ARE YOU SICK WHILE PREGNANT? DO THIS!

Hydrate and replenish your electrolytes. When your body is busy sustaining the life of a second little person, your immune system can become weakened, making it easier for you to get sick. Morning sickness or pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting during your first trimester can also make you more susceptible to catching a cold or virus.

Being sick is never any fun but being sick when you're pregnant is worse because you are worried about your baby, and there isn't much over-the-counter relief that is safe to use during pregnancy.  You can't always avoid getting sick while your pregnant, but washing your hands frequently and getting enough rest will help.

And, since your best defense is a good offense, be sure to take your prenatal vitamins regularly, eat a lot of nutrient-dense foods and drink plenty of high-quality fluids to avoid getting dehydrated.

In this article, we will take a look at what to do if you get a cold or virus during pregnancy, signs and symptoms of dehydration in pregnancy, and some tips for keeping your fluid intake up even when you may not feel like it.


WHAT IF I GET SICK DURING MY PREGNANCY?

It is pretty common for a woman to catch a cold or virus during pregnancy.  However, because you are pregnant, it is good to make an appointment with your OBGYN if you become sick. They can best advise you what is safe to use for cold and flu symptoms during pregnancy and what isn't.

Here are some steps you can take to help speed up your recovery:

  • Rest - that doesn't necessarily mean you need to stay in bed all day, especially if you are congested, but alternate sitting up and lying down throughout the day.
  • Stay Hydrated - this is very important, and we will explain this in more detail in the next section.
  • Keep Eating - if you don't feel like eating much, then make sure your meals are as nutritious as possible when you do it. Juicy fruits such as melon and citrus are often soothing when you are sick.
  • Keep Congestion Under Control - use a humidifier in your bedroom and elevate your head on pillows to help you breathe better.
  • Ease a Sore Throat - ice chips or anything cold should help; you can also gargle with salt water. Check with your doctor to see if throat lozenges are okay to use.

If you developed a 102 degrees or higher fever, if you begin to cough up colored mucus or experience chest pain or wheezing when coughing, then contact your doctor immediately.


HYDRATING IF YOU CATCH A COLD DURING PREGNANCY IS SO IMPORTANT

Avoiding severe dehydration during pregnancy is a little bit easier with a cold or virus (provided it's not a stomach virus) than it was with morning sickness. Suppose you are keeping down fluids that's great news. However, when you are not feeling well and resting as much as possible, hydration can slip your mind.

Because your body is using more water than usual during your pregnancy, it can be serious if you become dehydrated. Your recommended water intake is 8 to 12 glasses per day when you are pregnant.  Water is used to form the placenta, and it is also used in the amniotic sac. Becoming dehydrated can cause pregnancy complication, such as:

  • Premature labor
  • Low amniotic fluid
  • Neural tube defects
  • Congenital disabilities
  • Poor production of breast milk

The best way to manage dehydration is to avoid dehydration in the first place. I know, easier said than done, right? But if you start your morning by filling your water bottle with HYDRATE and have it on hand when you're thirsty, it's easy.  You get water and high-quality electrolytes with every sip,  just what you and your growing baby need.

Here are some symptoms of dehydration that you should be aware of:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Feeling thirsty
  • Dry, sticky mouth
  • Feeling extra sleepy
  • Decreased urination
  • Increased Braxton-Hicks contractions

If you notice any of these symptoms, then it's time to get very serious about your hydration so that dehydration doesn't become severe. Here are some tips for hydrating yourself with HYDRATE if you don't necessarily feel like drinking:

  • Make a batch of HYDRATE and freeze it into ice cubes.
  • Use HYDRATE to make popsicles
  • Use HYDRATE to make crushed ice

There is something very soothing about cold things, especially if you have a sore throat. Sometimes you have to get a little creative to get fluids in. Just make sure you stay on top of it for you and your baby's health.

WRAPPING UP

Pregnancy is such a wonderful time of life, but it can be scary at times. There is no need to panic if you get sick, but there is every reason to take it seriously.  When you aren't pregnant many times, you probably power through being sick even though you feel pretty bad.

During pregnancy, you have a lot more to consider than just yourself. Know the symptoms of dehydration; make sure that you drink 8 to 12 glasses of water or fluids a day. Stay hydrated for the health of you and your baby.

If you run a fever or have any other signs of infection, call your doctor right away. Don't wait until things get worse to get medical attention.

If you are one of the fortunate few who don't get sick during pregnancy, that's awesome! But still, be sure to make HYDRATE part of your pregnancy routine. Fuel your body with only the purest organic ingredients on the planet. Your body will thank you, and so will your sweet little baby.

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