Let us know about Drinking Water During Pregnancy. Not only do you have to change your diet once you become pregnant, it is also important to change your water intake as it is essential for the growth of the pregnancy.
Why is water important in pregnancy?
A pregnant woman should be well hydrated as water is very essential for the baby growing in her womb. Water not only carries oxygen and essential nutrients to the cells, tissues and organs of a pregnant woman, but it also carries all these vital nutrients to the fetus. Water also plays an important role in getting all the prenatal vitamins to your baby.
When you become pregnant, your body needs more water to meet its changing needs. Water is one of the most important components for meeting the developmental needs of the fetus as well as for the production of breast milk.
benefits of drinking water during pregnancy
Have you ever thought that how all the nutrients of the food you eat reach your unborn child? It all starts with keeping yourself hydrated. Here, we will discuss the various benefits of drinking water during pregnancy:
- Water keeps your body hydrated during pregnancy. If the body is not well hydrated during pregnancy, it can lead to cramps, headache, nausea, etc.
- Drinking water helps in keeping away the problem of water retention.
- Adequate water intake during the third trimester keeps you away from premature labor and contractions.
- This keeps you away from urinary tract infection (UTI) which is a very common problem in pregnancy.
- Drinking water aids in good digestion and helps in bowel movement.
- Water also keeps away from the problem of piles by reducing constipation.
- Water helps reduce swelling (edema) of the feet and ankles by flushing out excess sodium from the body.
- Water regulates the body’s thermostat level and cools the body.
- It also helps in providing relief from morning sickness, heartburn and acidity.
- This also keeps away fatigue.
How much water should pregnant women drink?
During pregnancy, you should drink about 10 cups (2.3 liters) of water or other fluids a day. However, water requirement varies from woman to woman. It is perfectly normal if you feel like drinking more or less water than the recommended standard. You can easily find out whether you are taking enough fluids by checking the color of urine. Colorless or light yellow urine indicates that you are taking in enough fluids. If you are urinating less and the color of your urine is dark yellow, then you need to increase your water intake.
You may need to increase your water intake during pregnancy if you exercise, live in a hot or high altitude area. Always keep a bottle full of water with you so that it reminds you to take two sips of water in between.
Is water the only way to stay hydrated?
Fluid intake during pregnancy doesn’t just mean drinking water, it includes other liquids as well. You can also take milk, coffee, tea, fruit and vegetable juices. It is advisable to consume tea, coffee or any aerated drink in moderation as these drinks are diuretic. These diuretic drinks cause an increase in urination and thus the loss of more water from your body.
Some pregnant women limit their liquid intake thinking that this can lead to water retention. Conversely, restricting your water intake may result in water retention. Nausea can also make you dehydrated, so it is suggested to drink small amounts of water in small sips instead of drinking a lot at once. If you do not like the taste of normal water, you can try flavored water during pregnancy, which can be made by adding a little lemon to the water.
Different ways to drink more water everyday
Here are ways to increase water intake during pregnancy:
- You should drink water every time you go to the toilet.
- Make sure you take some liquid every two hours.
- Always keep a water bottle with you and take small sips from time to time.
- You can also set an alarm to drink water.
- You can consume fruits and vegetables with high water content like watermelon and cucumber.
- If you do not like the taste of plain water, you can enhance its taste by adding lemon or orange juice.
- You can also mix water with other liquids like milk, buttermilk, coconut water, etc.
How to make sure you drink clean and pure water
If drinking water plays an essential role in pregnancy, then it is equally important that it is clean and pure. It is very important for you to make sure that the water you drink is safe and clean. Hence, it is recommended to drink filtered or bottled water during pregnancy to keep water-borne diseases at bay. You can also boil water to kill any bacteria and viruses present in it. Whenever you have to go out of the house, take your water bottle with you. You can also buy bottled water outside, but keep in mind that it is well sealed. Don’t forget to check the expiry date on the water bottles as well.
Stay away from aerated drinks and sodas. If you feel the urge to drink something cold, choose just cold water instead. Also avoid using ice cubes as they may be contaminated.
Effects of Not Drinking Enough Water While Pregnant
If you are not properly hydrated during pregnancy, you may have health complications. Some of the problems that result from not drinking enough water are as follows:
- You may have maternal overheating, which means your body may find it difficult to regulate heat. Overheating can cause neural tube defects in the baby.
- Lack of water in the body can lead to low levels of the amniotic fluid that helps protect and grow the baby.
- Drinking insufficient water in the later stages of pregnancy can lead to premature delivery.
- You may feel dizzy, which is a common cause of dehydration.
- Dehydration can cause severe or severe headache.
- It can also affect the supply of breast milk after delivery.
Water is very important throughout your pregnancy for the healthy development of the baby and your overall health. It is important to stay hydrated during pregnancy to keep away any problems related to dehydration. Contact your doctor immediately as soon as you notice any signs of dehydration in your body.
