How Much Water Should You Drink Each Day While Pregnant
Youll need more water to keep your system running for two during pregnancy. Though it really varies based on your body type and size, how active you are, and so on, the general rule of thumb is somewhere between eight and 10 8-ounce glasses of water a day. But be sure to talk to your practitioner about what works for you and your situation.
Try to space out your sips to keep them coming steadily throughout the day rather than gulping a lot at once, which could leave you feeling uncomfortably full. Since most of us dont drink enough fluids, filling a water bottle or two every morning and keeping it handy all day takes the hassle out of hydration.
Be sure to sip before, during and after you exercise, or if you find yourself outside on a hot day. Note, too, that if you feel thirsty, its a sign that your body is already on its way to being dehydrated.
How can you tell if you’re getting enough? If your trips to the bathroom are frequent and your urine is pale or colorless, your drinking is on track.
Benefits Of Staying Hydrated
Especially during hot summer months, youll want to make sure you stay adequately hydrated. Here are just some of the benefits of staying hydrated during your pregnancy:
Since you need more water during pregnancy, how much is enough? Its recommended that you drink 8-12 glasses of water a day, or 2.3 liters. If your trips to the bathroom are frequent and your urine is pale or colorless, you’re drinking is on track.
If you have a hard time getting enough water every day, here are a few tips to help prevent dehydration:
Can You Drink Too Much Water While Pregnant
It can seem that youre always drinking when youre trying to make sure youre getting your 8 to 12 cups in a day, but there is very little risk that you will end up drinking too much water while youre pregnant. Registered nurse Carrie Madormo tells Taste of Home that drinking 1 to 2 gallons of water in a short period of time can lead to water intoxication, but the risks of actually drinking too much water are minimal. Its possible to drink too much water when you are pregnant, but its not easy to do so. Morning sickness, acid reflux, and tiny bladders usually prevent you from chugging too much water throughout the day, she said.
Also Check: Vagisil During Pregnancy
What Happens If I Dont Drink Enough Water During Pregnancy
If you dont drink enough water during your pregnancy you can put yourself at risk of becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can be especially worrisome for pregnant women because water is not only used to form the placenta but also used in the amniotic sac. Healthline warns that dehydration during pregnancy can cause complications such as:
- neural tube defects
- poor production of breast milk
- birth defects
Some signs of dehydration during pregnancy to watch for are overheating, headaches/sluggishness, extreme fatigue, and dark or concentrated urine.
How Much Water Do I Need During Pregnancy
During my first pregnancy I was surprised to learn we need only 5 glasses of water daily – one more than normal.
I mean a little human is growing inside us and all we need is an extra glass of water? Works for me!
But that all changes when you start breastfeeding. While nursing, its recommended you increase your water intake to about 6 and a half glasses daily
Don’t Miss: Kt Tape Pregnancy Round Ligament Pain
What Happens If I Dont Drink Enough Water
Not drinking enough water during pregnancy can cause an array of complications from constipation to preterm labor. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, constipation during pregnancy is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Drinking more water can keep your digestive system moving and make bowel movements easier to pass. Signs of dehydration include headache, lightheadedness and dark-colored urine.
In your third trimester, dehydration can lead to contractions and even preterm labor. Drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks to avoid this.
Water Needs In Each Trimester
Like everything else about you, your water needs change from trimester to trimester.
- First trimester. In the first trimester, many moms find that keeping anything down is hard work. Monitor your water intake to make sure you arent losing more than youre ingesting.
- Second trimester. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women increase their calorie intake by an extra 340 calories per day when they enter the second trimester. Employing the guideline to add
Recommended Reading: Can Pregnant Women Use Vagisil
Water: Your Pregnancy Bff
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Early in pregnancy, your fluid needs increase to support your changing body and developing baby. Drinking enough fluids helps fight fatigue and even helps with constipation.
Choose water or nutritious drinks. Think skim milk, low-fat milk, 100% fruit juices, or low-fat fruit smoothies.
The Importance Of Staying Hydrated During Pregnancy
A huge proportion of the human body is made up of water. It keeps our complex systems working properly, while helping us absorb nutrients and flush out toxins1.
During pregnancy, the increased demands on your body mean you need more water than usual to meet these increased requirements and avoid dehydration2.
Some of the most crucial support systems for your baby involve a significant amount of water. For a start, your blood volume that supplies their oxygen, for instance, increases by 50%3. The amniotic fluid, which provides nourishment and cushioning for your baby while supporting their growth, is also made up of mostly water4.
Getting sufficient fluids each day will help to maintain these life-sustaining systems, while stopping you becoming dehydrated.
