Your body needs water to function properly, especially during pregnancy. Water helps your body cope with the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. Proper hydration helps flush waste from the body, aids in fetal and maternal kidney function and contributes to healthy digestion. Sufficient water intake provides a variety of health benefits and helps prevent uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, including constipation.
Hydration
Drinking plenty of water each day prevents dehydration during pregnancy. Dehydration can lead to complications during pregnancy, including nausea, headaches and dizziness. During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by 40 percent to accommodate your growing baby. Proper hydration also helps your body maintain a healthy level of amniotic fluid and may help reduce swelling in the extremities that may occur during the third trimester. Staying hydrated also helps prevent or relieve constipation and hemorrhoids, which are common ailments during pregnancy.
Morning Sickness
Around 80 percent of expectant mothers experience some form of morning sickness during pregnancy. Some women feel sick all day, while others merely feel queasy before eating breakfast. Certain symptoms, including vomiting, increase your risk of dehydration. Because dehydration can aggravate nausea, proper hydration may help relieve some symptoms of morning sickness. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, urinating less frequently, dizziness and cracked lips. Consult your physician if you experience signs of dehydration or are unable to keep fluids down.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Dehydration may cause irregular uterine contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are infrequent, unpredictable and do not dilate the cervix. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help prevent or alleviate Braxton Hicks contractions. Contact your obstetrician or midwife immediately if you experience symptoms of premature labor.
Recommended Amount
According to the American Pregnancy Association, expectant mothers need about 3 liters of water each day. Drink an additional 8 oz. for each hour of exercise you perform. If you are pregnant during the summer months, you may need more water to make up for fluids lost when you perspire. Other caffeine-free beverages, such as juice or coconut water, count toward your fluid intake. Limit caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea and soda, during pregnancy since they are diuretics and contribute to dehydration.
References
- American Pregnancy Association; Braxton Hicks Contractions; November 2006
- American Pregnancy Association; Keeping Hydrated During Pregnancy; Julie Matthews; March 2008
- Ask Dr. Sears; 24 Ways to Ease Morning Sickness; Dr. William Sears
- BabyCenter.com; Why Is It Important to Drink Water During Pregnancy?; May 2011
- Drugs.com: Morning Sickness
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