Pregnant women are prone to dehydration. This is due to the increased need for fluids during pregnancy, as well as complaints of nausea that make pregnant women vomit frequently and have no appetite, so that fluid intake is reduced. In fact, dehydration during pregnancy can be dangerous, you know!
Ideally, fluids in and out of the body should always be balanced, especially when you are pregnant. Excessive discharge that is not balanced with adequate fluid intake can make pregnant women lack of fluids, even dehydration.
What are the Dangers of Dehydration During Pregnancy?
Dehydration during pregnancy can harm the pregnant mother and fetus in her womb. Here are some hazards that can occur:
1. Too little amniotic fluid
Amniotic fluid is a protective fluid that is needed by the fetus during the womb. In addition, this fluid will give the fetus space for 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.
Too little amniotic fluid, especially early in pregnancy, can cause disruption of fetal development or even miscarriage. While in the later stages of pregnancy, too little amniotic fluid can increase the risk of premature birth and complications during childbirth.
2. Triggering fake contractions
Dehydration during pregnancy can also trigger Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are fake contractions that usually last for 1-2 minutes. These contractions generally occur in the third trimester, but can also occur in the second trimester.
When experiencing this condition, try drinking enough water. If it improves, the possibility of contractions that pregnant women experience is caused by dehydration.
3. Very serious complications
In addition to the above conditions, pregnancy complications that can occur if pregnant women become dehydrated are decreased milk production, babies born with congenital defects, babies experience disorders of the nervous system, and preterm labor.
4. Death in infants or mothers
Severe dehydration conditions that are not handled properly can cause hypovolemic shock which can threaten the lives of pregnant women and fetuses.
Finding Out Signs of Dehydration
To prevent dehydration, always meet your fluid needs and recognize signs of dehydration. The simplest way you can do to recognize it is by paying attention to the color of urine. If the urine color is dark yellow and darker, it means that pregnant mother's fluid intake is less. Conversely, clear and clear urine color indicates pregnant mother's body is well hydrated.
Apart from the color of urine, dehydration can also be recognized from the symptoms that appear. The following are symptoms of dehydration based on severity:
Mild to moderate dehydration:
- Reduced frequency of urination
- Feel thirsty
- Sleepy
- Mouth feels dry and sticky
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Constipation
Severe dehydration:
- The amount and frequency of urination decreases or is nonexistent
- Dark yellow urine
- Feel very thirsty
- Sunken eyes
- Very dry mouth
- The skin is very dry and less elastic (requires a long time to return to normal when pressed)
- Easily angry and confused
- The heart is beating fast and breathing fast
For mild to moderate dehydration, pregnant women can still overcome it by drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest. As for severe dehydration, Bumil should get medical help immediately.
How to stay hydrated?
Actually, preventing dehydration during pregnancy is quite easy, namely by drinking about 3 liters of water per day, equivalent to 8-12 glasses.
But it should be noted, if pregnant women do more activities, exercise, or activities outside the room during hot weather, add a daily drinking dose of 1 glass of the amount that is usually drunk.
In addition, do the following tips to maintain body fluid balance and prevent dehydration:
- Avoid caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks. This drink has diuretic properties that can cause pregnant women to urinate more frequently.
- If you do not like drinking water, pregnant women can add fruit slices to the water to add flavor. Some types of fruit that can be added are kiwi, lemon, and orange.
- If pregnant women experience symptoms of morning sickness, try to always eat and drink when pregnant women are not feeling nauseous.
Always maintain fluid intake so that pregnant women avoid the danger of dehydration during pregnancy. If pregnant women experience severe nausea and vomiting that is difficult to eat or drink, consult an obstetrician for treatment. And remember, consult a doctor immediately if pregnant women experience symptoms of dehydration.
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