How to Know if You Are Dehydrated When Pregnant
Dehydration is a potentially serious condition where your body loses too much water and it is not replaced sufficiently. Often, dehydration causes other sicknesses, especially heat-related illness like heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Dehydration is a potentially serious condition where your body loses too much water and it is not replaced sufficiently. Often, dehydration causes other sicknesses, especially heat-related illness like heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Dehydration is problematic for anyone, but it is even more dangerous for pregnant women. Dehydration in pregnant women can cause reduction of amniotic fluid, which can lead to birth deformities. Dehydration also causes muscle spasms and labor contractions, according to Epigee Women's Health. Knowing the signs of dehydration can help you avoid these complications.
Step 1
Notice if you are thirsty. This is the first sign of dehydration. According to the American Pregnancy Association, pregnant women should drink eight to 12 glasses of water per day. This amount should be increased in warm weather or if you have been vomiting or have diarrhea.
Step 2
Pay attention to any headaches. Headaches are a common symptom of dehydration in pregnant women.
Step 3
Check your urine. If you are dehydrated, you will be urinating far less than normal or not at all. Your urine will also appear darker than usual. However, some prenatal vitamins can also cause dark yellow urine.
Step 4
Note any dizziness. Dehydration can cause your blood pressure to go down, which will make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially when standing up.
Step 5
Observe symptoms of fatigue, nausea or vomiting. Even mild dehydration contributes to fatigue in pregnant women. Dehydration can also cause nausea and vomiting, which will make any dehydration even worse.
Step 6
Check your skin, mouth and lips. Dehydration causes dry skin, nose and mouth as well aschapped lips. Severely dehydrated people will not sweat and may not be able to produce tears.
warning
Go to your physician's office or a hospital immediately if you think you are dehydrated. You will need intravenous fluids to protect your baby. Severe dehydration symptoms include delirium or unconsciousness.