WE HAVE HEARD IT SAID A MILLION TIMES THAT WE NEED TO DRINK WATER EVERY DAY. DRINKING WATER WHILE PREGNANT IS ESSENTIAL.
DID YOU KNOW THAT OUR BODIES ARE MADE UP OF 57-60% WATER? CRAZY, RIGHT?
Water keeps the blood hydrated, which makes it easier for your heart to pump. Water keeps your organs and muscles oxygenated, which reduces muscle strain, cramping, and circulation issues that may arise during pregnancy.Water also helps prevent the occurrence of UTI’s. Water helps balance the flood of hormones that make your skin more delicate and prone to tightness, stretch marks, and itchiness.
INFANTS IN THE WOMB ARE MADE UP OF EVEN MORE WATER. A WHOPPING 75%!
Drinking water while pregnant can actually have an impact on the volume of amniotic fluid that is surrounding your baby. Low amniotic fluid levels can cause the uterus to contract, which may induce early labor. Low amniotic fluid can also cause developmental issues for your baby.
SO HOW MUCH WATER IS ENOUGH?
Doctor’s recommend that you drink 8-10 cups of water per day. This may seem like a lot, especially when you’re already making frequent bathroom visits, but here are a few tips for drinking water while pregnant to help you meet your quota.
Drink 2 cups of water when you first wake up in the morning. This will help your body get a head start on avoiding dehydration and will flush any built up toxins from the night before.Drink 2 cups of water with your lunch. Start lunch with a glass of water, and then have your favorite beverage. Keeping hydrated will help beat the afternoon fatigue.Drink 2 cups of water with your dinner. Again, start with a glass of water and then switch to your favorite beverage. Water aids in digestion and can help with heartburn.Take a few sips of water right before bed. It is easy for the body to get dehydrated as we sleep, leaving us with a dry mouth when we wake up. A few sips of water can help your body keep up with the demands for hydration during pregnancy. To fill in the gaps, carry a fun water bottle with you and sip from it during the day. In no time, you’ll have enjoyed all of your recommended water consumption for the day!
NO MATTER THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WATER IS THE PERFECT BEVERAGE!
When it’s warm outside, enjoy your water with some ice and a squeeze of lemon. A tall glass of lemonade will beat the heat every time!When it’s cold outside, enjoy some warm water with lemon or an herbal tea. A steaming cup of tea and some fuzzy socks will keep the chill away.Adding fruits, like strawberries, blackberries, oranges, lemons, limes, and even cucumber or mint can change it up a bit and make water a little less boring. Mix and match flavors to find your favorite combination!Flavored waters and herbal teas count towards your water consumption, and they can be a pleasant addition to your day! Fruit juice and milk also count towards your total, just be aware of the extra sugars they include.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water while pregnant. Thirst is an indication that you are already somewhat dehydrated.
To boost your water intake even more, add some hydrating foods to your diet. Fruits and vegetables contain lots of water. Melons, berries, lettuces, and cucumbers are all great additions to your meal that will keep you feeling hydrated and refreshed.
Let us know in the comments some of your tips for getting 8-10 cups of water consumed each day!
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