Introduction
Nausea during pregnancy is one of the most common complaints, and many women find themselves reaching for something to quench their thirst and settle their stomach. Some experts have hypothesized that drinking water can help reduce symptoms of nausea during the early stages of pregnancy, but up until now there has been little research to back up this claim. Now medical professionals are taking a closer look into the potential connection between hydration and nausea symptom relief during pregnancy.
One of the first studies to explore the effects of water on nausea was conducted in 2019. The investigators measured changes in subjective reports by multiple women who were suffering from certain forms of morning sickness. They found that while drinking water did not drastically lessen all symptoms, it could provide some relief from occasional bouts of nausea experienced throughout the day. The results also suggested that replenishing lost fluids may be beneficial for those more susceptible to dehydration due to sickness-induced vomiting and loss of appetite.
Researchers are continuing to evaluate the connection between adequate hydration and alleviating pregnancy-related nausea. A separate study conducted in 2021 currently underway will attempt to measure physiological responses as well as self-reported outcomes when participants are asked to drink an increased amount of water each day over a period of time. Early data has shown promise in reducing certain symptoms such as stomach discomfort, suggesting that further examination is warranted into this potential remedy option.
The Science
Water can have an important role in aiding nausea relief during pregnancy, as studies have begun to reveal. By hydrating and helping the body to be replenished with electrolytes, water can help alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of morning sickness. A study conducted within the United States revealed that dehydration caused by morning sickness symptoms and vomiting has a significant correlation with increased nausea during pregnancy. Experts advise drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water per day during early, middle and late pregnant stages, as it may help reduce feelings of queasiness and discomfort. When nausea is accompanied by vomiting, staying hydrated becomes all the more essential in order for expectant moms to manage it successfully. Additionally, sipping room temperature or warm water may also be beneficial in fending off the effects of morning sickness associated gassiness and pains when consumed slowly. Consuming small amounts at regular intervals throughout the day instead of larger quantities sporadically can also lead to better hydration levels in pregnant females.
The Benefits
Drinking water during pregnancy can have various benefits for the mother, including reducing nausea. Nausea is a normal symptom of early pregnancy, and it can be exacerbated by thirst. For pregnant women who feel especially nauseated, keeping their body hydrated can help mitigate this sensation.
Water also carries additional benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. It helps the blood to flow easily through veins, which is important for healthy fetal development. Water also helps to flush out waste products that could make a pregnant woman feel sicker, while still allowing essential nutrients to pass through to the baby. Furthermore, water helps to regulate the body temperature of both the mother and baby, which is very important when expecting.
By sufficiently hydrating themselves with safe drinking water, pregnant women are taking an active role in helping avoid extra stress on their bodies due to dehydration or heat exhaustion. Drinking plenty of water also helps maintain healthy digestion throughout pregnancy, as well as solidify natural rhymes and emotional balance that might swing drastically when expecting.
Overall, drinking water is an excellent way for expecting mothers to reduce their chances of experiencing nausea during pregnancy, as well as keep their bodies hydrated and properly nourished so that they can bring a healthy child into the world.
Guidelines
1. Drink Small Amounts of Water Regularly: Drink small amounts, such as sips from a cup or bottle, throughout the day and night.
2. Stick with Room Temperature or Cool Water: Avoid beverages that are cold-ice water can irritate an already sensitive stomach.
3. Avoid Drinking Too Much Water at Once: Too much liquid in a short period of time may put additional stress on the digestive system and make nausea worse.
4. Consume Plenty of Fluids with Other Nutrients: Pregnant women should drink plenty of fluids along with food containing other important vitamins and minerals – these can all work together to help combat nausea during pregnancy.
5. Consider Drinking Ginger Tea: Ginger naturally calms the stomach and has been known to reduce feelings of nausea – it can be a helpful addition to your prenatal diet.
6. Monitor Urine Color: Make sure that you urine is light yellow in color, as this is an indication that you are drinking enough fluids to stay properly hydrated!
Alternatives
There are several alternatives for relieving nausea during pregnancy beyond drinking water, such as snacking on foods that contain high levels of protein throughout the day. Eating smaller, more frequent meals is also suggested, as well as taking long walks, avoiding spicy food, getting fresh air and sunshine for vitamin D, and staying away from strong smells. BRAT diets (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) are also beneficial, although not recommended as a regular diet due to their lack of nutrition. Ginger tea or ginger biscuits are also known to soothe the stomach. Additionally, some women find that specific vitamins and minerals can help reduce symptoms. These include Vitamin B6 in combination with folic acid and doxylamine; however these should not be taken without consulting with a doctor beforehand. Finally, an expectant mother may be able to find relief through acupuncture or acupressure treatments focused on relieving nausea.
Conclusions
Drinking water during pregnancy has been shown to help combat nausea and its associated symptoms. It gives the body fluids needed to keep it hydrated, helps reduce feelings of discomfort, and flushes the digestive system of impurities. Water can also help boost energy levels and improve overall health. As well as aiding in digestion, it can help restore minerals lost through nausea or vomiting. Additionally, water helps calm an unsettled stomach; as such, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Finally, drinking warm or hot water may help relax the muscles around the stomach that are affected by nausea. Therefore it can be concluded that drinking plenty of water during pregnancy is an important part of managing nausea symptoms for expecting mothers.
Resources
Yes, water can help with nausea during pregnancy. Staying hydrated has numerous benefits, including helping to reduce morning sickness and prevent dehydration. Drinking plenty of fluids such as water can also make it easier for the body to absorb important nutrients, which are necessary for both the mother and baby.
Resources:
1. Mayo Clinic – Pregnancy Nausea: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nausea/art-20047208
2. National Institute of Health -Hydration Tips During Pregnancy: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK109717/
3. Baby Center – Dehydration During Pregnancy: https://www.babycenter.com/0_dehydration-during-pregnancy_1972081.bc
4. WebMD – Why Am I So Thirsty During Pregnancy?:https://www.webmd.com/baby/qa/why-am-i-so-thirsty-during-pregnancy#1
Welcome to my fertility blog. This is a space where I will be sharing my experiences as I navigate through the world of fertility treatments, as well as provide information and resources about fertility and pregnancy.
