Abstract
This study investigated hydration status, fluid intake, and the determinants among pregnant women aged 23-35 years attending three healthcare centers in Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA). Specifically, it assessed hydration states of respondents using urine specific gravity and serum osmolality; fluid intake and determinants of fluid intake of the respondents. A total of 310 pregnant women participated in the study. Cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Refractometer and serum osmolality elicited information on the hydration status, a 3-day fluid record questionnaire assessed the fluid intake while a 5-point scale questionnaire identified the determinants of fluid intake. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentages, means, standard deviation and Chi square test. Results indicate that more (44.11% and 60%) of pregnant women at Nsukka Health Centre and 40.54% and 55.55% of those attending Bishop Shanahan Hospital were dehydrated based on the urine specific gravity and serum osmolality, respectively. Respondents attending Medical Centre consumed more fluid (9559.83 mL) than 7734.86 mL for those at Nsukka Health Centre and 8786.43 mL for respondents at Bishop Shanahan Hospital. Majority of the respondents across the three hospitals perceived thatavailability of fluid and thirst sensation were the two most common determinants of their fluid intake.