How Much Water Should You Drink During Pregnancy?

Have you had enough water today? If you're pregnant, you probably haven't. Doctors and midwives are known to remind their pregnant patients at each appointment about the importance of drinking water and staying hydrated during pregnancy. What was easy for me, a lapsed water drinker, during my first pregnancy fell to the wayside for daughters number two and three. I'm not alone. If you're pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, understanding the importance of water for a healthy pregnancy is essential.

How much water does your body need during pregnancy?

According to the American Pregnancy Association, women need to consume between 8-12 eight-ounce glasses of water every day during their pregnancy. Many women, myself included, assume that any liquid counts as water. Unfortunately, this is not the case. For the purposes of pregnancy, your body needs the hydration that water provides, and won't get the same hydration from soda, juice, or other flavored beverages. In fact, many beverages dehydrate you, making it more important than ever to drink enough water.

Why is it so important to drink water during pregnancy?

If more women understood the importance of drinking water while pregnant, perhaps they would find it easier to stay on top of their liquid consumption. The Office on Women's Health, a program run by US Department of Health and Human Services, notes that water consumption helps carry nutrients from your food to the baby. In addition, Kids Health reports that your blood volume increases during pregnancy, and drinking an adequate amount of water daily can aid in proper body functioning. American Pregnancy points out the importance of proper kidney function, also aided by water.

What are the risks associated with dehydration during pregnancy?

Though pregnant women often know that they should drink water during pregnancy, they fail to fully realize the risks associated with inadequate water consumption. Failing to drink the recommended amount of water daily can lead to dehydration, which can be debilitating for a pregnant woman. In addition, Kids Health, the American Pregnancy Association, and the Office of Women's Health all point out that inadequate water supply can lead to constipation, premature labor, swelling, bladder or urinary tract infections, and hemorrhoids. Many of these can be avoided in part by simply consuming enough water on a daily basis, and avoiding those liquids (typically caffeinated beverages) that serve to dehydrate instead of rehydrate your body.

What's the big deal about drinking water during pregnancy? From staying hydrated and getting adequate nutrition to your growing baby to preventing premature labor and infections, drinking water during pregnancy is one of the most important things that you can do for your unborn child.

Resources:

American Pregnancy Association; Keeping Hydrated During Pregnancy; http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/PEhydration.html

Kids Health; Staying Healthy During Pregnancy; http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/pregnancy/preg_health.html#

Office of Women's Health; Healthy Pregnancy: What to Eat While Pregnant; http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/pregnancy/eat.cfm#diet