Everyone needs to stay hydrated for healthy living. For the body and vital organs to function properly, you need to have lots of water. And if you are pregnant, the amount of water to be taken increases to a great extent.

During pregnancy, your body needs more water to meet the demanding needs of your changing body. So, it becomes very essential for the mom-to-be to remain adequately hydrated. Moreover, water is one of the key components for breast milk and essential for proper lactation.

How much water do you need during pregnancy?

A pregnant woman is required to have approximately three litres of fluid every day. Fluids include water, milk, fruit and vegetable juices, and other non-alcoholic refreshments. Apart from having water directly, your body receives water indirectly from fruits, vegetables, yogurt etc. So, you can have water according to the intake of other fluids, fruits and vegetables.

Benefits of water during pregnancy:

• As water is one of the main sources for carrying nutrients and oxygen to your organs, cells and tissues, staying hydrated during pregnancy ensures that your baby is receiving the required nutrients for proper growth.
• It helps in preserving the required amount of amniotic fluid and helps in the kidney function of the foetus by facilitating the waste your baby’s kidney filters.
• Drinking enough water lets you keep hydrated as dehydration during pregnancy leads to headaches, dizziness, cramps and nausea.
• Water can help prevent constipation and haemorrhoids.
• Drinking adequate water helps in preventing morning sickness, indigestion, acidity and heartburn.
• Keeping hydrated means it keeps your urine diluted which not only helps in keeping all things in order but also keeps Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) at bay.
• During the third trimester, hydration becomes especially important as dehydration can cause contractions leading to preterm labour.

How to know that you are hydrated?

During pregnancy, the best way to know that you are hydrated is to check the colour of your urine. If the colour is pale or straw-coloured, then you are adequately hydrated. But if it is dark, it means you need to have more water. So, keep a water bottle handy which will remind you to keep hydrated.

Images Courtesy:

http://www.pregnancyexercise.co.nz

https://www.pureitwater.com

https://www.pureitwater.com