Are you pregnant? Are you a breastfeeding mother? Are you drinking enough water? Let's talk about this! (Hydration in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding)

Staying hydrated during pregnancy and while breastfeeding may seem like a simple thing, but new research suggests that it's not. Many mothers don't even know how much water they should be drinking. So becoming dehydrated without realizing it is not good for you or your baby. Especially if you have vomiting or diarrhea, you can lose a lot of fluids and become dehydrated quickly. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this.

Why is it important to stay hydrated during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Maintaining proper hydration is very important for both you and your baby. Think of it this way: water is like the lifeblood of a mother and baby.

Benefits for you:

• Eases digestion : This helps reduce problems like constipation, which is common during pregnancy.
• Transports nutrients throughout the body: The nutrients in the food you eat also reach your baby through your blood because of water.
• Removes waste from the body: Helps maintain good kidney function.
• Contributes to increased energy needs: As your body works harder during pregnancy , it needs to replenish the necessary fluids.

Benefits for your baby:

• Produces amniotic fluid: The baby is safely contained within this fluid sac in the womb. Water is essential for the production of this fluid.
• Extra blood is produced to nourish the baby: This is where the baby receives the nutrients and oxygen needed for growth.

How much water should you drink?

This is a question that many people have. Let's see what nutritionists have to say about this.

During pregnancy

A pregnant mother should drink at least 12 cups of water (about 2.5 - 3 liters) per day. Although the average person needs 8-10 cups, you need more during pregnancy.

In a hot climate like ours, your body loses more water through sweating. You may need to drink more water during this time. You may also need electrolyte drinks, such as sodium and potassium. Talk to your doctor about this.

During breastfeeding

88% of breast milk is water. So think about how much water is needed to make milk. It is very important for a nursing mother to drink 16 cups of water (about 3.5 - 4 liters) per day.

While this may seem like a large amount, think about it this way:

• You need water to make milk.
• Your body loses 25 ounces (about 750 ml) of water per day through breast milk alone. You need to replace that amount.

If you have trouble remembering this, get into the habit of drinking a large glass of water every time you feed your baby. Or ask a family member, like your husband, to bring you a glass of water. It's common to forget to drink water when you're busy with your baby.

What are the symptoms of dehydration?

It's important to recognize the signs of dehydration early so you can take action quickly.

Signs of dehydration in a baby

If you become dehydrated, it can affect your baby as well. Watch for these signs to know if your baby is dehydrated:

• Dry mouth and lips.
• No tears when crying.
• A decrease in the number of wet diapers (usually at least 6 diapers in 24 hours).
• Dark circles under the eyes.
• Fever.
• Sunken fontanelle on the top of the head.
• Dry, wrinkled skin.
• Rapid or deep breathing.
• Cold hands and feet.

If your baby has one or more of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

Dangers of dehydration during pregnancy

Dehydration can be dangerous for both you and your baby.

• There is a risk of premature labor .
• The amount of amniotic fluid around the baby may decrease .
• Some studies have shown that there may be a link between severe dehydration and birth defects such as neural tube defects .
• Low blood pressure.

What is good to drink? What is not good?

There are other options for those who don't want to drink water.

Best drinks:

• Clean water: This is the best.
• "Spa Water": Add something like lemon, cucumber, strawberry, or mint leaves to your glass of water to make it more delicious.
• Orange or grapefruit water: Very good because it naturally contains electrolytes.
• Milk: A good way to get calcium and protein.
• 100% fruit juice with no added sugar: Drink in moderation.
• Some herbal teas: Ask your doctor which herbal teas are safe for pregnant women.

Things to limit and avoid:

• Sugary drinks (soda, cordial): These can further increase dehydration.
• Caffeine: Coffee and tea contain caffeine. It's best to limit your intake to 1-2 cups of coffee per day. But it's best to talk to your doctor about this too.
• Alcohol: Alcohol is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Alcohol can pass through the placenta to the baby and cause serious birth defects (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - FASD).

When do you need to be hospitalized?

Dehydration can usually be managed at home, but sometimes hospitalization is necessary.

If you have severe vomiting during pregnancy, or hyperemesis gravidarum , you may not be able to keep down any food or drink. This can lead to severe dehydration.

In this case, you will be hospitalized and given IV fluids and salts. You will also be given medication to control vomiting.

If you have symptoms such as persistent vomiting, extreme dizziness, and weight loss, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately or see your doctor.