How Much Water Should I Drink During Pregnancy?

Why Does The Body Require More Water During Pregnancy?

Water intake during pregnancy needs more attention as the blood in the body increases tremendously. In addition to increased blood volume, as the pregnancy progresses, the amount of amniotic fluid also increases. This demands more water intake. It is water that carries all the extra nutrients that you are packing up to the developing fetus.

Your nutrient-rich blood reaches the placenta and the baby all with the help of the magic potion, water. In addition, water is one key factor of breast milk, and drinking more water increases the chances of more milk production. It is important to stay hydrated when pregnant as dehydration triggers preterm labor.

How Much Water Should I Drink During Pregnancy?

Normally, a person should drink at least 8 glasses of water, each about 8 ounces, roughly equal to 2 liters. But a pregnant woman is recommended to drink a minimum of 10 glasses of water which is around 2 and a half liters per day.

During summers, increase the amount of water to another three or four glasses as more water is lost from the body through sweating. However, instead of gulping it all at once, it is important that you space in sips at regular intervals steadily throughout the day.

Why Is It Important To Drink Pure More Water Than Other Fluids?

It is appreciated when you drink more pure water during pregnancy. This is because juices are packed with sugars and though they count for fluid intake, they also come with extra calories. Milk, vegetable juices, decaffeinated teas, etc., are all ways to stay hydrated throughout the day. You don’t have to depend just on water.

However, limiting the intake of caffeinated drinks and sodas is appreciated. These drinks, provide nothing more than empty calories.

Will Drinking More Water Increase My Chances Of Fluid Retention?

Never. Please don’t turn away from drinking water thinking that it can result in fluid retention. An interesting fact is that the more liquids you drink in the course of pregnancy, the lesser is the chance of fluid retention. So if you have swollen ankles, drinking more water actually helps.

How Can I Know That I Am Drinking Adequate Water?

Urinating frequently and the urine being pale or colorless is an indication of your water intake is on the mark. The clearer the better. If it’s dark yellow, or even yellow-orange or you feel dizzy when you turn your head or stand up from sitting you are most likely dehydrated. Also, your lips won’t be dry.

What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Water During Pregnancy?

The following are the benefits of drinking water during pregnancy:

Prevents Dehydration

Staying well-hydrated is very important during pregnancy. Dehydration, in the course of pregnancy, gives rise to complications such as premature contractions, pre-eclampsia, edema, etc.

Help in Relieving Common Pregnancy Issues

Adequate intake of water during pregnancy helps to pass pregnancy issues such as headache, fatigue, nausea, etc. more easily

Help With Shipping Nutrients to The Baby

Water helps the mother’s body assimilate vitally important nutrients into the cells and carry vitamins, minerals, and hormones to the blood cells of the baby. It’s this nutrient-rich blood that makes it to the placenta and finally to the baby in the womb

Prevents Urinary Infection

During pregnancy, there will be more waste that will need to get eliminated from the body of the mother. Water will help in breaking the waste and expelling it from the system, thus, helping in maintaining the health of the kidney and urinary tract and precisely will keep UTIs at bay

Prevents Constipation and Hemorrhoids

Drinking more water helps with digestion, and in good bowel movement, thus helping the excrement to move rapidly down the digestive tract preventing constipation. Constipation is one of the common issues that bother the mother during pregnancy.

The pressure applied during constipation increases the chances of developing hemorrhoids. Therefore, by drinking water both constipation and hemorrhoids can be prevented.

What If I Don’t Like The ‘Taste’ Of Water During Pregnancy?

Some women don’t like the taste (or tastelessness) of water during pregnancy, here are a few tips to overcome this feeling and also to get over the nauseous feeling:

• Take pure water in a vessel and put a piece of lemon or neatly washed mint leaves or coriander leaves or whatever smell and taste applicable to you and leave it for some time. Now try drinking this flavored water
• You can also boil water with coriander seeds, fennel seeds, grated ginger, etc. according to your wish
• Drinking tender coconut water, buttermilk, etc. can also help to keep you away from dehydration

Ensuring Water Safety During Pregnancy

Here are some tips to make sure you are drinking pure water and to keep away from waterborne illnesses:

• Ensure you drink either filtered, boiled, or sealed bottled water.
• In case you’re going out, it is better to carry your water bottle to make certain it is perfect and safe.
• If you buy bottled water of a top brand, make sure it is damage-free and the seal is tamper-free.
• Never forget to check the ‘date of packaging’ or ‘best before’ tag of bottled water.
• When you dine out, ask for bottled water and open it on your table.
• If you feel like drinking ice water, drink chilled bottled water rather than adding ice cubes. Because, the ice cubes, if made with unfiltered water, may carry germs.

FAQ’s

1. What Happens If You Don’t Drink Enough Water While Pregnant?

Dehydration may occur if a pregnant woman does not drink enough water. Inadequate hydration during pregnancy may lead to vitamin shortages, endangering the health of both mother and baby. It can also lead to a reduced amniotic fluid which in turn is linked to adverse outcomes for both mother and baby, including premature delivery and a decrease in breast milk supply.

2. Can A Pregnant Woman Drink Water At Night?

Pregnant women need to keep hydrated, but drinking too much water before bed might disrupt sleep as it increases bathroom visits. Stop drinking 3 hours before bed to reduce toilet trips.   Ten minutes before bed, drinking a small cup of water may help to stay hydrated though.

3. When Should A Pregnant Woman Stop Drinking Water Before Bed?

While drinking water before going to bed is beneficial to your health, you must time it precisely to get the most advantages. Stop drinking water at least three hours before your desired bedtime.

4. Is Cold Water Good For A Pregnant Woman?

It is completely secure. Pregnancy is not a disease. So, whatever your body was accustomed to or capable of doing before pregnancy may be done throughout pregnancy as well.