During pregnancy, the safety and health of the unborn baby is of utmost importance. One crucial aspect of prenatal health that requires attention is the fetal heart rate. As the name suggests, fetal heart rate is the number of times the heart of the unborn baby beats per minute. A normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute. However, sometimes doctors might detect a high fetal heart rate, which raises concerns about the health of the baby. In such cases, doctors advise pregnant women to drink more water to help regulate the fetal heart rate.
A high fetal heart rate can have various causes, such as maternal fever, dehydration, medications, and fetal stress. Dehydration, in particular, can increase the risk of premature labor or other complications. When a pregnant woman is dehydrated, her body releases hormones that can cause uterine contractions, leading to premature birth. Additionally, dehydration can cause reduced blood flow to the placenta, which can alter fetal heart rate.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is an effective way to prevent dehydration during pregnancy. Experts recommend that pregnant women should drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Drinking water helps to ensure that the body is hydrated, which keeps the blood volume circulating and reduces the likelihood of dehydration-related complications. As a result, the fetal heart rate remains stable and healthy.
In conclusion, drinking plenty of water is essential during pregnancy to ensure the health and wellbeing of both the mother and the unborn baby. When a doctor recommends drinking more water due to the high fetal heart rate, it is important to follow their advice. Pregnant women should aim to stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, which can significantly affect fetal heart rate.