X
TAP top app download banner
theAsianparent Singapore Logo
theAsianparent Singapore Logo
Product Guide
Sign in
  • Together Against RSV
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • Events
  • Holiday Hub
  • Aptamil
    • Immunity
    • Intelligence
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • VIP

Why Drinking Electrolytes While Pregnant Is A Good Idea For Women

5 min read
Why Drinking Electrolytes While Pregnant Is A Good Idea For Women

Drinking electrolytes while pregnant is a good idea for women, especially with morning sickness and dehydration an extremely common issue in the first trimester. However, the benefits also extend after birth.

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful stages of a woman’s life but also one of the most challenging. Right from mental and physical changes to a major change in your lifestyle, women undergo a lot. And that’s why it’s necessary that the expecting mum takes extremely good care of herself.

One of the more common problems that pregnant women experience, especially during the first trimester is morning sickness and dehydration. As your body is adapting to the rapid changes, these issues can make the pregnancy a tad difficult.

Most mums are usually active in their first trimester. But complications like nausea and vomiting caused by morning sickness can slow you down. It can also cause dehydration.

While mild dehydration can be treated quickly and reversed without any effect on the baby, severe dehydration is a major concern. It can harm the mother and the baby and requires immediate medical intervention.

That’s why women need to keep drinking electrolytes while pregnant, especially in humid countries like Singapore.

To combat morning sickness and stay hydrated, you can try UFC Refresh Natural Coconut Water. Packed with electrolytes and 100% natural, this delicious beverage is free from added sugar, preservatives, and additives. It’s the perfect way to nourish your body and ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Why Do Women Need To Keep Drinking Electrolytes While Pregnant?

drinking electrolytes while pregnant

Image Source: Pexels

There are a couple of reasons why pregnant woman need to consume electrolytes regularly.

  • A majority of the pregnancy weight is water and expecting mums need to maintain proper fluid balance. The hormonal and physical changes of pregnancy can deplete fluids and electrolytes at a faster rate, which results in dehydration.
  • A pregnant women’s body also has an increased water intake, which further makes it difficult to maintain the ideal fluid balance. Normally, the body requires about five to six litres of water to function properly. This measure increases to as much as nine litres in expecting mothers.
  • Pregnant women also produce more blood volume, which in turn, requires more water to ensure the baby gets all the nutrients.

Symptoms Of Dehydration In Pregnant Women

Even if it’s your first pregnancy, trust your body to show signs of dehydration that should make you reach out for electrolytes immediately. Look out for these signs of dehydration during pregnancy:

  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Low blood pressure
  • Maternal overheating due to increased body temperature
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Headache
  • Dark urine
  • Sunken eyes
  • Irritable nature

Are You Opting For Oral Rehydration Solution During Pregnancy?

While water is the best way to replenish lost body fluids during pregnancy, it can’t entirely cure dehydration, especially in severe cases. That’s why it’s necessary to add electrolytes along with water.

One of the best ways to consume electrolytes is by taking Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS).

ORS contains oral electrolytes and is loaded with sodium, potassium, sugar, and more, and a quick to replenish lost electrolytes in the body. It is safe to consume by people of all ages, and doctors do recommend it to pregnant women as well.

In fact, you can order ORS powder through your pharmacy or even an online store. All you need to do is mix it with water and consume a glass or two, as recommended by your gynaecologist.

For those not too fond of the bland taste, there are now different flavours available as well. A pre-mix ORS juice box is also a great option if you are travelling.

Choosing ORS Over Sports Drinks

drinking electrolytes while pregnant

Image Source: Unsplash

A common misconception is that sports drinks replenish electrolytes. However, please remember that neither the ads selling sports drinks claim they have electrolytes nor does the bottle say so.

Instead, sports drinks are identical to cordials with a bit of added salt and lots of colouring that makes for attractive packaging.

While those may work for teenagers and people looking for a quick cool drink that’s not aerated, it’s a strict no-no for pregnant women.

Another natural source to replenish electrolytes is having coconut water that has potassium, sodium, and manganese. It’s completely natural but isn’t high on electrolyte function and the amount can vary as the coconut matures.

