Hydration During Pregnancy
Posted on 10th December 2019 at 14:15
Water plays a vital role in your pregnancy and beyond. Staying hydrated throughout your term is good for the health of both you and your baby.
There is near continuous debate on whether you should drink coffee, tea, sugary drinks or alcohol during pregnancy, and if so in what quantities and when. There is no debate though when it comes to the importance of drinking water in pregnancy. Drinking plenty of water when pregnant is essential.
Benefits of Drinking Water During Pregnancy
There are numerous reasons to drink water regularly throughout your pregnancy. :
First and foremost, water assists in carrying essential nutrients through your body and to your baby.
Drinking sufficient water throughout your pregnancy can help prevent piles, constipation and Urinary Tract Infections.
Water helps flush waste produced by you and your baby from your body.
Water can help regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool when you need it most.
Your body will be throwing up all sorts of new and ‘interesting’ aches and pains. By ensuring that you remain hydrated you can keep more of the headaches, dizziness, cramps, heartburn and fatigue at bay.
You may have issues with dry skin during your pregnancy. By drinking water regularly this can help hydrate your skin and complexion.
Drinking plenty of water can prevent swelling in problem places like your ankles.
Staying Hydrated During Pregnancy
Some of the symptoms of dehydration can combine with the affects of your pregnancy and leave you feeling pretty lousy. Here are some tell-tale signs to look out for:
Dizziness or light-headedness
Headache
Tiredness
Lack of energy/general lethargy
Dry mouth, lips and eyes
Dark coloured urine
Passing small amounts of urine infrequently (less than 3 or 4 times a day)
Constipation
How Much Water Should I Drink During Pregnancy?
At least 1.5 litres a day is recommended so that’s just over 2 and a half pints, or 8 glasses. If it is hot weather or you are exercising then increase your intake accordingly. You may find that you are unusually thirsty during the first trimester and end-up drinking plenty of water anyway. In the latter stages of your pregnancy, it is important to remember to still drink water even if you do not feel thirsty.
If you’re worried about not being able to drink sufficient water then we have put together these helpful tips on how to drink more water. It’s not about forcing down as many cups in one go, but taking regular sips throughout the day.
Water and Breastfeeding
Around 90% of breast milk is made up of water. If you decide to breastfeed then you need to bear this in mind. Have a glass of water handy when you sit down to breastfeed so that you remain hydrated. There is no evidence that supports the claim that the more water you drink the more breast milk you produce.
Consider using a home water purification system to ensure that none of the contaminants in water affect you or your baby at this important time. Unfiltered water can contain bacteria and other harmful contaminants. For more information on how our scientifically-tested systems can help then call us today on 01179 109988.
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