How Much Water Should You Drink During Pregnancy?

Staying hydrated, especially during pregnancy, is vital for the mother and the baby. Insufficient water content in a pregnant woman's body not only will affect the mother but it can also affect the baby. This article will explore how much water is required to stay hydrated during pregnancy.

How Much Water Do I Need to Drink during Pregnancy?

During pregnancy you should drink 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) of water every day. Water has multiple benefits including it aids digestion and helps form the amniotic fluid around the foetus. Water also helps nutrients circulate in the body and helps waste leave the body.

Water needs depend upon each individual and can be calculated based on daily calorie intake, ranging from 1 mL to 1.5 mL per calorie. As the pregnancy progresses, water requirements rise too. In early pregnancy, while you don’t need to worry about drinking lot of water, but you must be aware of your water intake. Like many pregnant women, you may find it hard to keep your food down in your first trimester. When you vomit, you also lose water. To make up for this, try to sip on water or ginger ale throughout the day.

During second trimester, you need to start increasing your water intake as you need to eat additional number of calories. Doctors suggest that you eat an extra 340 calories a day, which means that you’ll need at least an extra 340 milliliters (11.5 ounces) of water a day.

In your third trimester, you’ll need 450 more calories above the regular daily recommended amount. This means you’ll need an extra 450 milliliters (about 15 ounces) of water a day.

Benefits of Drinking Water During Pregnancy

Water makes up 60% of your body. Water is essential because it,

• Regulates your internal body temperature

• Builds your cells

• Transports proteins and carbohydrates via your bloodstream

• Lubricates your joints

• Flushes waste from your system

• Forms your saliva

• Acts as a shock absorber for your spinal cord and brain

Signs of Dehydration

Insufficient water intake during pregnancy can lead to dehydration. The signs of dehydration include:

• Dark-coloured urine

• Reduced frequency of urination

• Extreme thirst

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Confusion

• Headache

• Impacts memory and mood

Severe or persistent dehydration may require medical assistance for proper management.

If a pregnant woman is dehydrated, it may affect the levels of amniotic fluid. Dehydration may also cause other complications during pregnancy such as swelling, birth defects, kidney stone, and urinary tract infections, which may lead to preterm labor and birth.