In combination with a diet rich in fibre, fluids can help reduce your likelihood of constipation, and the piles that sometimes come along with it5.
You May Like: Giving Plasma While Pregnant
Symptoms Of Dehydration In Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Pregnancy often makes it hard for you to eat and drink well. Especially in the first few weeks, you may experience significant nausea and vomiting. These often cause dehydration.
Sometimes, nausea and vomiting are severe and continue for the entire pregnancy. You may be unable to keep any food or drink down. This condition, hyperemesis gravidarum, can cause dangerous dehydration. You should let your physician know and follow their treatment.
Watch for the signs of dehydration:
- Infrequent urine passage
- Dark yellow color of urine
- Dry tongue and mouth
- Feeling tired, light-headed, or dizzy
What Are The Benefits Of Staying Hydrated During Pregnancy
- Prevents constipation and hemorrhoids. Now that you’re pregnant, you’re not just eating and drinking for two you’re also excreting for two . That means you’ll have more trash to take out of your system than ever before. Enter water, which dissolves the waste products and helps flush them from the kidneys. A copious consumption of water also helps immeasurably in the poop department, helping to move solid wastes more speedily down the digestive path. And, since constipation is pretty common in pregnant women not to mention the fact that constipation pressure can cause hemorrhoids well…bottoms up!
- Prevents UTIs. Drinking enough water also keeps your urine diluted, which not only keeps things flowing but also keeps UTIs at bay , as well as bladder infections and kidney infections .
- Avoid overheating. Is it crazy-hot in here or are you pregnant? Its true, the heat is on when you’re expecting. But if you drink water during pregnancy, you can keep the body’s cooling system running smoothly even when your inner thermostat is cranked all the way up by dispersing excess heat in the form of sweat.
- Fights fatigue. An ample flow of fluids also keeps pregnancy fatigue in check one of the first symptoms of dehydration is exhaustion and can keep headaches at bay . It also helps your body get rid of excess sodium among other things, minimizing swelling particularly swollen feet or ankles .
Read Also: Can I Donate Plasma While Breastfeeding
Enhance H2o With Natural Flavor Infusions
It’s common knowledge that drinking water instead of coffee or sodas is the healthier option, especially for pregnant women. But H2O can get boring after consuming eight to 10 cups in a single day. Add some flavor and a touch of nutritional value to your water by infusing it with fresh fruit like berries and lemons, which have antioxidants, Vitamin C, and a fresh and fruity taste. Slice up the fruit for a quick infusion and youll be well on your way to healthy hydration.
How Much Water Should You Drink During Pregnancy
Lay the “eight glasses of water per day” myth to rest. Here’s how much you should actually be drinking.
Ellen Desjardins, M.H.Sc., RD, Public Health NutritionistAugust 11, 2016
Listen carefully and youll hear a collective sigh of relief from pregnant women everywhere as we lay the eight glasses of water per day myth to rest. It has no proven benefit by itselfand no womans bladder, already pressured by a growing baby, welcomes two litres of water on top of the requisite milk, juice and other drinks.
A pregnant woman needs, on average, approximately 10 cups of fluid per day. This includes the recommended three to four glasses of milk or calcium-fortified soy beverage. Fluid requirements can also be met YOURE PREGNANT!Sign up to get weekly email updates on your baby »with a glass or two of fruit or vegetable juice, herbal tea, soup, rice drink or any other non-alcoholic refreshment. Coffee and regular tea also count, in spite of their diuretic qualities, but should be consumed sparingly because of the caffeine. Drinking watereither bottled or tap wateris a great way to rehydrate during or between meals. In addition, your body will derive water from food, especially fruit, vegetables and semi-liquid foods like yogurt.
Listen to your thirst signal and enjoy a quick smoothie, a few slices of watermelon or a delicious, tall glass of water!
This article was originally published in December 2013.
Read more:
Also Check: Can You Use Vagisil During Pregnancy
Tips To Stay Hydrated During Pregnancy
- Keep a glass of water next to your bed and drink it first thing in the morning
- Keep a bottle of water in your bag or on your desk and sip regularly throughout the day
- Buy a 1 litre water bottle and aim to fill and drink the full amount twice a day
- Experiment with water to make it more interesting: a squeeze of lemon, lime or some fresh mint leaves can give it a subtle, welcome flavour
Was this article helpful?
How Much Water You Should Drink During Pregnancy
You need to drink lots of water during pregnancy, way more water than an average human being would drink on a daily basis. This would be vague information for a mom-to-be. Therefore, on an average, a pregnant woman should drink at least 1013 glasses of water every day.
