Why is Hydration So Important for My Pregnancy?

Growing a human requires a TON of energy, and to acquire enough of it for this amazing process you’ll need to be cognizant of your food and water intake. Your body is working overtime to create and replenish amniotic fluid, produce extra blood cells, and carry nutrients to your baby, all while doing the normal work of keeping your body working properly! Keep reading to learn more about why proper hydration is important for your pregnancy.

Benefits of Being Hydrated

Proper hydration in pregnancy can help to prevent headaches, nausea, edema, UTIs, constipation, and preterm contractions. When you don’t have a sufficient amount of electrolytes and fluids in your body, it throws off the necessary balance which can lead to some of these unwanted side effects. 

Many women also experience increased tiredness or sluggishness throughout pregnancy, and one way to combat this is by, you guessed it, staying hydrated! Being hydrated helps keep your body energized and increases the flow of oxygen to your brain, which helps your heart work more efficiently to pump oxygen to all of your organs. When your body has to put in extra work to function, it often results in you feeling tired and off-balance. 

Drinking the correct amount of fluid is also beneficial to your baby! The liquids you drink help form the amniotic fluid, which plays an essential role in fetal development. The amniotic fluid is what cushions your baby and allows them to move, it helps to regulate their temperature in the womb, and it helps their body parts develop. Since it is such a crucial part of a low-risk pregnancy, low amniotic fluid can be concerning; another reason why hydration is so important.

Sometimes it can be challenging for women to stay hydrated, so we have compiled a few tips to help! 

Tips for Staying Hydrated

  • To encourage yourself to drink more water, get a large cup and put a straw in it. Using a straw helps many people drink more water because it is so convenient.  It makes drinking easier and quicker, and there is just something about a straw that makes drinking more fun!
  • If you aren’t very excited about the flavor of water (or lack thereof), try adding lemon, cucumber, or other fruits to give it a healthy boost.
  • Turn your favorite beverage into a popsicle so that during warmer months (which are definitely coming our way) you can stay hydrated AND stay cool.

Especially in the warmer months, keep an eye out for signs of dehydration.  If you experience any of these symptoms, it might be time for you to try one of those tips from above!

Signs of Dehydration

  • Feeling overheated
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Dark or Concentrated Urine
  • Fatigue

Making good nutritional choices and staying properly hydrated is essential for your health and that of your baby, and in turn it will help you to prepare for an easier, low-risk birth experience. For this reason, we recommend that newly pregnant mothers take the FREE Prenatal Nutrition class offered at The Nest.  Also, we encourage you to reach out to your care provider if you have any questions about food and water intake during your pregnancy. It’s never too late to make a positive change in your lifestyle!