother and the baby. The baby needs water for growth and other formation.
Hydration is very essential in all stages of life, especially during pregnancy, during pregnancy water stands as a key element in foetal development.
Water flushes out toxins, aids digestion, and also ensures that our bodies absorb the essential nutrients from the food we consume.
These vital functions are more important during pregnancy, water is a key component of breast milk to aid good lactation.
Importance of water during pregnancy
Benefits of staying hydrated during pregnancy
Some benefits of staying hydrated during pregnancy include:
-It decreases constipation
-It softens the skin
-It increases energy
-It keeps you cooler. Health and wellness industry
-It decreases the risk of urinary tract infection
-It reduces swelling
-It helps in the development of the baby
Benefits of drinking water during pregnancy
Water is very essential to the human body, water makes up 60% of the body. Water is very important because;
1. It regulates the internal body temperature.
2. It builds up cells
3. It transports proteins and carbohydrates to the bloodstream
4. It forms saliva
5. It helps in flushing waste from the body
6. It acts as a shock absorber for the spinal cord and brain.
Water is lost in the body through some processes such as: sweating, bowel movements, urine production, sickness, and other physical activities.
During pregnancy, the body needs more water to produce more blood, promote the baby’s blood circulation, and form the amniotic fluid which surrounds the baby.
Constipation is one of the common problems during pregnancy. Taking a large quantity of water during pregnancy helps in relieving constipation. water contains a mineral that helps in the development of the baby’s bones and teeth.
Other benefits of water during pregnancy include:
- It increases the blood volume during pregnancy, dehydration might decrease the level of blood in the body
2. The placenta and the amniotic use require or use a lot of water, without water the placenta and amniotic fluid will not develop properly and might lead to problems later in the pregnancy.
Dehydration can lead to a buildup of byproducts.
3 When the placenta, extra skin, and baby are being developed some proteins and minerals are used for these developments, and these proteins and minerals tend to leave little parts of themselves that will need to be finished out through urine, without excess water there won’t be much urine to get rid of these toxins.
4. If a pregnant woman doesn’t take enough water, she may not have enough fluid to produce breast milk
Signs of dehydration during pregnancy
Dehydration occurs during pregnancy as a result of less intake of water i.e your body has lost more water than it’s supposed to have, the signs of dehydration include dark-colored urine, extreme thirst, frequent dizziness, urinating less frequently, confusion and fatigue.
There’s also a type of dehydration referred to as mild dehydration. Mild dehydration might end up affecting your mood and memory. Mild dehydration can be cured easily by drinking water.
Dehydration during pregnancy can affect the level of the amniotic fluid, the amniotic fluid is very important as it:
1. It protects the baby from infection.
2. It protects the baby’s movements in the womb
3. It protects the baby from compressing the umbilical cord
4. It helps in regulating the baby’s temperature.
5. It helps in developing the baby’s respiratory and digestive systems.
Signs of low amniotic fluid
1. The baby won’t be moving as often.
2. There will be fluid leakage from the vagina
3. you’ll experience some weight loss.
Other effects of dehydration during pregnancy include kidney stones, swelling, birth defects, and urinary tract infections.
causes of dehydration
1. Morning sickness
This condition happens during the first to the third month of pregnancy and the symptoms include nausea and vomiting which may disappear in the second trimester. It’s the symptoms of the morning sickness that causes loss of fluids and electrolytes which results in dehydration.
It is a very bad and risky condition for a pregnant woman to experience dehydration
2. Diarrhea
Reaction to certain foods might lead to diarrhea during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
3. lack of sufficient fluids
The level of water intake during pregnancy depends on the trimester, your activities, your weight, age, climate, and season. one can be more susceptible to dehydration during the warmer season.
4. Humidity
Humidity might make a pregnant woman sweat or when the weather is hot which leads to dehydration.
5. Vigorous exercise
Vigorous exercise triggers sweat which could lead to dehydration.
6. Fever
The temperature rise could cause vomiting, and loss of fluids and result in a high risk of dehydration.
Here are some tips to prevent dehydration for pregnant women who have difficulty taking enough water every day
1. Add some fruits to your water such as limes, lemon, and frozen raspberries.
2. Avoid taking caffeine
3. Eat fruits and vegetables regularly cause they contain water
4. You can take milk, juice, water, and tea as substitutes for water.
5. Exercise regularly to avoid heat
6. Take enough fluid to avoid dark-colored urine.
Effects of overhydration during pregnancy
This is a very rare condition unlike dehydration and it is very possible for a person to ben over hydrated.
People with these following health issues have a high risk of overhydration
1. Kidney problems
2. Heart problems
3. liver problem
4. Thyroid disease
Symptoms of overhydration
The common symptoms of over-hydration in its early stage include
-Nausea and vomiting
-Headache
-Confusion or disorientation
If over-hydration is not treated it can lead to a dangerously low level of sodium in the blood which will result in more severe symptoms such as:
-Seizures
-Muscles weakness
-Unconsciousness
-Coma
Over-hydration is treated based on the symptoms and the cause, these treatments includesinclude
-cutting down on the fluid intake
-Treat the condition that resulted in the overhydration
-Stop receiving medications that cause overhydration
-Avoid taking food that contains a large amount of fluid
-visit the doctor for proper checks and medication
In conclusion water during pregnancy is very important so it is necessary to always stay hydrated to avoid complications during pregnancy.
