Pregnancy is exciting; there is no doubt about it. As you need to go through a lot of physiological changes at this time, it could be challenging. Morning sickness and dehydration are some common symptoms of pregnancy. When these symptoms worsen, it can lead to serious complications for the expectant mother. Using oral rehydration solution is commonly overlooked during pregnancy; however, it can help manage morning sickness and treat dehydration. ORS during pregnancy is considered completely safe and is recommended by gynaecologists and obstetricians in cases of fluid and electrolyte loss. Read to learn the benefits of ORS during pregnancy and how it helps pregnant women avoid complications.
The potential causes of dehydration during pregnancy are:
● Dehydration in pregnancy treatment is common, as the body undergoes significant changes that increase fluid turnover in expectant mothers.
● Blood volume also increases by up to 50% to support maternal health, fetal growth, the placenta, and increased amniotic fluid. The increasing demand makes pregnant women highly susceptible to dehydration.
● Severe or persistent vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy can deplete the body’s fluids and electrolytes, leading to dehydration.
● Increased metabolism during pregnancy may raise body temperature, leading to excessive sweating and causing fluid loss.
● Acute illnesses such as diarrhoea and fever can cause rapid fluid loss, resulting in dehydration.
Dehydration is a condition usually caused by loss of body fluids. Pregnant women must be aware of specific symptoms to identify dehydration. In mild dehydration, you may experience dry mouth, increased thirst, headache, and fatigue. If left untreated, this condition worsens and may lead to fainting, dizziness and muscle cramps. Severe dehydration in pregnancy is a medical emergency as it can lead to serious medical conditions affecting both the mother and the baby.
Drinking water alone cannot restore lost electrolytes during pregnancy. ORS is highly recommended in case of excessive fluid loss due to vomiting, diarrhoea or excessive sweating. ORS is an electrolyte drink for pregnancy, which is a scientifically formulated mixture of essential salts and glucose. As per the recommendation of the WHO, it must include the right composition of the following.
● Sodium Chloride (Salt)
● Potassium chloride
● Trisodium citrate
● Glucose (Sugar)
Drinking ORS helps combat dehydration due to its precise ratio of glucose to sodium. The presence of glucose facilitates rapid absorption of sodium and water into the bloodstream via osmosis, helping restore fluid and electrolyte loss quickly.
Morning sickness with nausea and vomiting is common among the majority of pregnant women, especially in the initial weeks of pregnancy. Severe morning sickness may lead to hyperemesis gravidarum, which is usually associated with persistent vomiting and nausea, leading to severe dehydration during pregnancy.
Helps Manage Morning Sickness: ORS is a readily available, simple treatment for expectant mothers to manage morning sickness during pregnancy. A few sips of ORS can help restore fluid and electrolyte loss due to nausea and vomiting. It is a reliable way to mitigate dizziness and fatigue during pregnancy.
Treats Dehydration: Common illnesses like flu, fever, and diarrhoea can deplete your body’s water reserve. ORS treats dehydration by replenishing body fluids in case of excessive fluid loss during these conditions.
Balances Electrolyte Levels: Electrolytes are crucial for the normal function of the body, especially during pregnancy. They play a key role in fetal development. ORS can help maintain the balance of potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and glucose, as they are available in an absorbable form.
● Always consult your doctor before you start to drink ORS during pregnancy.
● Follow the packet instructions to prepare the solution correctly. Mix the contents of the ORS sachet thoroughly with the specified amount of water. Allow it to dissolve entirely in safe drinking water.
● Sip the solution throughout the day in small amounts if you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or fluid loss. Intake of ORS in large quantities can upset your stomach.
● In case of vomiting after drinking ORS solution, wait for a few minutes and start taking sips of ORS solution.
● A sufficient ORS solution should be consumed throughout the day until hydration is restored. It is safe for pregnant women to consume 200-400 mL of ORS after vomiting or loose stools, and to continue the same until their energy levels improve.
● It can be consumed for 24 hours or until the symptoms improve.
● Never drink commercial sports drinks or energy drinks with high sugar content, as they can worsen dehydration, leading to serious complications.
Is ORS safe in pregnancy? This is a common concern for most pregnant women. Drinking ORS is safe for all, including pregnant women; however, it must be administered in a proper way to avoid side effects. Also, expectant mothers must consult their healthcare providers before they start to take ORS. ORS is a mixture of sodium, potassium and glucose. So, pregnant women with pre-existing conditions like kidney problems, high blood pressure and diabetes must not start with ORS without consulting their doctors.
Managing morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting is not easy during pregnancy. ORS is a simple, effective medical tool to manage hydration challenges during pregnancy. Pregnant women are unaware of the immense benefits. It is a medically recommended solution to combat fatigue, dizziness and fluid losses. Drinking ORS can restore vital electrolytes and replenish lost body fluids. It can greatly prevent serious complications for pregnant women due to fluid loss.
ORS stands for Oral Rehydration Solution, which is a mixture of essential salts, glucose and water. It is highly recommended for pregnant women suffering from severe dehydration and fluid loss due to morning sickness, vomiting and nausea. ORS can effectively replenish the lost electrolytes and avoid complications.
Yes, you can manage the side effects of morning sickness, like nausea and vomiting, by drinking ORS. It helps prevent dehydration, replenish lost body fluids, and restore vital electrolytes.
It is usually recommended to take small sips of ORS when you suffer from vomiting, diarrhoea and excessive sweating during pregnancy. You can drink 200-400 mL of ORS, or more, until your body is hydrated.
Drinking ORS can help improve your energy levels by replenishing body fluids and restoring fluid loss, thereby combating fatigue during pregnancy. The presence of glucose provides an immediate source of energy for the body.
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