You become dehydrated when your body is using fluids faster than they are being replenished. Even outside of your pregnancy, dehydration can come on quickly and have serious side effects. However, when you’re pregnant, it can be even easier for you to become dehydrated and miss the symptoms altogether. Dehydration is more common in pregnancy. For one thing, your blood volume when you become pregnant drastically increases to provide your baby with nutrients. When blood volume is high, it’s more difficult for your body to retain fluids, so you become dehydrated quicker. You are also at a higher risk for dehydration during your pregnancy because you have a greater tendency for nausea and vomiting. You lose many fluids after vomiting, and the ill feeling makes them difficult to replace.

The complications associated with dehydration during pregnancy are serious. If you become dehydrated during the first trimester of your pregnancy, your body will not produce enough amniotic fluid for your baby, and he or she might end up resting directly on the wall of your uterus. This will hinder your baby’s development and could easily cause limb deformities. If you become dehydrated in the second and third trimesters, you’re putting your body into overdrive and you risk going into premature labor. Additionally, you’ll experience many uncomfortable side effects such as muscle cramping.

Keeping your baby healthy during your pregnancy is obviously your primary goal, so look out for signs that you’re becoming dehydrated. Your symptoms might include infrequent urination, dark urine, headaches, chapped lips, dry mouth and dry skin. If you experience any of these symptoms while you’re pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. If it gets worse, it will be too late, and you’ll be hospitalized.

Unfortunately, preventing dehydration during your pregnancy is not as simple as drinking some water. If you’re a busy person, it can be difficult to know for sure whether or not you’ve gotten the recommended amount in a day. Keeping a log can be extremely helpful in preventing dehydration. If you’re vomiting a lot during your pregnancy, it’s important to speak with your doctor about treatments, because you’re at high risks for losing too many fluids too quickly.

If you become dehydrated during your pregnancy, you are putting both your child’s and your own health at risk. While you’re pregnant, keep track of the fluids you consume and be sure to heed any warning signs of dehydration immediately.