Tips for Drinking More Water When Pregnant

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So you’re pregnant and you are now home to this little bundle of joy. That little bundle of joy is 75% water. Your baby is continually growing and while they are inside the womb their makeup will continue to be around that.

Your baby will get the water they need for adequate growth from all the fluids you intake. One major fluid you should ensure you are getting enough of is water. Drinking adequate amounts of water while pregnant is very important. So if you were never a water drinker before you need to be one now. We’ve compiled this bit of information about water to motivate you into drinking adequate amounts for you and your baby.

How can drinking water help you?

A pregnant woman is encountering a flood of hormones that makes her skin a lot more delicate. The hormones cause tightness, itching, and even stretch marks. When you drink enough water, you can counterbalance some of the negative effects brought on about your pregnancy

Your baby’s development and health hinges on your water consumption. The amount of water you consume has a direct impact on the volume of your amniotic fluid. The more your baby grows, the higher the volume of amniotic fluid that will be needed to keep them healthy. The amniotic fluid creates a protective barrier around the baby. It acts as a shock absorber, protecting the baby from external pressure and potential dangerous movement and blows to the mother’s belly. The amniotic fluid also helps to keep the baby warm. If your baby is surrounded by inadequate amounts of amniotic fluid this may result in birth defects and can even lead to miscarriage.

How much water should you drink a day while pregnant?

The institute of medicine recommends that women would drink 80 ounces of water per day while pregnant. Each woman is different and you may find yourself wanting more or less water. You can check the color of your pee and that should be a good indicator of whether you are getting enough water. If your urine is a pale yellow then you are getting enough. If your urine is colorless you are probably drinking too much water.

What is the importance of drinking water during pregnancy?

There are several reasons for drinking water during pregnancy is important. More than we have already touched so far. These include;

Keeping the body hydrated.
Reducing the risk of headache, nausea, and cramps.
Lessens the chances of water retention.
Reduces the risk of preterm labor.
Minimizes the risk of urinary tract infections.
Will improve bowel movements.
Reduces excess sodium thereby reducing edema.
It can relieve acidity and heartburn.
It helps to reduce fatigue.

How can I drink water in a day?

If you didn’t drink a lot of water before you were pregnant, it can be hard to get up to the required amount. Here are some ways you can increase your water intake easily.

Drink water after every visit to the bathroom.
Drink water every two hours
Always have a bottle of water close by
Set alarms for when to drink water

You can even do all the above. Start with small amounts of water. So commit to drinking ¼ cup every two hours or a half a cup at every alarm. As you get used to drinking more and more water you can increase the amounts if and when necessary.

Is it good to drink water at night during pregnancy?

You want to stay hydrated during pregnancy but we do not recommend drinking large amounts of water before bed. You should try instead to drink adequate fluids at regular intervals throughout the day to ensure you are dehydrated and also to ensure you will be able to rest well at night.

Does drinking water help my baby grow?

Yes, water does help your baby to grow. All the nutrients from food and the prenatal vitamins you consume can only be absorbed by your fetus thanks to water. Water takes the nutrients to red blood cells which transport them to your baby.

Can you drink too much water during pregnancy?

The answer is yes, you can drink too much water while pregnant. It is not very easy for you to do this but you should keep it in consideration. If you drink too much water within a short period… think over one gallon of water within an hour you can put yourself at risk for water intoxication. This is caused when your body takes in water at a much faster rate than it can filter out.

Is coconut water good for pregnant?

Coconut water is exceptional for pregnancy. This fluid is packed with minerals and vitamins ideal for pregnant women. It can prevent constipation, vomiting, and dehydration. It is fat-free and a very rich source of electrolytes.

Benefits of Coconut Water include;

Has a good nutrition profile to Includes good levels of electrolytes, while being moderate in protein, sodium, and sugar.
It helps to protect against infections by building immunity and improving the function of the kidneys. These benefits are thanks to the antioxidant profile of coconut water.
Low in calories while containing some amount of dietary fiber and healthy omega fatty acids.
Will strengthen the digestive system and ease constipation.
Soothes heartburn as well as diminishes its recurrence.
Great for a pre-workout and post-workout drink for your light workouts.
It helps to reduce the symptoms of morning sickness.
Will help to combat fatigue.

Conclusion

Water is important to both mother and baby. Drinking adequate amounts of water is ideal for a healthy pregnancy. When mom is drinking adequate amounts of water she will help to fuel optimum growth. It can be daunting to drink 80 ounces of water if you were never an avid water drinker. Try to remember to set alarms to remind you to drink water so you can get into a daily habit. And remember, if you just can’t manage to drink enough water, you can always substitute with coconut water. Coconut water is a healthy alternative to water and a healthier version than any other liquid you may be tempted to drink a lot during pregnancy.