By Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC, RLC
Are Electrolytes Safe During Pregnancy?
You may have heard the buzz about electrolytes, but is it safe to drink electrolytes while pregnant? During pregnancy, your overall nutrition needs increase- this includes calories, protein and an increase in specific minerals and electrolytes as well. During pregnancy, fluids needs increase from a baseline amount of 64oz/day to over 96oz of water a day! Fluids help support tissue development as well as form the amniotic fluid which protects your baby during pregnancy.
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are essential minerals our bodies need such as sodium, potassium and magnesium. These minerals play a critical role in our bodies functions and during pregnancy, help to support regular blood pressure, nervous system and muscle function.
Where Do We Find Electrolytes?
Typically, we can get the sodium, potassium and magnesium we need through a whole foods diet. However, getting enough electrolytes during pregnancy can be a challenge because common pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness, vomiting and diarrhea can all lead to fluid loss. Place this on top of pregnancy increasing the need for more fluids and electrolytes overall and its a recipe for dehydration and depletion.
Are Electrolytes OK During Pregnancy?
Can pregnant women drink electrolytes? Absolutely! Not only are electrolytes good for you while pregnant, electrolytes while pregnant can supply your body with essential minerals. Water and electrolytes support the development of a healthy fetus, amniotic sac and placenta development. Since pregnancy and breastfeeding can leave us dehydrated, electrolytes help to “carry” the fluid to rehydrate our cells in a way that plain water cannot. Hydromom contains the essential ingredients recommended by the World Health Organization- sodium, electrolytes and glucose to help rehydrate your cells.
Not only can you drink electrolytes while pregnant but electrolytes continue to be important during your breastfeeding journey as well, where fluids needs continue to remain high at ~96oz/day and sometimes more during breastfeeding due to oxytocin which is produced with each milk let down.
What About Sports Drinks While Pregnant?
If you are wondering if it is ok to drink Pedialyte while pregnant or if it is safe to have Gatorade while pregnant, remember that these products contain additional dyes and sugars. When looking for electrolyte drinks for pregnancy, aim for a product that does not contain added sugars, dyes and supplies the right combination of minerals for rehydration.
These drinks do not contain the necessary amount of electrolytes needed during pregnancy and can also spike blood sugar which can be a concern for pregnant moms with gestational diabetes.
Electrolyte drinks for pregnancy and breastfeeding are safe, effective way to rehydrate fluids quickly. Hydromom was created to be the perfect solution for moms looking to boost their energy without excess caffeine, support effective hydration and to be a delicious alternative to plain water.
