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Is It Safe to Consume Electrolyte Drinks During Pregnancy

Published : May 12, 2021 6 mins read Updated On : Mar 20, 2024

Pregnancy is a wonderful experience. The changes in your body will last for nine months but the beauty of motherhood will embrace you for the rest of your life. Pregnancy is a roller coaster ride where there are lots of ups and downs. On some days you will have a pregnancy glow and, on some days, you will be tired of morning sickness.

Dehydration is common for pregnant women who are suffering from morning sickness. There is no need to worry, mild dehydration can be quickly reversed and treated efficiently without harming the fetus, by electrolyte drinks such as ORS.

What are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes or ORS are a mixture of salts and carbohydrates in the form of sugars that rapidly dissolve in the water. The main function of these electrolytes is to replace salt and water that your body loses due to dehydration caused by vomiting. ORS is richly supplied with sodium, potassium, chlorides, glucose, and other important salts required by the body.

They perform multiple functions in the body such as regulating water in and around cells, brain function, aiding digestion, and regulating blood pressure. So, it is essential to replenish them if you have become dehydrated. When consumed in appropriate quantity, it helps replenish the lost electrolytes and fluids and promotes rehydration. ORS can also be used for pregnant women having diarrhea and vomiting.

Small, regular sips at proper intervals work well in such cases. Unlike other natural drinks that you would drink during dehydration, electrolyte drinks match the proportion of salts and sugar required by your body. These electrolyte supplements are in the form of ice blocks, sachets, or effervescent tablets. They are also available in different delicious flavors which makes them very attractive to consume.

How do electrolytes work?

Electrolytes are minerals that your body needs to maintain fluid balance. They help by maintaining the balance between fluids inside and outside of the cell. Water is deficient in electrolytes. Hence, drinking only water does not treat dehydration entirely.

Electrolyte drinks India are specifically formulated with the exact ratio of salts, sugars, and electrolytes as required by the body. It is the perfect balance of electrolytes that hydrates the body faster than water alone. Consult your doctor about the dosage that must be taken.
Signs you need to take electrolytes during pregnancy.

Feeling Thirsty – you might feel thirsty even after drinking water. This is a clear sign that you need to consume electrolytes.

Swelling in the body – while a certain amount of swelling is completely normal during the pregnancy, it is also a sign of fluid not being transported properly. Consuming electrolytes is ideal during such situations.

Getting constipated – even with a diet that is high in fiber during pregnancy, you may still have problems with bowel movements. This could be a sign of a lack of electrolytes. Hence it is important to take electrolytes daily.

Headaches – many women suffer from headaches because of dehydration. Drinking adequate electrolytes will solve this problem.

Morning sickness – one of the worst things about being pregnant is morning sickness. They cause vomiting and nausea which leads to a lot of fluid loss. Electrolytes are needed to replenish all that loss of fluids.

Hemorrhoids – these can be the results of constipation and dehydration which can cause strain. It is essential to counter this by consuming electrolytes.

How to prevent dehydration during pregnancy

Drink plenty of fluids – the best way of staying hydrated is to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to supply your body with the necessary liquids. There are multiple options for you such as plain water, juice, tea, smoothies, and other drinks to stay hydrated.

Sometimes you may find it difficult to consume fluids during morning sickness or indigestion. Therefore, make sure to drink water in between meals and at moments when you're not feeling nauseated.

Lots of fresh food – it is important to focus on a healthy diet during pregnancy despite the cravings and indulgences. Including fresh fruits and vegetables is a smart way to get not only water but also essential vitamins and minerals.

Avoid intense physical activities - Many expectant women decide to continue their favorite form of physical activity as long as they can. It's crucial to keep in mind the dangers of overheating and effort, though. If you intend to work out, keep your activity level moderate and make sure to drink enough water prior to, during, and after your workout.


Important electrolytes during pregnancy

There are certain electrolytes that play important functions during pregnancy. Let’s try and understand them:

Potassium - Potassium counteracts the effects of sodium and assists pregnant women in maintaining normal blood pressure. 4.7 grams of potassium should be consumed daily. Consume foods high in potassium, such as meat and avocados. You can also consume electrolyte supplements that contain potassium.

Magnesium - the need for magnesium increases in pregnancy, and lack of magnesium this time might limit fetal growth and raise blood pressure. It is recommended that you should supplement 300mg of magnesium per day.

Calcium – the most important mineral in the body is calcium. It is responsible for bone development in the fetus. Many health experts agree that getting 1,000 to 1,300 mg of calcium per day is very important during pregnancy.

Sodium – Sodium is an essential component of breast milk. There is a lot of research that suggests supplementing sodium increases lactation.

Importance of consuming electrolytes supplements

You must ensure the right amount of fluid balance while you are pregnant as the majority of your weight is water. ORS during pregnancy, your body goes through so many changes both physically and hormonally which leads to loss of fluids and electrolytes.

As a pregnant woman, you can choose to opt for an oral rehydration solution as it is absolutely safe, fast-acting, and cheap. It does not cause any harmful effects on the fetus. It can be taken as a part of your daily rehydration routine.

It tastes pleasing and is a special combination of salts and sugars in the essential proportions, required for instant rehydration and energy. Thus, as soon as the symptoms of dehydration are observed, you can start taking an oral rehydration solution after consultation with the physician.

It will quickly help replenish electrolytes lost due to vomiting or diarrhea, or for less severe dehydration caused in case of excessive sweating. It helps fulfill the body’s requirements of fluids and minerals, manages dehydration, and increases fluid retention.

Electrolytes are essential in our daily life but they play an important and specific role during pregnancy. Placenta, which is a tube that connects the fetus to the mother’s body, provides all the nutrition in the pregnancy and is high on sodium but low on potassium.

Electrolytes help to balance this through pregnancy. Sodium is also another important electrolyte for its role in transferring plenty of water between cells and its balance with potassium. You need to be extra careful about what they consume during pregnancy as it not only affects them but also the little one growing inside you.

Always consult your gynecologist if you have any doubts about the right nutrition during pregnancy. Becoming a mother is a special feeling as a baby fills a place in your heart that you never knew was empty.

Vaishnavi Gadi
Vaishnavi Gadi
Women Health & Nutrition

Vaishnavi is passionate about health and nutrition supplements. She takes serious efforts to update her knowledge about health and wellness, especially women health requirements. She writes article... Read More

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