Staying hydrated is more important while expecting a baby. It’s always been water, but what if water isn’t enough, especially on those days when you’re out of sorts?
This is when Pedialyte comes in. It is a popular rehydration solution commonly used to prevent or treat dehydration and replenish vital minerals and nutrients. But the big question is: Can you drink Pedialyte while pregnant?
Is Pedialyte safe while pregnant?
It turns out that Pedialyte can be a helpful drink for pregnant women, especially when dealing with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which are common in pregnancy and can lead to dehydration.
It’s designed to quickly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, making it a good choice for those times when you need a little extra help staying hydrated.
But just like any other thing during pregnancy, it’s best to drink moderate amounts and talk it out with your doctor to ensure it fits well with your overall dietary needs.
Remember, while Pedialyte can be helpful in managing dehydration, it isn’t a substitute for water and balanced meals. Staying healthy during pregnancy always includes eating a variety of foods to meet your nutritional needs and water for hydration.
Tips to safely drink Pedialyte while pregnant
If you’re feeling a bit under the weather, drinking Pedialyte can be a smart way to stay hydrated. Here are some tips to ensure you’re doing it safely:
Talk To Your Doctor
Before you start drinking Pedialyte while pregnant, talk it out with your doctor first. During pregnancy, your body’s needs can change rapidly, and what’s safe for a pregnant friend might not necessarily be for you.
Your doctor knows you better, and they can confirm whether to go ahead with Pedialyte or stop it. When they give you the green light, they can also advise you on the right amount to drink and ensure that using Pedialyte won’t interfere with any other dietary guidelines they’ve recommended for you.
Getting your doctor’s approval first ensures that you keep your hydration and overall prenatal care on track.
Read the label
Always take a minute or two to look at the nutrition label on the Pedialyte packaging before downing it. Pedialyte comes in various flavors and some options might contain added amounts of sugars or artificial additives.
You want to avoid these two (in excess amounts) while expecting. Additionally, the label will provide information about electrolytes like sodium and potassium and their quantities, helping you to understand what you’re putting into your body.
Reading the label allows you to choose the version that best fits your health needs and preferences. Doing so also ensures you steer clear of any unwanted ingredients while still effectively managing your hydration.
Use it for the right reasons.
While pregnant, you’re likely to get dehydrated when you drink less regular water, vomit due to morning sickness, or have diarrhea. All these reasons make sense to use Pedialyte, as it helps to replace the lost fluids and minerals that your body needs.
But know that it isn’t a substitute for regular water or balanced meals. It kind of serves as a helping hand when you need a little further boost for rehydration.
So, use Pedialyte to help keep your body’s water and electrolytes in balance just as it’s intended to be used. Don’t leave varied, nutritious foods out of the equation. Ensure the rest of your diet loads them for you and the baby’s health.
Don’t Overdo it
While Pedialyte is helpful in keeping hydration in check, especially if you’re dealing with morning sickness or diarrhea, it’s best not to drink excessively.
Drinking large amounts can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes in your body. Neither you nor your baby wants this. Always follow the recommended serving size on the packaging. Or better yet, stick to the amount your obstetrician advises.
Pedialyte’s own site recommends staying within a daily dosage of not more than 2 liters (or 64 ounces). Anything above this quantity in a day can be unhealthy.
Remember, your main source of hydration should be water. Pedialyte is just a helper for these times when you require extra support. By using it wisely and not overdoing it, you’ll get the benefits without any downsides.
Keep it balanced
Alongside drinking Pedialyte, make sure you’re eating a variety of healthy foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and dairy products. These foods contain the essentials you and your baby need, which Pedialyte alone can’t offer.
Also, as said severally, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Mixing up your sources of hydration can help you and your baby get a good balance of nutrients and fluids.
By keeping a well-rounded approach to what you drink and eat, you’ll support your health and your baby’s development throughout pregnancy.
Listen To Your Body
Your body is incredibly smart, especially during pregnancy. It will often give you signals about what it needs. Conditions like thirst, fatigue, or dry mouth could be signs you’re not getting enough fluids. And Pedialyte can be a fantastic choice in these instances.
Listen to your cravings, but also to your doctor’s advice on maintaining a healthy balance. If you experience some weird symptoms, or perhaps unsure about the right quantity, your safer bet is to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.
What can I drink if dehydrated during pregnancy? Alternatives to Pedialyte for Pregnant Women
When you’re pregnant, staying hydrated is super important, but sometimes you might want or need to look for alternatives to Pedialyte. Here are some options:
- Water: The simplest choice and the best way to stay hydrated. If you find it a bit bland, try adding a slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber for a splash of flavor.
