The human body needs water and fluids to stay healthy, especially during pregnancy. The demands of pregnancy on the body and the physiological changes that accompany pregnancy require hydration throughout the day. Talk with your obstetrician about how much fluid you should be drinking and what signs of dehydration you should watch for that signal a problem.
Staying Healthy
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also bring discomfort. The Lucille Packard Children's Hospital lists fatigue, nausea and vomiting as common complaints; staying hydrated may help minimize these symptoms. Dehydration can contribute to fatigue. If you are nauseous and vomiting, drink water and other fluids to replenish water. Constipation is a common complaint among pregnant women, and drinking plenty of water can help minimize constipation and help keep your bowels regular. The American Pregnancy Association adds that fluids help flush waste products from the body and aid in kidney and liver function of both you and your baby.
Avoiding Complications
Your blood volume increases by 40 to 50 percent during pregnancy, states A Maroo and R Raymond of the Cleveland Clinic. Your body needs water and fluids to accommodate this increase in blood volume and the body's expansion, says the American Pregnancy Association. Hydration during pregnancy can also help prevent complications like preterm labor or miscarriage. Staying hydrated will not prevent either of these occurrences, but may reduce the risk of these things happening. Talk with your obstetrician about how hydration can reduce your personal risk of any complications and what you can do to stay healthy.
Hydration Guidelines for Pregnancy
The American Pregnancy Association states that pregnant women need eight to 12 8 oz. glasses of water daily to stay hydrated, and even more during hot weather or exercise. Drinks containing caffeine or large amounts of sugar can contribute to dehydration, so limiting these drinks may be beneficial. Opt instead for sugar-free drinks or water. Thirst can be a sign of dehydration, so do not wait until you are thirsty to start drinking water.
Considerations
Talk with your obstetrician if you find yourself becoming dehydrated frequently. If drinking larger amounts of fluid is too difficult or too uncomfortable, perhaps keeping a water bottle close by and sipping from it throughout the day is a better option. Caffeine can be dehydrating, so stick to decaffeinated fluids to avoid dehydration.
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