We are all aware of the importance of water. Some of us are pros and some of us, myself included, need to work on it. During pregnancy it vital for not only you but for the baby as well. Water helps your body absorb essential nutrients as well as transports vitamins, minerals and hormones to the blood cells. Those nutrient-rich blood cells make their way to the placenta and ultimately your baby.
Your recommended daily water intake is should increase during pregnancy
Before you take out your measuring jug, there isn’t a one number that will fit all. As rule a rule of thumb is recommended that you increase your water intake along with your calorie requirements, therefore during your 2nd trimester you should increase water intake by 1½ cups per day.
Though requirements vary based on your body type and size, how active you are, weather and so on, this means overall on average between eight and 8 – 12 glasses of water (from all sources) a day. Talk to your medical to reconfirm your requirements.
Try to sip steadily throughout the day rather than gulping a lot at once. When working our sip before, during and after you work out, or if you are outside on a hot day.
Stay proactive and drink before you are thirsty, as it is a sign that your body is already on its way to being dehydrated.
How does water effect your pregnancy?
General fluid will need to increase to so that it can support fetal circulation, amniotic fluid and the higher volume of blood you know require. As you adjust the amount you eat and drink your body needs to water helps to dissolve the waste products and flush them through the kidneys and liver. No just for you but also the baby’s kidneys.
Water dilutes your urine therefore keeps UTIs away, as when urine stays in your bladder for too long it has the potential of becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. Water further aides solid waste to move down the digestive system, thereby reduces your chances of falling victim to the common pregnancy woe, constipation which can lead to hemorrhoids.
During pregnancy your temperature naturally rises, water helps you regulate through sweat. Water helps to keep energy levels up avoiding symptoms of dehydration such as exhaustion, dizziness and headaches. As it removes excess sodium you will minimize swelling, especially in your feet and ankles.
How to stay hydrated
We recommend keeping a bottle of water with you. Avoid small plastic bottled water if possible, it’s better for the environment, your wallet and this way you can limit the exposure to hormone disrupting BPA. We recommend using a flask similar to our Chapters Water Bottle. Designed with stainless steel, this bottle packs in many benefits: it’s BPA-free, resistant to bacteria and keeps your favorite beverages hot or cold due to its double-wall vacuum insulation. The wide lid makes it easy to clean, plus it comes with two types of lids to suit your personal preference.
Click here to order one for AED 100.
If you do not like the taste of plain water try mixing in some sliced fruit, ie lemon or lime, or mint along with a couple of ice cubes. Keep track with a water tracker app. Be careful of caffeinated and high sugar drinks as they can cause dehydration.
Further reading
After a baby is born, doctors start providing postnatal care for its mother. They focus on the mother's physical health during the first few days after birth. After that, they focus on the mother's emotional recovery from childbirth. Doctors prescribe pain medicine to help her through this process. They also provide nutrition support for new mothers to help them recover physically and emotionally. After about a week, most new mothers are ready to return to their normal lives. However, some physical recovery is required before mothers can resume their daily activities.
I would recommend it to anyone looking to Postnatal Wellness. Visit: https://www.mabababycare.com/perinatal#postnatal-wellness