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Is it safe? · Pregnancy Smart

Is Pedialyte safe during pregnancy?

Assigned clinical reviewerMichael Yuzefovich· MD, FACOGDraft · pending clinical reviewUpdated

What does the evidence say about Pedialyte during pregnancy?

  1. Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte are liquids that combine glucose and electrolytes and are recommended for older adults and adults with severe diarrhea or dehydration symptoms. 1
  2. Oral rehydration solutions are primarily marketed for children, but the same NIDDK guidance extends their use to older adults, adults with a weakened immune system, and adults with severe diarrhea or dehydration symptoms. 1
  3. Severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy can leave someone unable to keep enough food or water down, which can cause medical complications and, in hyperemesis gravidarum, sometimes requires hospitalization. 2
  4. Drinks that contain electrolytes are advised as part of the diet for hyperemesis gravidarum, alongside rehydration and electrolyte replacement as an important part of care. 3
  5. When someone with hyperemesis gravidarum cannot tolerate oral intake or does not respond to oral anti-nausea medication, IV fluids are used to rehydrate and correct electrolyte imbalances, with potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium monitored and replaced as needed. 4

Is Pedialyte safe in each trimester?

  • First trimester. Pedialyte can help if first-trimester morning sickness leaves you dehydrated between meals. Small, frequent sips tend to go down more easily than large amounts at once.
  • Second trimester. Still a reasonable option for hydration if nausea, a stomach bug, or hot weather leaves you low on fluids. Watch total added sugar if you are drinking it often.
  • Third trimester. Same approach applies, and dehydration is worth taking seriously this late in pregnancy. If you cannot keep any fluids down for several hours, call your provider rather than relying on Pedialyte alone.

Frequently asked questions

Are Pedialyte freezer pops the same as the drink?

They are built on the same oral rehydration concept, glucose and electrolytes, in a frozen form that some people tolerate better than a drink when nauseated. Check the label of the specific product you have for its exact ingredients.

What's the difference between Pedialyte and a sports drink like Gatorade?

Oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte are formulated as glucose-and-electrolyte solutions designed for rehydration during illness, while sports drinks are built more for athletic performance. See our electrolyte drinks guide for a fuller comparison.

When should I reach for Pedialyte instead of water?

It is most useful when vomiting, diarrhea, or heat has caused a real fluid and electrolyte loss, not for routine daily hydration. Plain water covers typical pregnancy thirst.

What if I still can't keep fluids down?

Call your provider the same day. Hyperemesis gravidarum can require IV fluids when you cannot tolerate anything by mouth, and oral rehydration solutions are not a substitute for that level of care.

References

  1. Treatment of Viral Gastroenteritis ("Stomach Flu")

    NIDDK · https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis/treatment

  2. Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP): MotherToBaby Fact Sheet

    MotherToBaby · https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/nausea-vomiting-pregnancy-nvp/

  3. Treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum

    PMC · https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3410506/

  4. Hyperemesis Gravidarum (StatPearls)

    NCBI Bookshelf · https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532917/

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.