A high water intake can be harmful during childbirth, causing headaches, nausea, vomiting and brain swelling that result in convulsions,according to a new study.

This condition results when hyponatraemia or too little sodium in the blood occurs because of excess water consumption. It causes swelling of the brain (cerebral oedema), triggering convulsions and even coma.The study is based on 287 pregnant women in Kalmar County Hospital, southeast Sweden, between January and June 2007. They were allowed to drink freely during their labour.

Blood samples were collected on admission and after delivery. Cord blood samples were also taken and analyzed to see if the effects could be detected in the baby.

The study found that 61 women had taken more than 2.5 liters of fluid during labor and 16 of them were found to have hyponatraemia. Researchers found that a reduction in plasma sodium levels correlated with a longer second stage of labor.

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