Proper hydration and nutrition are very important for a healthy pregnancy, birth, and baby - Let’s talk about hydration and some of the things that can happen before or during labor if the body is not properly hydrated.
Since water is responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to our cells, tissues and organs, staying hydrated ensures that essential nutrients are being transported to meet the developmental needs of your growing baby and body. Drinking water also helps to preserve an adequate level of amniotic fluid and supports fetal kidney function by facilitating the amount of waste your baby’s kidneys filter.
The American Pregnancy Association suggests drinking at least 10-12 glasses of water each day. Also, If fitness is part of your daily routine, you should also drink an additional glass of water for each hour of light exercise you do. It’s easy to become sidetracked and not realize you haven’t had a glass of water in a few hours. Be vigilant about getting enough to drink. Carry around your favorite water bottle to remind you of your hydration goals.
During pregnancy, dehydration can cause a host of issues
Nausea/Vomiting
Fatigue
Constipation
Restless legs
Headaches
Overheating
Low amniotic fluid (Oligohydramnios)
Premature labor
Neural and other birth defects
In addition to drinking enough water, limit excess caffeine intake which can also cause increased urine output. Other drinks such coconut water, vitamin water, beet juice, fruit infused waters, nuun tablets, and other electrolyte drinks can help to keep hydration matters in check. Be sure to watch out for the sugar content in certain sports drinks.
What are some of the functions of the amniotic fluid?
Cushions your baby (shock absorber).
Allows baby to move.
Helps baby’s body parts develop normally.
Keeps baby’s temperature regulated.
Helps prevent infection.
Helps keep the umbilical cord floating freely, so that it doesn’t get squished between the baby and the side of your uterus.
Things that can contribute to low amniotic fluid (Oligohydramnios)
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM). When your amniotic sac breaks or begins leaking before labor actually starts.
Pregnancy extending beyond estimated guess date.
Problems with the placenta.
Birth defects, especially with the kidneys.
Preeclampsia
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Dehydration
*Oligohydramnios is not by itself a cause for concern. However, the reason behind it is important. Medical induction for Isolated Oligohydramnios is not always the answer. In fact, induction for Oligohydramnios is not recommended in the absence of other indications such as Pregnancy Induced Hypertension, Pre-eclampsia, and Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR).
“There is no evidence that isolated oligohydramnios at term is a risk factor for poor outcomes. However, induction for isolated oligohydramnios leads to higher Cesarean rates.” - Rebecca Dekker, PhD (Evidence Based Birth)
During labor, dehydration can actually contribute to the very “cascade of interventions” that you may just be hoping to avoid. Here’s how...
You begin labor already dehydrated, or become dehydrated and exhausted along the way.
You possibly develop a fever and/or tachycardia (a fast pulse).
The uterus may not contract efficiently, slowing labor progress.
An IV or Saline lock is inserted so that you can receive fluids for hydration.
Pitocin may be given to speed things up, strengthen and coordinate the contractions.
If IV Pitocin is being used, continuous electronic fetal monitoring will be started to make sure the baby does not become distressed, in case the uterus becomes over stimulated by the Pitocin.
Movement is restricted because of the monitoring, making it necessary for you to remain relatively still on the bed.
Augmenting the labor with Pitocin, the movement limitation and the need for certain medical forms of pain relief can all increase chances of fetal distress, use of forceps, a vacuum, and having an episiotomy or a cesarean.
Large volumes of fluids given by IV have the potential to overload the system with excess fluids causing Hypervolemia. This can increase the chances of fluid accumulating in yours and baby's lungs. This can mean the baby has increased breathing rates at birth, thus needing extra observation in the nicu. This is called transient tachypnoea or “wet lung”.
It is very important enter your birthing time already well hydrated, to keep drinking especially during the early phases of childbirth, and continuing to hydrate in moderate amounts until baby has arrived. The body needs fuel (food) and hydration (water) to keep energized, and for the uterine contractions to remain strong and regular.
If you were running a marathon, you would not be fasting or limiting the amount of hydration and nourishment needed to keep up with your body’s demands. Labor/birth also require these things to perform effectively. It is no different than any other athletic event where the requirements of the body are increased to meet metabolization and oxygenation demands.
If you are in labor for an extended period of time, you could be in danger of dehydration which can cause other complications such as ketosis. Ketosis is a complication of dehydration, and a lack of carbohydrates (or glucose) for energy in the body. It is the result of the abnormal accumulation of ketones in the blood stream, body tissues and urine.
This can happen when the muscles have little, or no, glucose for energy to be able to function efficiently. Once the glucose supply in the blood stream is depleted, the body starts to break down its fat stores for energy instead. This produces ketones, often causing a fever, body weakness and the muscles to function inefficiently, including the uterus.
During childbirth, we have high-energy needs, and our stores of available glycogen are depleted very quickly. When the body has excessive amounts of ketones it can cause us to feel very weak and lethargic, develop a fever and have a fast pulse. This can also minimize uterine contractile efficiency, and labor can begin to slow down (or stop).
I’ll say this again… HYDRATION IS IMPORTANT!!!
The body requires a delicate fluid balance. Dehydration can occur when a person is not drinking enough or receiving enough IV fluids, and fluid overload occurs when a person receives too great a volume of IV fluids. We should be encouraged to drink enough to stay hydrated, and the use of IV fluids can be guided by the individual’s unique situation, needs, and preferences.
The quality of the water is also important… Are you getting your hydration from the tap? I would urge you to reconsider. If using a tap, please filter your water. This is so important.
