Pregnant women can experience dehydration due to inadequate fluid consumption, morning sickness, or diseases that lead to vomiting or diarrhea. How do you manage dehydration during pregnancy? Do doctors recommend oral rehydration salts, such as Hydrite, for pregnant women? The answers and more in this article.
Hydrite, An Overview
Hydrite is a brand of Oral Rehydration Salts that can treat mild to moderate dehydration, particularly diarrheal dehydration in children and adults.
While it replaces fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhea and/or vomiting, the official patient information leaflet says you cannot use it to treat severe dehydration unless intravenous fluids are not available.
Learn more about Hydrite here:
Do Doctors Recommend Hydrite For Pregnant Women?
Given that pregnant women can also experience dehydration, do doctors recommend Hydrite for pregnant women?
The product information sheet made no mention of the medicine’s safety for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. However, it says that Hydrite:
- Has no expected adverse effect provided it was prepared and administered properly.
- Is not expected to interact with foods and medicines.
- Should not be taken by patients with allergies to any of the components or those who cannot absorb glucose well.
Note that each sachet of Hydrite contains:
- 520 mg of sodium chloride
- 580 mg of trisodium citrate dihydrate
- 300 mg of potassium chloride
- 2.7 g of glucose, anhydrous
These are almost similar to the contents of another brand of Oral Rehydration Salts that says their ORS has no special problems for pregnant and lactating mothers².
Still, if you’re pregnant and thinking about taking Hydrite, please consult your doctor first. That way, you’ll know if it’s safe for you and your baby. The doctor will also provide you with the correct dosage and frequency.
Why It’s Crucial To Prevent Dehydration During Pregnancy
More than knowing if Hydrite for pregnant women is safe, let’s talk about hydration in general.
Hydration is an important aspect of a healthy pregnancy. In fact, one report determined that the mother’s hydration status affects fetal characteristics, including head and chest circumference, length, and birth weight³.
For this reason, hydration should also be a priority when the woman is pregnant.
When the mother is well-hydrated, she (and her baby) can have the following benefits.
- Reduced risk of developing constipation and hemorrhoids
- Reduce swelling
- Increased energy
- “Cool” body temperature
- Decreased risk of having urinary tract infections
- Decreased risk of preterm labor
- Soft skin
Tips To Prevent Dehydration
Since it’s not advisable to give Hydrite to pregnant women without at least talking to a doctor, it’s crucial to prevent dehydration altogether. Below are some tips to be well-hydrated during pregnancy:
- Remind yourself to drink water. Set an alarm to drink water throughout the day, use an app, or use calibrated water jugs.
- In case you get “bored” with plain water, consider adding some flavor by tossing sliced fruits into the pitcher or glass of water. Some of the fruits you can add are lemon, lime, and frozen raspberries.
- Milk, juice, tea, and soup, all count as fluid intake.
- Avoid caffeine.
- Have plenty of vegetables and fruits (they have water, too!)
- Increase your water intake when there’s an increase in your activity levels.
The goal is that you’re drinking enough fluids that you rarely get thirsty. Urine color can also be an indicator: transparent or light-yellow urine usually means you’re well-hydrated.
When To Seek Help
Since Hydrite for pregnant women is not recommended without your doctor’s instructions, you must know when to seek help.
Get in touch with your healthcare provider if you notice signs of dehydration, such as:
- Feeling thirsty
- Sunken eyeballs
- Dry skin
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness or sluggishness
- Dark urine or decreased urine output
The doctor will be able to give you instructions on what to do next. Depending on your condition, they might send you home with medicines and care instructions or recommend hospital admission.
Learn more about Being Pregnant here.
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