Electrolytes in pregnancy

Electrolytes in pregnancy-what are their functions?

The role played by electrolytes in the human body is difficult to pin down, as they are involved in almost all biochemical and metabolic processes taking place in the body’s cells. The most important electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and calcium. They regulate, among other things. the work of the nervous and endocrine systems, heart function, glucose transport, and affect blood osmolarity. Therefore, their deficiency or excess can lead to serious dysfunction of the entire body.

Electrolytes in pregnancy-norms

Since electrolytes affect almost every process in the human body, their blood levels are strictly regulated. The generally accepted norms for their concentration in the blood are as follows:

• Sodium: 136-145 mmol / l 
• Chlorides: 95-105 mmol / l 
• Potassium: 3.5-5.1 mmol / l 
• Magnesium: 0.7-1.1 mmol / l 
• Calcium: 2.1-2.6 mmol  

For each laboratory, the norms may differ slightly from those outlined above, so any result assessing electrolytes in a pregnant woman’s blood should be interpreted by her pregnancy doctor.

A test that evaluates the level of electrolytes in the blood is referred to as an ionogram. To make the result as reliable as possible, the intake should take place in the morning, and the mother-to-be should appear for it on an empty stomach.

Electrolytes in pregnancy-when to use?

Pregnant women are in the risk group for ion disorders. The most common problem is too low potassium, or hypokalemia. It manifests itself in annoying muscle spasms and, in extreme cases, heart rhythm disturbances. Another electrolyte whose deficiencies are common in pregnant women is magnesium. In this case, the pregnant woman may experience weakness, excessive fatigue, and, as with potassium, cramps.

The key to preventing electrolyte disorders in pregnancy is a balanced diet and adequate hydration. Foods rich in potassium are tomatoes and bananas, sources of calcium are all kinds of dairy and dairy products, and magnesium is contained in cocoa and legumes.

The daily water requirement for a pregnant woman is about 2.5 liters. Experts recommend choosing low-mineralized waters during this period. For increased water and electrolyte loss during, among other things. annoying vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy, oral rehydration fluids may be necessary to replenish fluid and electrolyte losses. Before using them, however, it is necessary to consult a pregnancy doctor, who, especially in the case of the so-called “pregnancy”. unrestrained pregnancy vomiting, will order tests and prescribe treatment.

Electrolytes in pregnancy-are they definitely safe?

Oral rehydration products, commonly known as electrolytes, allow for effective rehydration in the event of increased loss of these by a pregnant woman. In their composition, they do not contain any substances potentially harmful to a pregnant woman, so they are considered safe for use  during these 9 months. However, it is important not to use them on their own, but to consult a gynecologist.