Dehydration in pregnancy can lead to serious complications, such as neural tube defects, low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios), reduced breast milk production, and premature labor. Dehydration could also increase the risk of birth defects because the baby does not receive enough fluids and nutrients in the womb.

How Does Dehydration Happen?

Dehydration develops if your body loses more fluid than you take in. In this situation, the body no longer has enough water and other fluid to carry out its normal functions. If you do not replace the lost fluid promptly, you will eventually become dehydrated.

Anyone can become dehydrated, including pregnant women. During pregnancy, your fluid needs will increase. Adequate water intake in pregnancy is very important for healthy fetal development, for example by supporting the development of placenta and amniotic sac.

Symptoms of Dehydration During Pregnancy

The clearest early sign of dehydration is feeling thirsty. As soon as you notice thirst, you should drink immediately to help prevent dehydration.

In general, symptoms of dehydration during pregnancy are similar to dehydration symptoms in normal people, including:

• Dry mouth and throat
• Dry, cracked lips
• Dry skin
• Skin that loses elasticity and looks thin or sunken
• Less frequency of urination
• Dark-colored urine
• Low volume of urine
• Not sweating even in hot weather
• Fatigue
• Constipation, hard stools, and hemorrhoids
• Dizziness

If a pregnant woman does not drink to replace the fluid she loses, symptoms can progress to more severe dehydration, such as:

• False contractions
• Tachycardia (faster heart rate)
• The baby changing position repeatedly
• Low blood pressure
• Fainting

Severe dehydration cannot be managed simply by drinking water, and you need urgent medical care in a hospital setting.

Causes of Dehydration During Pregnancy

As with dehydration in general, the main cause of dehydration during pregnancy is having little water intake to fulfil the body's need. To help prevent dehydration, pregnant women are usually advised to drink around 8-12 glasses of water daily or add your fluid intake with broth and water-rich fruits consumption.

Some pregnancy-related symptoms can also lead to dehydration. Vomiting and diarrhea, common symptoms during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, can cause the body to lose a lot of fluid.

Certain medical conditions can also contribute to dehydration, including:

• Kidney failure
• Rare metabolic disorders
• Intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease, which make it harder for the body to absorb nutrients

Pregnant women with any of these medical conditions should avoid long periods of direct sunlight exposure, reduce strenuous physical activity, and make sure to drink enough water.

The Dangers of Dehydration for Pregnant Women

Mild dehydration is usually not dangerous for pregnant women, as long as you quickly replace the fluids that have been lost. Severe dehydration, however, can be harmful for both the mother and the fetus.

Severe dehydration may cause low oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid), which can interfere with the baby’s growth, increase the chance of premature birth, and affect breast milk production. When you are dehydrated, the baby may not receive enough nutrients because there is not enough fluid to support proper placental development.

Because signs of dehydration during pregnancy are not always easy to recognize on your own, you need to be very attentive to symptoms such as a dry mouth or feeling unusually thirsty.

Do not postpone going to the hospital if you have vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 12 hours, if you urinate very rarely or far more than usual, or if you feel dizzy or notice false contractions early in pregnancy.

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