When it comes to pregnancy, safety is everything. Not only do you want to make sure you are doing everything to help grow a happy and healthy baby, but you need to look out for yourself as well. Without your stability, things can go array quickly. You’re probably already becoming a mama bear and looking for ways to help your little one stay hydrated.
This is why it is so important to monitor what is going in your body — and sometimes, what isn’t. We’re deep diving into the ways that you can prevent birthing complications and a lack of nutrients in your child while also setting your vitals up for success. The answer to staying in your best shape might be surprising because it is super simple and also super accessible: water.
Some people opt for traditional water intake, purchasing a big on-the-go bottle that can conveniently be used during workouts and lounging around. However, there are other options that may seem less assuming. IV injection of h20 is a popular trend circulating in wellness communities, with branded products like Liquid IV in high demand. It may seem like an easy means to get those extra electrolytes.
But is it safe for you and baby too? Let’s explore.
The 411 – or H20 on Water
Before we get into the specifics, let’s break it down to the basics. What is so special about water anyway, and why do you need it?
Water is life-giving because it is our main source of hydration. Most of the human body is actually composed of water. Without it, our organs will fail to function properly, and we may experience some very serious consequences, like kidney problems and urinary tract infections. Dehydration is, unfortunately, quite common in America. 75% of United States residents have reported that they don’t drink ample fluids throughout the day.
Other complications due to dehydration are cramps in your muscles, dry and cracked skin, tiredness, increased and sudden nausea, and abrupt weight gain. You may experience the aforementioned fatigue with sudden onset and find yourself disoriented or dizzy.
If you already experience migraines, these may become more prevalent. Irritable moods, memory loss, and low cognition are related to a lack of water intake.
The Benefits
Proper hydration does the opposite of dehydration. If you are nourishing your body with water, you are adding the necessary nutrients to combat inflammation and retain a more robust amount of protein. Think of drinking water like putting a plant beneath the glowing sun: It helps your cells create fuel from the food you consume in a faster and more efficient way.
Similarly, your cells need water to exit and enter them properly. The electrolytes found in water aid in this process. They give you ample doses of magnesium, potassium, chloride, sodium, calcium, and phosphate, among other minerals. Without electrolytes, your cells would be in big trouble.
Pregnancy Impacts
Those are just a few examples of how dehydration can impact a typical person. However, lacking proper hydration has a much worse impact on a pregnant body. You need water for your placenta to fully form. Babies receive all of their nutrients from food through this placenta, and without a healthy placenta, your child may not be given what they need.
Concerns
A child who has not been carried in a sufficiently hydrated body has a higher likelihood of birth defects, being born premature, having a dangerously low level of amniotic fluid, and defective neural tubes. Additionally, dehydration may disrupt a woman’s potential ability to breastfeed if she so chooses. Without enough water, a woman might not produce enough breast milk for nursing.
It is easier to become dehydrated the farther along you are. If you’re still working out or live in a warm climate, be aware of how much water you are drinking at all times. Dehydration can come on quickly since your baby is accounting for water consumption as well. Monitor yourself for a dry mouth, infrequent or dark urination, constipation, headaches, low blood pressure, confusion, and thirst.
Think Outside the Box
Dehydration can also occur in your skin and present itself in dry and chapped nipples before or after you begin breastfeeding. Our Nipple + Lip Rescue Balm is the perfect product to keep that at bay, moisturizing your nipples with mango butter and acai for a soothed and safer experience feeding your baby.
The formula is paraben, phthalates, fragrance, and dye-free. It is also entirely green, gluten-free, and tested by dermatologists.
The inflammation that can come with dehydration is also exacerbated by pregnancy. Women tend to experience swelling in their extremities, especially as their due date nears in the last trimester.
Along with water intake and decreasing the sodium in your diet, try our Swell Relief Duo pack. It comes with a set of black and ivory compression socks that are best applied after an ample rub-down with our Down, Girl Soothing Leg + Foot Relief. This product can be used on your ankles as well as your lower back.
Replenishing for the Unknown
We have to factor in the toll that pregnancy can take on a body as well. Some expecting women, unfortunately, experience morning sickness. This is typical, especially in the first and second trimesters, but it can become extreme as time goes on.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is when morning sickness continues throughout the day, most days, and depletes the nutrients in your body. This leaves little for your body to take.
As you can imagine, sustained vomiting can leave you severely dehydrated and at high risk for side effects. Weight loss can also occur. It is important to supplement the nutrients lost with intravenous food, but you must also focus on water intake.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is commonly found in women with genetic predisposition, those with twins or triplets, and those with a history of migraines. If you are experiencing morning sickness past the 18-week mark, see a doctor to discuss what may be causing your symptoms.
How I.V. H20 Can Help
There are so many benefits to water IVs, particularly for pregnant women. Not only are they safe, but they may also be a better option for those who have trouble keeping anything else down.
Sickness Solution
In the case of a woman suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, infusions of water can be incredibly beneficial. Constant nausea makes it hard to keep anything down, let alone water which can make an empty stomach turn on just about anybody.
Injecting fluids intravenously takes out the middleman and doesn’t allow for the mother to lose the hydration to nausea. It replenishes what is in need and also goes directly to the baby.
What’s In a Drip?
Water IVs are heavy in electrolytes, providing you that extra boost of hydration that some seek out in name-brand sports drinks. With Cellular Transport Technology, the IV guarantees that you retain far more water than you otherwise would through drinking it.
Sodium and glucose move the electrolytes in your stomach and bring the water through faster, speeding up the process as well.
Some products, like Liquid IV, actually come in powder forms that can be added to a pre-packed water bottle. These products are simple to bring around in your bag for the gym or during a playdate. There may be flavoring added to the product or additional vitamin C for immune support. Check out these options if you’re fighting a cold or it’s flu season.
It is essential to point out the difference between hydration multiplier powders like Liquid IV and intravenous hydration. Both are safe during pregnancy, but powders may be an easier option if you’re simply sick of being poked and prodded.
We totally get how annoying it can be to constantly get your blood drawn. At the same time, IV hydration is very different from the IV drips that are administered in a hospital or medical setting. It is critical to always ask your healthcare provider before adding anything new to your regimen and follow their recommendations if they want to adjust certain aspects of your pregnancy care.
Alternative Methods
Despite our reassurance that hydration multipliers are totally safe to use while pregnant, we know some women hesitate when changing anything about their diet during these important nine months.
Nothing quite beats good old-fashioned water. If possible, filter your tap water and be sustainable with a reusable bottle. You can even get fancy and add some flavoring with fruit for a little excitement! Drinking eight to 12 glasses of water a day is a great way to feel your best.
Stay Hydrated and Stay Healthy
Another option is a nice, relaxing bath. Skin hydration is super important, as we discussed with moisturizer.
Let us help you with our Maternity Spa Day Solution Kit. Keep your bath water around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit and soak your joints with our Mama Calm Bath Soak while rubbing on our Belly Oil for stretch mark prevention. Use our soothing dry brush afterward and browse our pajama sets for a relaxing and replenishing night in more ways than one.
When you take care of yourself, your baby (and you!) will thrive.
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