Some experts say that you should have close to 3 liters of water every day.3 Of the 3 liters, water should account for at least 50 ounces or 1.5 liters of your fluid intake. Water from the food that you eat can make up another 20 ounces . The rest can come from milk, juices, and other beverages.
For some women, this may seem like a lot of water. You dont have to increase your water intake all in one go. Try to drink one glass at a time throughout the day. You can decrease your water intake in the later part of the day so you dont have to interrupt your sleep by visiting the bathroom during the night.
Don’t Miss: Accidentally Donated Plasma While Pregnant
Drinking Water In The Morning While Pregnant Is Usually Best
Smith recommends getting the bulk of your fluids earlier in the day to avoid getting up at night to urinate. Lack of sleep during pregnancy can lead to complications including high blood pressure and longer and higher rates of cesarean section.
“Generally, don’t want to drink too much water after dinner in the evening, because they’ll be up all night long going to the bathroom,” Smith says.
That said, pregnant women particularly those suffering from nausea should consume water whenever they can keep fluids down, regardless of the time of day. It may be easier to suck on ice instead.
In addition to drinking water, you can stay hydrated by consuming fruit juice, fat-free milk, strawberries, celery, squash, and other watery fruits and vegetables.
Some caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea can contribute to your daily fluid requirement, as well. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that moderate caffeine consumption, less than 200 mg a day, is safe during pregnancy and does not seem to cause dehydration.
Extra Tips For Drinking Enough Even If Youre Peeing Plenty
1. Drink more fluid earlier in the day
Starting earlier in the day will not only help you reach your fluid intake goals sooner, but it will also help you limit those bathroom trips to waking hours and preserve much-needed sleep!
2. Drink between, rather than with, meals
As your baby grows, your abdominal organs become compressed. Focus on food during meals and beverages between meals so you donât put unnecessary pressure on your stomach and bladder simultaneously.
3. Elevate your legs for an hour or so before bed
If you have swelling in your legs, which for some women may happen later in pregnancy, this may cause more frequent peeing at night. The reason is that while you are lying down, the extra fluids in your legs are reabsorbed and then the kidneys can excrete that extra fluid â causing you to get up more at night to use the restroom.
By elevating your legs, you can help the body reabsorb those fluids and excrete them before bedtime.19 Wearing compression socks during the day may also help reduce how much you get up at night. Chat with your doctor if you have questions about using compression socks.
Recommended Reading: Vagisil Cream Pregnancy
What Can I Eat Or Drink To Replace Water During Pregnancy
Beverages: skim milk, fruit juice, sparkling water, tea , smoothies, and soup. If you choose to drink juice make sure if does not contain too much sugar or artificial sweetener.
Foods: fruits and vegetables, especially watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, berries, lettuce, cucumbers, squash, and celery.
Find The Right Temperature When Drinking Water While Pregnant
An ice-cold drink on a hot day is truly refreshing. Likewise, a steaming cup of tea can warm you up on a long winters day. As wonderful as those cold and hot liquids can feel, we recommend cool or warm drinks instead, at least until your baby is born.Water that is between 50 and 98.6 is less of a shock to your system than, say, ice water or hot coffee . When youre pregnant, you already have to contend with morning sickness. Drinking water that is too cold or too hot can increase the risk of stomach pains that can lead to that familiar nauseated feeling. Hold off on that double tall caramel macchiato for now, you can indulge after your baby is born.
Don’t Miss: Vagisil Pregnant
Get Ahead Of The Game
Its important to go into labor with plenty of water already in your body to help carry you through. It can be hard to drink enough once labor has started. Some women feel nauseated or dont really want food or drink during contractions. And your body will be working so hard that drinking to keep up with what youre losing is a much easier goal than trying to overcome dehydration.
Some interventions require that a woman not drink while laboring. The ability to keep drinking in labor may be another great reason to consider a natural birth. But if youre even considering that you may use an epidural, you should know that you will likely not be able to eat or drink. You will have an IV that delivers hydration, but that does little to ease a dry mouth or parched throat.
What are you waiting for? Its time to start chugging that water!!
References:
Follow These Tips To Stay Hydrated During Pregnancy:
- Keep a glass of water next to your bed and drink it first thing in the morning
- Keep a bottle of water in your bag or on your desk and sip regularly throughout the day
- Buy a 1 litre water bottle and aim to fill and drink the full amount twice a day
- Experiment with water to make it more interesting: a squeeze of lemon, lime or some fresh mint leaves can give it a subtle, welcome flavour
Read Also: Kinesio Tape For Pregnancy Round Ligament Pain