5 Benefits Of Drinking Electrolytes While Pregnant

drinking electrolytes while pregnant

Image Source: Pexels

1. Reduces swelling in limbs

Swelling is a common problem during pregnancy and one of the reasons causing it is due to fluid not being transported to the limbs. Electrolytes help increase fluid levels in the body that can reduce swelling.

2. Eases constipation

While pregnant mums are asked to increase fibre in their diet, they can still have constipation. It’s wise to drink electrolytes during this time to restore fluid balance in the body.

3. Controls blood pressure

Electrolytes and magnesium help regulate blood pressure that can fluctuate a lot during pregnancy.

4. Haemorrhoids

Another side effect of dehydration are haemorrhoids that can be avoided by increasing the intake of electrolytes.

5. Breastfeeding

Increasing your water and electrolyte intake after giving birth also helps with breastfeeding. It is related to a healthy supply of milk and also reduces the chances of post-birth constipation.

As a thumb rule, always make it a point to store electrolyte powder at home or in your bag at all times. This is particularly necessary when you have morning sickness too often in the initial weeks of the pregnancy.

Partner Stories
Comfort, Care, and Confidence for New Mums  with PEM Confinement Nannies
Comfort, Care, and Confidence for New Mums with PEM Confinement Nannies
KKH-Led Study Reveals Low COVID-19 Transmission Rate From Mothers to Newborns
KKH-Led Study Reveals Low COVID-19 Transmission Rate From Mothers to Newborns
How Stokke Products Can Be The Second-Best Gift To Parents After Giving Birth?
How Stokke Products Can Be The Second-Best Gift To Parents After Giving Birth?
Did You Know? These 5 Unwanted Pregnancy Symptoms are Related to Gut Health
Did You Know? These 5 Unwanted Pregnancy Symptoms are Related to Gut Health

So when the dehydration symptoms arise, the expecting mum should begin taking ORS immediately.

Staying healthy is the first step towards experiencing a happy pregnancy. That’s why mums need to be extra cautious of their health and enjoy these nine months despite the challenges.

ALSO READ:

20 Signs of Dehydration To Watch Out For

10 Tried And Tested Ways To Cure Morning Sickness

Why Drinking Electrolytes While Pregnant Is A Good Idea For Women

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

ddc-calendar
Get ready for the baby’s arrival by adding your due date.
OR
Calculate your due date
img
Written by

Sameer C

  • Home
  • /
  • Becoming a Parent
  • /
  • Why Drinking Electrolytes While Pregnant Is A Good Idea For Women
Share:
  • Vomit Yellow When Pregnant? Find Out The Cause & How To Correct It!

    Vomit Yellow When Pregnant? Find Out The Cause & How To Correct It!

  • 6 Ways to Know Signs of a Healthy Fetus Without Ultrasound

    6 Ways to Know Signs of a Healthy Fetus Without Ultrasound

  • Polyhydramnios: A Condition When There Is Too Much Amniotic Fluid, These Are the Symptoms, Causes, and How to Treat It

    Polyhydramnios: A Condition When There Is Too Much Amniotic Fluid, These Are the Symptoms, Causes, and How to Treat It

  • Vomit Yellow When Pregnant? Find Out The Cause & How To Correct It!

    Vomit Yellow When Pregnant? Find Out The Cause & How To Correct It!

  • 6 Ways to Know Signs of a Healthy Fetus Without Ultrasound

    6 Ways to Know Signs of a Healthy Fetus Without Ultrasound

  • Polyhydramnios: A Condition When There Is Too Much Amniotic Fluid, These Are the Symptoms, Causes, and How to Treat It

    Polyhydramnios: A Condition When There Is Too Much Amniotic Fluid, These Are the Symptoms, Causes, and How to Treat It

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
  • Family Occasions
  • Lifestyle
  • Normal Delivery
  • Ages & Stages
  • Trying To Conceive
  • News
  • TAP Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
© Copyright theAsianparent 2025. All rights reserved
About Us|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it