Introduction
As we all know, drinking enough water during pregnancy is extremely important to ensure the health of both mother and the baby.
This is because dehydration can affect the mother and the baby leading to various health complications including lowered levels of amniotic fluid, preterm labor, and UTI.
Why is drinking enough in pregnancy important?
Drinking ample amount of water during pregnancy is essential to beat dehydration. Apart from dehydration, not drinking enough water can cause various issues such as persistent headaches, low energy levels, constipation, mood swings and irritability.
How much do I need to drink in pregnancy?
It is essential to drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water during pregnancy to ensure you are well hydrated.
How do I know I’m drinking enough?
One of the first signs to know if you are drinking enough water is by noticing the color of your urine.
Generally, the ideal urine color during pregnancy is pale yellow to yellow. So, if your urine is darker than the ideal color, it is a sign that you are not drinking enough water.
Apart from that, if your energy levels are low and you experience mood swings and irritability, it can also be due to not drinking enough water.
What are the signs of dehydration?
A few signs of dehydration are:
- Dark yellowish urine
- Chapped lips and dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Decreased urination (fewer than 4 times a day)
How can I stay hydrated if I have morning sickness?
Pregnant mothers with morning sickness tend to lose out on more fluid which can increase the risk of dehydration. Hence it is important to keep sipping on water throughout the day.
But if you are feeling nauseous even after drinking water, you can try drinking herbal teas or flavored water (adding fruits to water) might make you feel better.
You can also try eating foods that can lower morning sickness including ginger, banana, and bland foods such as bread and rice.
Benefits of drinking ample amount of water during pregnancy
Benefits of drinking enough water during pregnancy are:
- Prevents dehydration
- Helps maintain amniotic fluid levels
- Helps maintain blood volume
- Improves digestion
- Improves energy levels
- Reduces swelling
Conclusion
We all know the importance of water especially in pregnancy. It is important to drink a minimum of 2 to 3 liters of water a day to prevent dehydration.
It is also important to have well-balanced meals and proper intake of prenatal supplements to ensure that both the mother and the baby are healthy.
For appointments and consultations with the best gynecologist in Chennai Dr. Deepthi Jammi, Contact Jammi Scans at 7338771733.
