You’re likely familiar with Pedialyte – it’s a popular drink used to help dehydration or run-down. It is packed with the vital electrolytes and minerals your body may need.
But while expecting you may wonder if it is okay to drink. Well, this article seeks to clear this up for you!
What is pedialyte?
Pedialye is like a super drink particularly made to help the body recover from dehydration. It works almost like how fuel works in cars.
In pregnancy, you easily get dehydrated. You lose water from urinating, sweating, amniotic fluid leakages, nausea, etc.
This is when pedialyte comes in, it refills your body by replacing the lost fluids and minerals. And It’s not only made of plain water, it contains electrolytes and a small amount of sugar (glucose) that the body needs to function.
It has been proven safe for all age groups starting from kids over the age of 1 to older adults, above 60. You’ll find it in most local drugstores and supermarkets. But is it safe in pregnancy?
Can you drink pedialyte drinks when pregnant?
Yes, it is generally considered safe for pregnant women to drink Pedialyte. This drink has the balance of carbs, electrolytes and water your body needs to combat dehydration thoroughly.
Not only does it even treat dehydration, it is also useful in treating morning sickness, pregnancy acid reflux, constipation, nausea and diarrhea during pregnancy.
It is available in different forms including drink, powder and popsicle and have no sugar and other additives. However it comes with a slightly higher sodium content, hence the need to drink in moderation.
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.
In as much as this drink is safe, you don’t have to replace it with regular water, balanced diet or your prenatal vitamins. You can only add it as part of your pregnancy diet and regimen, but not substitute it for these.
Can you drink pedialyte if you’re not dehydrated?
Oh yes, it’s definitely possible to drink Pedialyte even if you’re not dehydrated.
Pedialyte is designed to replenish lost fluids and minerals that your body 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 be aware that it should not replace regular water. The number of glasses of water you need in 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 baby’s health.
This drink shouldn’t be used as either as a sports drink or a substitute for one. So if you perform pregnancy exercises, and thinking of drinking everyday 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 abuse the drink.
Can you drink electrolyte when pregnant?
Drinking electrolyte drinks is safe in moderation during pregnancy. Because you lose plenty water, it’s always important to replace them to stay hydrated. And electrolytes contain the right minerals (sodium, potassium and calcium) to help this.
However, not all electrolyte drinks are the same. When choosing, always opt for ones with very low sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Those that are high in sugar can make you fatten and increase your blood sugar levels – so it’s always better to get rid of them, especially if you have gestational diabetes or at a high risk of developing one.
Here are some electrolyte and hydrating drink brands I’ve always recommend for my patients:
- Nuun Hydration
- Hydralate
- Liquid I.v
- Essentia Water
- Cononut Water
For natural ones that you can easily make at home, choose:
- Lemon and Honey
- Orange Juice
- Apple Cider Vinnegar + Ginger
- Chia Fresca / Iskiate Drink
- Strawberry Lemonade
Always check the amounts of sweetener and salts you take for your homemade electrolyte drinks.
Is Pedialyte good for vomiting during pregnancy?
Vomiting in pregnancy can undoubtedly lead to dehydration and loss of important minerals. Pedialyte can help this as it is designed to quickly restore lost fluids and essential minerals.
So yes, if you are experiencing these symptoms such as tiredness, frequently peeing, dizziness, that are associated with pregnancy nausea, then you can treat with Pedialyte.
Confused whether to choose Pedialyte or Gatorade?
Gatorade is primarily designed as a sports drink. It was developed to help athletes replace fluids and minerals that they lose during vigorous exercise.
On the other hand pedialyte is sold as a counter rehydration solution used in restoring 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, it’s important to know they serve different purposes.
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 frequent need to satisfy thirst, headaches, tiredness, 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 this in a fast way.
Water, electrolyte drinks, fruit juice, 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.
Final thoughts
Pregnant women can drink Pedialyte to quickly replace lost fluids and electrolytes. These are what to use it to treat;
- Morning sickness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Dhydration
However, it’s crucial to remember that while Pedialyte is beneficial, it shouldn’t replace your regular water intake—it’s there to supplement hydration, not be your only source.
Even though pedialyte is safe, don’t forget that every pregnancy is unique. It’s always best to understand your body, listen to it, and ensure that it gets what it needs to help your baby grow healthily while keeping you energized.
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)