- Coconut Water: This is naturally packed with electrolytes. It’s like nature’s version of a sports drink but remember your go-to are those without added sugar.
- Ginger Tea: Great for soothing an upset stomach, and it can help with hydration. Just make sure it’s not too strong. A light brew can be quite refreshing.
- Broth: It’s a tasty way to hydrate regardless of whether it’s chicken, beef, or vegetable. It also provides nutrients and can be a comforting, warm drink if you’re feeling under the weather.
- Sports Drinks: Like Pedialyte, these are high in electrolytes, but watch out for high sugar content. Always go for branded versions that cut back on sugar and artificial additives.
- Fruit-Infused Water: Drop some fruits like apricots, raspberries, mints, or watermelons into your water. This not only flavors your drink but also adds some extra nutrients.
- Herbal Teas: Many herbal teas are okay to indulge during pregnancy and can certainly keep hydration in check. Options like mint or chamomile sounds great. However, be sure to check with your doctor to confirm which ones best suit your situation. Some are best avoided during pregnancy.
- Diluted Juice: For those craving something sweet, you can dilute your favorite juice with water. Doing this helps you cut back on sugar while restoring extra fluids.
While we aim to ensure hydration, try to consume these drinks in moderation. Anytime you’re uncertain about a particular one, check with your healthcare provider.
Can you drink Pedialyte if you’re not dehydrated?
Oh yes, it’s possible to drink Pedialyte even if you’re not dehydrated.
Pedialyte is designed to replenish the fluids and minerals that your body has lost. Its ingredients, including water, sugar, and minerals, are needed by the body constantly, and not only to treat dehydration.
You can take it anytime to keep your hydration level in check. However, it’s important to know that it should not replace regular water. The number of glasses of water you need in the day should be thrice or more than the quantity you take for Pedialyte.
What are the side effects of overdrinking pedialyte while pregnant?
While pregnant women can safely have Pedialyte, it is not advised that they drink regularly because doing so can impact the baby’s health.
This drink shouldn’t be used as either a sports drink or a substitute for one. So, if you perform pregnancy exercises and are thinking of drinking every day as a substitute for sports drinks, then you need to reconsider your decision.
Going over Pedialyte’s recommended dosage (ie, 2 liters or 64 ounces in a day) could lead to unusual conditions such as water intoxication or hyperhydration.
Moreover, on rare occasions, allergic reactions could also occur. Signs may include;
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Upset tummy
- Sleeplessness
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Red or swollen skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or throats
Though some people may experience these symptoms when they overdrink, they aren’t common. Research suggests that these only happen in one out of about fifty people who abuse the drink.
Are you confused about whether to choose Pedialyte or Gatorade?
Gatorade is primarily designed as a sports drink. It was developed to help athletes replace fluids and minerals lost during vigorous exercise.
On the other hand, Pedialyte is sold as a counter-rehydration solution to restore lost fluids and electrolytes from diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.
Pedialyte has more electrolytes than Gatorade, and it’s particularly useful for children, older adults, and individuals recovering from illness.
While you can take any of these to help dehydration and electrolyte replacement, knowing they serve different purposes is important.
If you’re an athlete or you usually perform exercises, Gatorade is better. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with an illness including dehydration, then Pedialyte should be the go-to choice.
FAQs
The symptoms of dehydration can range from the frequent need to satisfy thirst, headaches, tiredness, and dry skin to discolored urine.
Taking IVs is the fastest way to rehydrate and treat dehydration. But usually, you can resort to electrolyte drinks to help with this quickly.
Water, electrolyte drinks, fruit juice, and herbal teas are all helpful when you need to rehydrate while pregnant.
Yes. In fact, diarrhea will cause your body to lose more water and important minerals. And drinking Pedialyte water or popsicles can help replace these lost fluids.
Can You Drink Pedialyte When Pregnant?: This is a wrap!
Drinking Pedialyte when you’re pregnant can be a safe way to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes, especially if you’re experiencing moments of dehydration, like from morning sickness or diarrhea.
Just remember not to overdo it and keep your diet packed with different hydrating options and nutrient-rich foods. Paying attention to what your body tells you and chatting with your doctor if you have any concerns will help you take the best care of yourself and your growing baby.
Remember, water should still be your main go-to for staying hydrated, with Pedialyte there as a helpful buddy when you need an extra boost.
References:
Tommys (How much water should I drink in pregnancy?), What To Expect (Home Remedies for Pregnancy Morning Sickness), WebMd (Pedialyte Oral Solution – Uses, Side Effects, and More)
