Prenatal Dehydration In My First Pregnancy Led To Low Amniotic Fluid Levels
During my first pregnancy, I was super dehydrated.
Although I thought I was drinking enough (nearly not enough in reality), my dehydration led to low levels of amniotic fluid.
I had no idea that how much water you drink during pregnancy, could affect something so integral to your baby! Why isn't that talked about more often?!
The low fluid levels ended up causing some complications during delivery.
Thankfully, my delivery team acted quickly, and everything ended up being okay.
And Then It Happened Again
During my second pregnancy, I managed my water intake much better. So during my third pregnancy, I figured I'd just keep doing what I did during my second and everything would be okay.
Lo and behold, we ended up finding out that my amniotic fluid levels were once again low for my gestational period. My doctor was concerned.
Naturally, I freaked out.
I had a thousand thoughts of all the negative things that could happen.
When my OB walked in, he looked at me and asked if he could give me a hug (which was much needed!).
He said my pregnancy appeared healthy, however, he did notice from my urine sample that I was extremely dehydrated.
What? How? That was a shock to me, because I thought I was doing everything right this time around.
I didn't feel dehydrated, and I was feeling baby move, so I thought all was fine.
My doctor somewhat assured me by advising that most people don't drinknear enough water, especially pregnant and breastfeeding women, and that what I was experiencing was actually somewhat common.
That didn't totally make it okay, but it made be feel a little better.
He told me to drink a gallon of water a day for 3 days once I got home and to continue to monitor baby's movements.
Now I'll be honest, this may have been the only time I doubted my doctor through my pregnancy.
I recall telling my husband after that appointment that what the doctor was asking of me sounded kind of insane.
Do you know how much a gallon jug is?
128 ounces to be exact. That's sixteen 8oz glasses of water. Sixteen.
Regardless of my skepticism, I listened to the OB's advice and drank as much as I could.
I went back 3 days later to find out that my amniotic fluid level had jumped! And I was no longer dehydrated based on my exam.
No longer a skeptic, I went online and ordered myself a gallon water jug and it has been attached to my hands ever since.
Now I Always Drink Over 80 Ounces Per Day
Now, during my lactation journey knowing that breast milk is 90% water, I have my enormous water jug constantly filled and ready to go.
I’ll be honest, sometimes I miss a little flavor and want the added electrolytes.
Drinking 10 plus glasses of the same thing all day gets a little... repetitive. At the same time, I don't want to add in a bunch of artificial flavors or ingredients, especially while I'm breastfeeding.
With U.Siip, I can get all the things I’m looking for without sacrificing my health--what a WIN!!!
Now in my second year of nursing this couldn't have come at a better time 🥳
by Tracy aka "Ruddy" Schwan