How does dehydration affect unborn baby?

Staying hydrated throughout your pregnancy is very important because water plays a major role in the formation of Placenta (tissue that provides nutrition to the baby) and Amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby and provides cushioning). When you're dehydrated, your body uses the available water to run the primary functions like brain activities, blood circulations, etc. which will eventually cut down the water supply to your womb. There can be several negative effects on your body, these two are potentially most dangerous for your unborn baby:

1. Neural tube defects:

In simpler words, it will harm the formation of spinal cord and brain of the baby resulting in its poor mental health. It can also cause some birth defects.

2. Premature Labour:

When there isn't ample blood flow in your womb it can signal your body to deliver the baby and you may enter premature labour. However, if you feel abnormal contractions, rehydrating yourself and contacting the doctor can save you from premature birth of your child.