Can Pregnant Women Consume ORS Solution?

What Are Electrolytes? Electrolytes or ORS are a mixture of salts and carbohydrates in the form of sugars that rapidly dissolve in the water. The main function of these electrolytes is to replace salt and water that your body loses due to dehydration caused by vomiting. ORS is richly supplied with sodium, potassium, chlorides, glucose, and other important salts required by the body.

They perform multiple functions in the body such as regulating water in and around cells, brain function, aiding digestion, and regulating blood pressure. So, it is essential to replenish them if you have become dehydrated. When consumed in appropriate quantity, it helps replenish the lost electrolytes and fluids and promotes rehydration. ORS can also be used for pregnant women having diarrhea and vomiting. Small, regular sips at proper intervals work well in such cases. Unlike other natural drinks that you would drink during dehydration, electrolyte drinks match the proportion of salts and sugar required by your body. These electrolyte supplements are in the form of ice blocks, sachets, or effervescent tablets. They are also available in different delicious flavors which makes them very attractive to consume. How Do Electrolytes Work? Electrolytes are minerals that your body needs to maintain fluid balance. They help by maintaining the balance between fluids inside and outside of the cell. Water is deficient in electrolytes. Hence, drinking only water does not treat dehydration entirely. Electrolyte drinks are specifically formulated with the exact ratio of salts, sugars, and electrolytes as required by the body. It is the perfect balance of electrolytes that hydrates the body faster than water alone. Consult your doctor about the dosage that must be taken. Signs you need to take electrolytes during pregnancy. Feeling Thirsty – you might feel thirsty even after drinking water. This is a clear sign that you need to consume electrolytes. Swelling in the body – while a certain amount of swelling is completely normal during the pregnancy, it is also a sign of fluid not being transported properly. Consuming electrolytes is ideal during such situations. Getting constipated – even with a diet that is high in fiber during pregnancy, you may still have problems with bowel movements. This could be a sign of a lack of electrolytes. Hence it is important to take electrolytes daily. Headaches – many women suffer from headaches because of dehydration. Drinking adequate electrolytes will solve this problem. Morning sickness – one of the worst things about being pregnant is morning sickness. They cause vomiting and nausea which leads to a lot of fluid loss. Electrolytes are needed to replenish all that loss of fluids. Hemorrhoids – these can be the results of constipation and dehydration which can cause strain. It is essential to counter this by consuming electrolytes. Should pregnant women drink ORS solution or not? In the first trimester of pregnancy, women who experience morning sickness often lose fluids and electrolytes from their body. Dehydration occurs when these fluids and electrolytes are no longer in the body. If these things are not supplied soon in the body of a woman, then it can be serious. Also, pregnant women need to drink more water. Many problems can arise in its absence. In such a situation, drinking ORS can be very beneficial for pregnant women. What is ORS solution During the monsoon season, the chances of getting a stomach infection increase. Due to which loose motion, vomiting and fever can occur simultaneously. Occasional sudden abdominal pain Gastrointestinal infectionbecomes the cause of Such symptoms are often seen with children and pregnant women. Such symptoms should never be ignored as minor and medical advice should be sought immediately before dehydration occurs. How to treat dehydration? The best and easiest way to treat dehydration is to consume ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) instead of any medicine in the first place. It is a combination of electrolytes in clean water. Usually, a viral infection causes tummy upset (loose stools). Most episodes are mild and self-limiting. Sometimes vomiting also occurs due to dehydration and if vomiting is not controlled then a doctor should be consulted. How does ORS solution work? When a child has diarrhoea, it is a condition in which very loose and watery stool comes out from the child's body again and again, along with all the water and salt present in the body. Therefore, to avoid such a serious condition, the child is regularly given a salad of salt and sugar mixed with water. WHO (World Health Organization) also says that ORS is easily available in the market and can be prepared at home as well. It is also easy to make it at home because the ingredients used in it (sugar, salt and water) are available in almost every household.