Don’t Want to Drink Water During Pregnancy? Here’s Why You Should
It’s no secret that pregnant women need to stay hydrated, but let’s face it, sometimes drinking water can fall by the wayside when other cravings arise. In fact, many pregnant women report they simply don’t want to drink water. Unfortunately, this lack of hydration can have drastic consequences for pregnant women and their unborn children. Here’s why you should make water consumption a top priority during pregnancy.
Benefits of Drinking Water During Pregnancy:
- Improves Energy Levels: Being dehydrated can cause fatigue and make you feel lethargic. Proper hydration can help boost energy levels.
- Maintains Fluid Balance: After the 20-week mark, the unborn baby is taking what it needs from the amniotic fluid surrounding it. It’s important to keep the body hydrated, especially drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water per day to replace lost amniotic fluid.
- Extremely Important During Summer Months: It goes without saying that hydration is especially important during the summer months when it’s hot and easy to become dehydrated. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Boosts Brain Power: Many people forget that the brain is almost 80% water, so staying hydrated is key for proper cognition and function.
- Nutrient Delivery: When dehydration sets in, the body has a tough time circulating the vital nutrients the mother and baby need. It’s important to stay hydrated during pregnancy to ensure those nutrients reach their destination.
Health Risks of Not Drinking Enough Water During Pregnancy:
- Dehydration can cause pre-term labor and low birth weight for unborn babies.
- Dehydration can lead to increased constipation, headaches and dizziness for the mother.
- Mothers who don’t stay hydrated may be more prone to urinary tract infections.
Stay Hydrated with Substitutes:
Sometimes it’s hard to drink plain water, but don’t worry; there are plenty of other ways to stay hydrated during pregnancy. Here are a few drinks you can fill up on to give you the H20 you need:
- Fruit juice: Did you know that orange juice is considered a good source of hydration?
- Coconut water: Low in sugar and high in electrolytes, coconut water is the perfect natural hydration helper.
- Milk: Calcium-rich and high in potassium, milk is an easy substitute for water.
- Tea: Green, white, and black teas have hydrating properties, as does herbal tea.
- Soups and smoothies: These are also great for hydration. Smoothies are a fun and flavorful way to get the water you need to stay hydrated during pregnancy. Make sure to add fruits and veggies to get those added nutrients!
Hopefully, this helps make it easier to stay hydrated during pregnancy. Making just a few minor changes to your diet or beverage choices can help keep you and your baby hydrated and healthy. Don’t forget to aim for at least 6-8 glasses of water per day. Your body, and your baby, will thank you!
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