Let’s Talk About: The Importance Of Hydration In Labour

Image credit: Coastal Lifestyles Photography

Hydration is an important aspect of our wellbeing in everyday life, but particularly so during labour.

Why?

I hear you ask. Well I’ll tell ya…

Our body’s composition is largely made up of water, at least 50% for the average adult female, and even higher during pregnancy due to the additional blood volume and the amniotic fluid your baby is swimming in.

Labour is a physical, almost marathon-like event, and during this we can lose a lot of our body’s water content through sweat, urination and even breathing. It is therefore important to keep topping those water levels up!

Hydration aids optimal muscle function and your muscles are working particularly hard during labour. During the first stage of labour your uterine muscles are working to soften, open and move out of the way to clear the path for your baby to be born. During the second stage of labour those muscles continue to work to help push the baby down the birth canal.

Hydration also contributes to keeping your energy levels up and improving stamina, both of which are essential during labour.

Basically, you wouldn’t go for a run, a hike, or to the gym without a bottle of water so don’t forget to have one to hand when you go into labour!

This is an excellent task to put your birth partner in charge of. Ask them to keep offering you sips of water at regular intervals throughout labour and after the birth too - particularly if you will be breastfeeding.

What’s your tipple?

Plain old water is probably best. However, coconut water is great for topping up your electrolytes. Or, if you feel your energy levels take a dip, a sip or two of an energy drink can you give that all important boost to get you through.

Remember

What goes in must come out - and that includes your baby (!) - so remember that it is also important to empty your bladder regularly.

To read a bit more about this - check out my blog on How Going For a Wee Can Help Labour.