Dehydration can be a major threat to anyone, but it's particularly dangerous for pregnant women. Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent dehydration and help your body get rid of waste products, promoting the healthy functioning of your body, as well as your baby's. Spotting the warning signs of dehydration early on can help prevent complications during pregnancy.
Step 1
Check the color of your urine. Urine color is often an accurate predictor of how hydrated you are. Urine that is very dark in color indicates dehydration and that you aren't drinking enough fluids. When you're properly hydrated, your urine should be a very pale yellow color or nearly clear. Your urine shouldn't be any darker than the color of straw.
Step 2
Evaluate your mental functioning and energy levels. Dehydration can cause you to feel even more fatigued than you normally would during pregnancy. Dehydration can trigger extreme tiredness that seems to improve when you increase your fluid intake. Many pregnant women who are dehydrated also notice that they aren't able to concentrate well or focus and pay attention.
Step 3
Look for physical signs. Dehydration can cause dry mouth and dryness in the nose. Urinary tract infections are also a common sign of dehydration, as are frequent headaches. Swelling, water retention and bloating are also signs of dehydration as it causes your body to hold onto more fluids. Because fluids play an important role in digestive health, dehydration often causes constipation in pregnant women.
Step 4
Prevent dehydration. Try to drink at least eight to twelve 8-oz. servings of water each day and boost your water intake when you exercise or when the weather is hot, recommends the American Pregnancy Association. Carry a bottle of water with you and sip it frequently throughout the day. Limit your caffeine intake, as it can cause dehydration. And if you don't care for the taste of plain water, jazz it up with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, or a splash of fresh fruit juice for some added flavor.
Tips and Warnings
- Call your obstetrician if you have any questions or concerns about dehydration.
