How Much Water Do Pregnant Women Need?
Water is essential for expectant moms - but how much water should you drink during pregnancy?
It is important for pregnant women to drink water, because not only does it keep them healthy and hydrated, but it also supports their baby's development. It can also reduce the amount of swelling they experience, reduces the risk of UTIs (urinary tract infections), and regulate their digestive system.. It is always important for pregnant women to make sure they drink enough water.
Not drinking enough water can cause serious complications, including preterm labor during the third trimester. Drinking water has many health benefits during pregnancy, both for the mom and baby.
How much water should you drink each day while pregnant?
During pregnancy, it is important to consume more water. Daily water intake during pregnancy will depend on a number of factors, including a woman's shape and size, activity level, medical needs, and other characteristics.
A typical fluid intake is about 8 to 12 glasses of water each day. Be sure to speak with your doctor to make sure you're drinking enough fluids. Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but especially during pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women stay hydrated by drinking up to 96 ounces of water per day.
How Much Water Should You Drink During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body needs water and other liquids more frequently. Pregnant women should drink more water than the average person. During pregnancy, your daily fluid intake should increase to 8 to 12 cups of water (or other beverages) every day.
On a hot day, or a day you exercise indoors or outdoors, you'll need to drink more.
Your daily water intake is calculated based on a number of factors, including your body's unique needs, medical conditions, and weight. Most pregnant women need two to three liters of water every day.
Fluids can include water, sparkling water, or even flavored water. It can be helpful to invest in a one-liter water bottle to serve as a reminder for how much water you need to drink each day.
Why is it so important to hydrate during pregnancy?
Drinking water is a major part of staying healthy during pregnancy. It's important for everyone to drink fluids each day, but even more so for pregnant women.
Water is important to support your baby's growth and development, help your metabolic activity, aid in digestion, improve your baby's circulation, balance amniotic fluid, help the body better absorb vitamins and nutrients, and regulate your body temperature. There are many benefits to drinking water, especially during pregnancy.
Just like it's important that pregnant women eat more calories, it's also important that pregnant women drink more water. Whether it's a hot day or cool weather, it's important for pregnant women to maintain an optimum hydration state to protect them and their growing baby.
Hydration can prevent constipation and hemorrhoids
Pregnancy puts extra stress on the body. Not only are you "eating for two," but your body also has to digest those extra nutrients.
Water intake helps dissolve and remove waste from the body, which is important for overall health. Hydration helps flush out the kidneys and aid in the quick removal of food from the digestive system, preventing the accumulation of waste products. Pay attention to your urine output and make sure it doesn't look dark yellow.
Constipation and hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy, and drinking enough fluids can help reduce the risk of these pesky pregnancy annoyances.
How can you remember to drink more fluids during pregnancy?
1. Take A Few Sips Of Water Before Bed
Watch for signs of dehydration, especially when you wake up from a restful night's sleep. Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day so that you won't become dehydrated overnight as you rest.
Some doctors suggest taking a few sips of water before bed. Keep a water bottle nearby when you go to sleep, just in case you get thirsty throughout the night. Plain water is ideal, or you can ask your doctor about the safety of certain herbal teas that might help with sleep.
Even while you rest, the body still needs water for proper functioning. Drinking water before bed can help the body stay hydrated throughout the night and aid in digestion.
2. Don't Wait Until You Feel Thirsty To Drink
Whether you're in the first trimester, second trimester, or third trimester, water during pregnancy is very important. Try to avoid dehydration by getting at least 8 cups of water in throughout the day. Drinking water is especially important during the warm summer months or when you exercise.
Water can also help with morning sickness. Staying hydrated can help moms feel less nauseous, especially as their baby grows rapidly in the first trimester.
Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of dehydration, so it's important for their health and for the health of the baby to get plenty of fluid throughout the day.
3. Eat Foods With A High Water Content
Although drinking regular water during pregnancy is important, you can also get fluid through the food you eat. Many fruits and vegetables have high water content.
Foods with a high water content include oranges, bell peppers, broccoli, melon, pineapple, peaches, celery, strawberries, and other fruits and vegetables. You can also make smoothies with milk or water and increase your hydration that way.
4. What Kind Of Water Should I Drink During Pregnancy?
Plain water is ideal. Pregnant women can enjoy sparkling water or water flavored with fruit or other beverages that don't have a high sugar or caffeine content.
5. Buy a special water bottle
If you need motivation to drink more water, invest in a fun water bottle that will help you keep track of your fluid intake.
What happens if you become dehydrated during pregnancy?
Dehydration can cause many pregnancy complications, including urinary tract infections, increased swelling, vomiting, low amniotic fluid, kidney stones, and Braxton Hicks contractions (or even regular contractions leading to preterm birth).
It is important to watch for signs of dehydration. These include dark yellow urine, low urine output, headaches, lightheadedness, or nausea. Water is essential for overall health and wellness during pregnancy, both for the mom and for the baby.
Extreme dehydration may require hospitalization, especially if you are having contractions. Prolonged dehydration can cause true labor to begin too early in pregnancy, and it is important for women to pay attention to their water needs during pregnancy.
Water during pregnancy is essential.
Pregnant women need water, and staying hydrated can be essential in avoiding many common pregnancy problems! From better digestion, to increased circulation, to fewer headaches and nausea, adequate hydration during pregnancy is a must.
Meet Our KeaMommy Contributor: Kaitlyn Torrez I’m Kaitlyn Torrez, from the San Francisco Bay Area. I live with my husband and two children, Roman and Logan. I’m a former preschool teacher, currently enjoying being a stay at home mom. I love all things writing, coffee, and chocolate. In my free time, I enjoy reading, blogging, and working out. |