Home / Pregnancy 5 dangers of pregnancy dehydration This is what can happen when your water level drops. By Jessica Pallay April 17, 2024 Rectangle Inside this article Frequently Asked Questions about Pregnancy Dehydration *We’ve partnered withLiquid I.V. to help solve your pregnancy dehydration. If there’s one thing your OB, your pregnancy app and your mother-in-law can agree on, it’s that you have to stay hydrated during pregnancy! And there’s good reason. Becoming dehydrated while pregnant can cause major problems for you and your baby. But staying hydrated is hard, especially when you’re working or have other kiddos to wrangle. That’s why we’re stocking up on Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier. It’s a pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe, non-GMO electrolyte drink mix that hydrates you faster and more efficiently than water alone. By simply adding this convenient single-serving stick to a 16oz bottle of water, you can provide your body with the same hydration as drinking two to three bottles. Consider this your new hydration hack! Here are 5 reasons why dehydration can be super scary for you and baby. Overheating. It’s already easy to get overheated while pregnant; you weigh more and your body has a hard time getting rid of the extra heat you’re creating. And because you’re probably sweating more than usual, you’re losing even more water. Experts recommend 10 cups of water per day (this can be easy if you’re adding Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier to your glass!). Migraines. There’s nothing worse than a migraine or a headache, especially when you’re pregnant and can’t take many of the meds that usually help. Forgetting to stay hydrated can cause dizziness, low blood pressure and headaches or migraines. The first line of defense: plenty of liquids! Urinary Tract Infections. If you’re not drinking enough, you’re not peeing enough — and if you’re not peeing enough, you’re putting yourself at risk for a urinary tract infection. You need to be properly hydrated in order to flush out all those germs and toxins. Luckily, Liquid I.V. can help get your hydration back on track faster than water alone. Low amniotic fluid, which can cause birth defects. Early on in pregnancy, your amount of amniotic fluid is directly affected by how much water you’re drinking. If your amniotic fluid is too low, baby won’t grow properly and could even develop totally preventable birth defects like kidney or urinary tract problems. Premature birth. You know how people swear you won’t give birth early? If you’re dehydrated, you might! During the second and third trimesters, a lack of hydration can cause early contractions and even premature birth. When you get dehydrated, your blood volume increases — increasing the amount of oxytocin in your body, and possibly sending you into an early labor. Yes, this is an extreme scenario, but mama: you have the power to avoid it completely just by staying hydrated! Get 20% off your Liquid I.V. order now with code WELLROUNDED20. While staying hydrated during pregnancy is crucial, dehydration remains a common concern for many expecting mothers. Pregnancy dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to a range of potential complications for both you and your baby. Dehydration can exacerbate existing pregnancy symptoms and increase the risk of complications such as overheating, migraines, urinary tract infections, low amniotic fluid levels, and even premature birth. With so much at stake, it’s essential to prioritize hydration throughout your pregnancy journey. Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier offers a convenient solution to combat dehydration during pregnancy. Formulated to provide rapid hydration, this electrolyte drink mix can help replenish essential fluids and electrolytes more efficiently than water alone. By incorporating Liquid I.V. into your daily routine, you can safeguard against the risks associated with pregnancy dehydration and support your overall well-being. Remember, maintaining adequate hydration isn’t just about quenching your thirst—it’s about safeguarding your health and the health of your growing baby. Make hydration a priority during pregnancy, and consider incorporating Liquid I.V. into your hydration routine for optimal results. With the right approach, you can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy journey while minimizing the risks associated with dehydration. Stay hydrated, stay healthy, and enjoy the journey to motherhood with confidence. Photography by Ren’ee Kahn Bresler for Well Rounded. Frequently Asked Questions about Pregnancy Dehydration How does dehydration affect pregnancy? Dehydration during pregnancy can have significant consequences for both the mother and the developing baby. It can exacerbate common pregnancy symptoms such as overheating, increase the risk of urinary tract infections, and even lead to low levels of amniotic fluid, which may result in birth defects or premature birth. What are the signs of pregnancy dehydration? Signs of dehydration during pregnancy may include dark-colored urine, dizziness, headaches, dry mouth, fatigue, and a decrease in urine output. It’s essential to pay attention to these symptoms and take steps to rehydrate promptly to avoid complications. How much water should I drink during pregnancy to prevent pregnancy dehydration? Pregnant women are generally advised to drink at least eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water per day, but individual needs may vary based on factors such as activity level, climate, and overall health. It’s crucial to listen to your body and drink water regularly throughout the day to maintain hydration. Can pregnancy dehydration during pregnancy harm the baby? Yes, dehydration during pregnancy can harm the baby by increasing the risk of complications such as low birth weight, premature birth, and developmental issues. Proper hydration is essential for supporting the baby’s growth and ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Are there any tips for preventing dehydration during pregnancy? To prevent dehydration during pregnancy, it’s essential to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially in hot weather or during physical activity. Avoid caffeinated and sugary beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration. Eating water-rich fruits and vegetables and using electrolyte drinks like Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier can also help maintain hydration levels. When should I seek medical attention for dehydration during pregnancy? If you experience severe symptoms of dehydration such as rapid heartbeat, confusion, extreme thirst, or little to no urine output, seek medical attention immediately. Dehydration can escalate quickly during pregnancy and may require medical intervention to prevent complications. Related Stories Baby Names The most unique baby name trends of 2024 Health & Wellness New study finds about 1 in 20 women use marijuana during pregnancy Pregnancy Top baby names 2024: Who’s in, who’s out, and what’s trending Inside this article Frequently Asked Questions about Pregnancy Dehydration The latest Toddler The sweet science behind why toddlers call peppermints ‘hippos’ (and other adorable word mix-ups) Health & Wellness Why moms need to prioritize sleep—and how to make it happen Children's Health I’ll be an ‘overprotective’ mama this RSV season—and I’m not sorry for it News What parents need to know about the ‘glass child’ effect—and how to address it