This ONE Thing Can Help Prevent Preterm Labor
Water! It will keep you hydrated, help prevent constipation, prevent UTIs and more!
Hydration needs increase during pregnancy and increase even further during lactation. The general rule of thumb is 8-12 (8 ounce) glasses of water a day.
The best way to gage your hydration level is to have quick look at your urine before you flush. If your urine is dark and concentrated, you need to push fluids. It's recommended to spread your fluids evenly throughout your day.
Need more inspiration to reach for the water? It’s more than just hydration, it’s about preventing complications like maternal overheating, birth defects and preterm labor.
Symptoms of morning sickness such as vomiting can make you more vulnerable to dehydration.
Keep this in mind and continue to reach for your water bottle. In severe cases (Hyperemesis gravidarum), IV fluids are needed. Use the chart below to determine if you're experiencing morning sickness or Hyperemesis gravidarum and talk with your health care provider about how you are feeling.
There is no known prevention of Hyperemesis gravidarum but you can take comfort in knowing that there are ways to manage it such as IV fluids, medication, bed rest, acupuncture, ginger and peppermint herbs.
Risks of Dehydration During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body relies on water for additional functions, and not getting enough water can have negative effects on your growing baby. In the early stages of pregnancy, your blood volume expands significantly to supply your baby and the placenta. Water composes the majority of this blood content in the form of plasma. Your baby's amniotic fluid is initially formed from water you drink as well. Amazing, right?
Heat Regulation:
Dehydration can lead to maternal overheating. Water aids in heat regulation for all individuals, but it becomes especially important during pregnancy. Overheating becomes easier during pregnancy because your body is not able to rid itself of heat as easily. In an effort to compensate for this, your body may sweat sooner and more, which means you're also losing extra water. If your temperature increases to 102 degrees or higher, your baby can experience overheating as well. If this happens in early pregnancy, it can lead to neural tube defects.
Low Amniotic Fluid:
While there are a variety of potential causes for developing low amniotic fluid, maternal dehydration could be a possible culprit. Amniotic fluid serves as your baby's support system. It provides protection and cushioning to your baby and assists with the development of many of your baby's organ systems. Low amniotic fluid in the early stages of pregnancy can lead to the development of birth defects or even miscarriage. In the later stages of pregnancy it can cause preterm birth, impaired growth of your baby or labor complications such as a required cesarean delivery or compression of the umbilical cord.
Other Risks:
In addition to the possible maternal risks of fatigue, constipation and inadequate breast milk production, dehydration may lead to other health concerns for your baby. Water plays vital roles in removing waste and in liver and kidney functions for both you and your baby. Dehydration could lead to in adequate removal of waste substances from your baby's cells and place strain on baby's liver and kidneys. Dehydration in the third trimester can actually trigger uterine contractions and lead to Braxton hicks and preterm labor.
Pro Tip: In addition to drinking enough water during pregnancy, there are other factors you should consider to avoid dehydration. Limit drinks with lots of sugar or caffeine because they can actually serve as diuretics. Exercising or overexerting in hot or humid environments can greatly increase your risk of overheating, which can lead to dehydration. When traveling, be sure to stay hydrated and have water or other fluids easily available.
Take Home Points
Remember, be sure you stay hydrated
Drink 8-12 (8 ounce) glasses of water a day
Enjoy hydration based foods but do not count these in place of your daily water intake
Unique Footprints Authors:
Jenny Morrow, RN, IBCLC, LCCE, RYT
Jenny is a mom, neonatal nurse and founder of Unique Footprints (online pregnancy and early motherhood courses). Jenny has taught over 10,000 expecting families how to prepare for this time in their lives. Read more about Jenny here or you can watch her story.
Caroline Susie, RD/LD
Caroline Susie is a Registered Dietitian, wife, mother of a 3 month old and two Jack Russel Terriers. She currently specializes in prenatal and postnatal nutrition and believes that taking a personalized nutrition approach is best. Learn more about Caroline, here.
From the Unique Footprints editorial team and Jenny Morrow, founder of Unique Footprints. Unique Footprints follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources from ACOG, the American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC, the U.S. Surgeon Guidelines and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The UF TEAM also thoroughly researches peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Unique Footprints is endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.