Dehydration in pregnant women

Dehydration during pregnancy: Hidden risks

Maintaining an adequate water balance during pregnancy is critically important for both the mother's health and the child's development. However, during this period a woman becomes more vulnerable to dehydration due to a range of physiological and situational factors. Even mild dehydration can worsen unpleasant pregnancy symptoms and trigger complications.

Why are pregnant women more prone to dehydration?

• Nausea and vomiting: Hyperemesis, especially in the first trimester, leads to direct loss of fluids and electrolytes and often makes it difficult to consume enough water.
• Increased blood volume: The pregnant woman's body requires significantly more fluid to support the expanded blood volume and amniotic fluid. Overall water needs rise.
• Frequent urination: Hormonal changes and uterine pressure on the bladder cause more frequent fluid loss.
• Elevated body temperature: Basal body temperature in pregnant women is slightly higher, increasing fluid loss through skin and respiration.

What makes dehydration dangerous for pregnant women?

An insufficient amount of fluid can lead to:

• Increased fatigue and dizziness.
• Headaches.
• Constipation.
• Braxton-Hicks contractions: Dehydration is one of the most common triggers of training contractions.
• Kidney stone formation and development of urinary tract infections.
• In severe cases: Severe dehydration can reduce the volume of amniotic fluid and provoke preterm labor.