Different mothers have different pregnancy experiences depending on their body type, and almost 50% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting during the first trimester. With nausea and vomiting, the risk of dehydration increases.
Many mothers go for drinks like Pedialyte to avoid the risk of dehydration. If you also suffer from morning sickness, you may ask, “Can you drink Pedialyte while pregnant?” If this question is popping into your mind, then keep on reading.
We also have published a blog about adults eating baby formula. Read the blog for more details.
Can You Drink Pedialyte While Pregnant?
Pregnancy is one of the most sensitive times for a mother because it is a matter of two lives. Anything you can eat or drink in this period will directly affect your baby and may cause harm to your baby, so if you are worried about the consumption of Pedialyte, go through this article.
What Is Pedialyte?
Pedialyte is an over-the-counter medication for children and adults who suffer from dehydration because of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Its ingredients are simple salt water, sugar, vitamins, and minerals.
Dehydration In Pregnancy
Dehydration in pregnancy is fairly common, and morning sickness is one of the most common reasons for dehydration in the first trimester. In the third-trimester Braxton-Hicks contraction can also cause dehydration. Pregnancy cravings, overeating, and improper food combinations can also cause diarrhea leading to dehydration.
Effects Of Dehydration On Pregnancy
According to the American Pregnancy Organization, dehydration in pregnancy can lead to severe complications like
- Neural tube defects
- Low breast milk production
- Low amniotic fluid
- Congenital disabilities like spina bifida
- Premature labor contractions
Drinking Pedialyte While Pregnant For Dehydration
One of the most common concerns among pregnant women is whether this over-the-counter drink is safe for pregnancy, so yes, this over-the-counter drink is completely safe for pregnancy compared to other drinks. Other drinks have high concentrations of sugars, which can be harmful if you have pregnancy diabetes.
Pedialyte also has sugar as its ingredient, but it helps in quick moments of water in the body. The sugar in Pedialyte is dextrose and can activate intestinal mechanisms responsible for the active transport of water. Also, if you compare the composition of Pedialyte with the regular leading electrolyte drinks, then the Pedialyte has 2x less sugar.
Can You Have Pedialyte Popsicles While Pregnant?
Many mothers crave ice during pregnancy, claiming that eating ice cubes helps overcome morning sickness and nausea. Such mothers may convert Pedialyte drinks into popsicles because it is an effective way to overcome pregnancy-related pica. If you also want to take Pedialyte popsicles for your morning sickness and wonder if it is safe, then it is completely safe.
Mix the Pedialyte and fruit juice according to your taste and freeze it. If you don’t want to do this, then you also have the option to try Pedialyte popsicles which you can easily purchase through their website or any nearest store.
If you are eating baby formula because of pregnancy-related pica and want to know if it’s safe, then you can also look at Adults Eating Baby Formula.
Risk Of Taking Pedialyte In Pregnancy
Pregnancy is critical for mothers because the fetus is delicate and slight negligence can result in serious complications. During this period, mothers must keep a keen eye on what they eat and whether it is safe. Pedialyte is generally safe for mothers but can also cause some complications.
So if you are planning to drink Pedialyte for pregnancy dehydration, then make sure to read the risks, which include:
Allergies
Pedialyte Advanced Care Plus contains milk drive probiotics which are potential allergens for mothers with milk allergies—also, some Pedialyte contains red dye, which is an allergen and may provoke allergic reactions in some people. Before buying any Pedialyte drink, read the ingredients carefully to know if it is safe for you and your baby. You can also learn about short-torso pregnancy in our blog.
Gestational High Blood Pressure
Pregnancy blood pressure and pregnancy diabetes are common nowadays among mothers. Pedialyte contains 370 mg of sodium per 12 oz serving. Excessive sodium consumption can cause problems for you and the fetus if you have high blood pressure during pregnancy. So it is always advised to consult your gynecologist before taking Pedialyte if high blood pressure concerns you.
Gestational Diabetes
Pedialyte contains 9 gram of sugar which is not a huge amount when compared to other over-the-counter electrolyte drinks, but if your sugar intake is already high or you are at risk of gestational diabetes, then you must limit your intake of Pedialyte or take it according to your gynecologist advice. In addition to that, you can also check the organic version of Pedialyte, in which sugar is replaced with healthier alternative stevia for those who want to reduce sugar consumption.
Visit Our Guide: Foods To Heal The Subchorionic Hemorrhage
For a better understanding of the nutritional contents of Pedialyte, here is the nutritional value of 12 ounces of Pedialyte
| Calories | 25 |
| Protein | 0 gram |
| Fat | 0 gram |
| Sugar | 6 gram |
| Sodium | 245 milligram |
| Potassium | 183 milligram |
| Zinc | 1.85 milligram |
| Chloride | 290 milligram |
Can You Drink Pedialyte Every Day?
You can take Pedialyte daily, but it is not a substitute for water and other healthy drinks such as juices and milk. Also, it can increase gestational diabetes and blood pressure. So only take it on alternate days or when you feel you’re suffering from dehydration.
Pedialyte Vs. Gatorade
Most people think that Pedialyte and Gatorade are the same, and they can use any of them for dehydration, but both have completely different purposes. Gatorade contains simple carbohydrates, and it is used for boosting energy after workouts. On the other hand, Pedialyte contains more electrolytes and is beneficial for vomiting and diarrhea.
Both are good options, but it depends on your body’s needs. If you are not eating much due to nausea, the extra carbohydrates in Gatorade will help you. On the other hand, if your primary concern is nausea and vomiting, then Pedialyte is more beneficial for you.
If you want to know about Pedialyte expires and when Pedialyte expires, and the effects of Pedialyte if consumed after 48 hours, then read our guide.
FAQs
Can you drink Pedialyte if you’re not dehydrated during pregnancy?
No, it is not recommended to drink Pedialyte if you are not dehydrated. Pedialyte contains sugar and dyes, which can cause decay and weight gain in the long run.
Can Pedialyte help with constipation in pregnancy?
Pregnancy constipation can also be caused by dehydration; drinking Pedialyte helps balance electrons and water in the body, which can effectively ease pregnancy constipation.
Can you drink Pedialyte while breastfeeding?
Yes, you can drink Pedialyte while breastfeeding. Pedialyte during breastfeeding is completely safe and can help in increasing milk production.
Conclusion
Many new mothers have many questions regarding Pedialyte in their minds. Some of the most common questions such mothers ask are: Can you drink Pedialyte while pregnant, or is Pedialyte good for pregnancy? Some mothers may also want to know if they can enjoy Pedialyte popsicles while pregnant.
If you also have such questions, this article is perfect for you because here I have discussed all the advantages of Pedialyte and the possible risk of drinking it during pregnancy.
