Pregnant women often hear that they are eating for two. But did you know that they are also drinking for two? The importance of hydration and the purity of water is both amplified and increased during pregnancy. Keep reading for some insights into the important role water plays in pregnancy for both mother and baby.
By now, most people know that there are many benefits to keeping properly hydrated; from relieving headaches to helping with fatigue. The average person should be getting about 80oz of H2O a day. But don’t worry; drinking for two isn’t as daunting as it might sound. A pregnant woman only needs to increase her fluid intake to about 96oz a day, but keep in mind that you’ll need to drink more if it’s hot or you’ve been exercising. Remember, if you’re feeling thirsty you’re probably already dehydrated.
As an expecting mother you are undoubtedly increasing your vitamins and minerals. Water could aid in the transport of those added vitamins to your baby. Ample water consumption is also the best way to avoid headaches and can help with swelling and bathroom problems (think constipation and bladder infections), which are certainly no fun when you also are tasked with taking care of the precious gift living inside of you!
Helpful Tips
- Purchase a good water bottle and keep it full!
- Keep track of your water intake by downloading a fun water tracking app.
- Drink small sips of water throughout the day instead of gulping to avoid being too full (and minimizing those all-too-frequent trips to the bathroom.
- Consider a home water delivery plan to make sure you never run out of tasty and nourishing water, and avoid having to carry large cases of bottled water.
- Drink a glass of water before you eat to avoid overeating (or to help calm those cravings!)
- Tired of drinking all that water? You can also drink de-caffeinated tea and eat juicy fruits to support this increased intake.
At Eldorado we know how important it is for everyone to have enough water. Are you thinking about tailoring your plan to meet your growing family’s hydration needs? We’d love to help you have the most hassle-free and healthy pregnancy possible.
