Image: Shutterstock
Pregnancy, however beautiful a journey it may be, the honest truth is that it becomes increasingly difficult with each passing week. The expectant mom feels hot and sweaty all the time, and summer and the heatwave make it all the more challenging. One of the most important aspects of prenatal care during this time is staying hydrated. Proper hydration not only ensures the well-being of the mother but also plays a crucial role in the healthy development of the baby.
“Water plays a significant role during the gestational phase for both the mother & the baby’s body. As pregnancy progresses the water requirement of the expecting mother’s body also increases,” explains Dr. Vanshika Gupta Adukia, Pregnancy/Childbirth & Lactation Specialist and a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist, Founder of Therhappy who adds that during the early days of conception, repeated hyperemesis gravidarum, i.e excessive nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can be a leading cause of dehydration coupled with the summer heat.
Summer months often play truant by causing dehydration to most people. It therefore becomes crucial to focus on optimal hydration during pregnancy as well. The expert adds that the water intake of the mother during pregnancy directly impacts the amniotic fluid levels of the pregnancy. “Dehydration can significantly lower the amniotic fluid levels resulting in developmental delays, preterm labor and eventually lower levels of breastmilk production,” warns Dr Vanshika.
Image: Shutterstock
Here are some common dehydration symptoms during pregnancy could include:
Fatigue, constipation, muscle cramps that increase in the night/early morning (especially in the calves, headache, reduced urine output.
Expert Recommended Ways To Combat Dehydration:
Reduce Caffeine Intake
Caffeine acts as a diuretic which means to increase the removal of water from the body. As a result, caffeine increases the urine output leaving less water in the body.
Make It Interesting
Drinking plain water especially in the first trimester can aggravate nausea & worsen pregnancy symptoms. Infuse water with flavors that are palatable. Try mint leaves, lemons, cucumbers, oranges, berries, melons, grapefruits infused in water to add flavor.
Give A Refreshing Twist
Try making berry popsicles, fruity ice chips, lemon honey infused ice cubes that can be easily popped into the mouth making it a refreshing way to give the body both water & natural sugar boosts.
Add Chia Seeds
Increase chia seed consumption by soaking in fluids for 20 minutes before drinking. Chia seeds help draw further water into the intestines- making water further available for the body’s functioning and meeting optimal requirements for digestion. (this also helps well to combat constipation)
Keep An Electrolyte Handy
Sip on simple electrolyte balancing fluids like coconut water, buttermilk, and electrol. These can help balance the sodium potassium levels in the body, stabilizing both hydration and blood sugar levels optimally together.
By following these simple tips and staying vigilant about hydration, expecting mothers can enjoy a comfortable and healthy pregnancy journey, even during the sweltering summer months.
Also Read: Watch Out! Being Overweight During Pregnancy Could Affect The Fetus
Pregnancy, however beautiful a journey it may be, the honest truth is that it becomes increasingly difficult with each passing week. The expectant mom feels hot and sweaty all the time, and summer and the heatwave make it all the more challenging. One of the most important aspects of prenatal care during this time is staying hydrated. Proper hydration not only ensures the well-being of the mother but also plays a crucial role in the healthy development of the baby.
“Water plays a significant role during the gestational phase for both the mother & the baby’s body. As pregnancy progresses the water requirement of the expecting mother’s body also increases,” explains Dr. Vanshika Gupta Adukia, Pregnancy/Childbirth & Lactation Specialist and a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist, Founder of Therhappy who adds that during the early days of conception, repeated hyperemesis gravidarum, i.e excessive nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can be a leading cause of dehydration coupled with the summer heat.
Summer months often play truant by causing dehydration to most people. It therefore becomes crucial to focus on optimal hydration during pregnancy as well. The expert adds that the water intake of the mother during pregnancy directly impacts the amniotic fluid levels of the pregnancy. “Dehydration can significantly lower the amniotic fluid levels resulting in developmental delays, preterm labor and eventually lower levels of breastmilk production,” warns Dr Vanshika.
Image: Shutterstock
Here are some common dehydration symptoms during pregnancy could include:
Fatigue, constipation, muscle cramps that increase in the night/early morning (especially in the calves, headache, reduced urine output.
Expert Recommended Ways To Combat Dehydration:
Reduce Caffeine Intake
Caffeine acts as a diuretic which means to increase the removal of water from the body. As a result, caffeine increases the urine output leaving less water in the body.
Make It Interesting
Drinking plain water especially in the first trimester can aggravate nausea & worsen pregnancy symptoms. Infuse water with flavors that are palatable. Try mint leaves, lemons, cucumbers, oranges, berries, melons, grapefruits infused in water to add flavor.
Give A Refreshing Twist
Try making berry popsicles, fruity ice chips, lemon honey infused ice cubes that can be easily popped into the mouth making it a refreshing way to give the body both water & natural sugar boosts.
Add Chia Seeds
Increase chia seed consumption by soaking in fluids for 20 minutes before drinking. Chia seeds help draw further water into the intestines- making water further available for the body’s functioning and meeting optimal requirements for digestion. (this also helps well to combat constipation)
Keep An Electrolyte Handy
Sip on simple electrolyte balancing fluids like coconut water, buttermilk, and electrol. These can help balance the sodium potassium levels in the body, stabilizing both hydration and blood sugar levels optimally together.
By following these simple tips and staying vigilant about hydration, expecting mothers can enjoy a comfortable and healthy pregnancy journey, even during the sweltering summer months.
Also Read: Watch Out! Being Overweight During Pregnancy Could Affect The Fetus
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