Is 2 litres of water adequate when pregnant?

Experts recommend that pregnant women consume 8 to 12 cups of water every day. This is around 1.9 to 2.8 litres. For proper measurements and to make sure you are drinking enough water, keep a big bottle of water with you at all times.

Is coconut water okay during pregnancy?

Pregnancy increases your body's need for fluids, and coconut water is a natural and efficient way to satisfy that requirement. Coconut water, which is high in electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, aids in the maintenance of adequate fluid balance in the body, which is essential for both maternal and foetal health.

How Much Water Should Pregnant Women Drink?

You're probably aware that drinking enough water is beneficial to your health. And, because you're carrying a baby, it’s no surprise that you'll require even more water throughout pregnancy. Sipping water may be one of the easiest measures you can take to ensure a healthy pregnancy. That's because keeping hydrated has several health advantages.

Health Benefits of Drinking Enough Water During Pregnancy

Provides Support For Your Body: Water makes up around three-quarters of your body and aids digestion, temperature regulation, hormone production, and other essential functions.

Supports Your Pregnancy: Your body requires extra water during pregnancy for many reasons, including increased metabolism (which requires water to function) and dramatically increased blood volume (which provides your baby with the oxygen and nutrients they need to thrive).

Reduces Swelling: If your feet and ankles are swollen, drinking additional water may help.

Keeps You Regular: Fluids also assist in avoiding typical pregnancy issues like constipation and haemorrhoids by keeping your intestines flowing and your faeces soft.

Reduces The Risk Of UTI (Urinary tract infections): Drinking water dilutes your urine and helps you flush out germs when you urinate more often, lowering your risk of urinary tract and bladder infections.

How Much Water To Drink While Pregnant?

Dietician Reshma Nakte suggests that pregnant women are required to consume around 8 - 10 glasses of water or other liquids daily.

Your needs may differ depending on how much you exercise, weigh and the weather conditions. When it's hot outdoors or you're exercising, you'll probably require more fluid than normal.

The best method to know whether you're getting enough water is by checking the colour of your urine. Your urine should be light yellow or colourless, and you should only feel thirsty rarely.

Drinking a good amount of plain water is good, although milk, juice, coffee, and tea are all hydrating and contribute to your fluid consumption. Fruits and vegetables rich in water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, and even iceberg lettuce, may help you consume more water overall.

First Trimester

Your water requirements rise throughout pregnancy, so you may not need to worry about how much water you drink. However, if you vomit as a result of morning sickness, you should monitor your water intake closely. When you vomit, your body loses water and electrolytes, which may rapidly lead to dehydration, so drink more fluids than usual throughout the day.

Second Trimester

While 10 cups of water may seem a difficult goal, it is achievable if you sip throughout the day rather than drink it all at once when you're thirsty. If you dislike the taste of plain water, try adding a lemon or lime slice or some juice for flavour.

Third Trimester

Your blood volume reaches its peak between weeks 32 and 34 of pregnancy, growing by 50 to 60 per cent compared to pre-conception levels. That makes staying hydrated extremely crucial in the last trimester, especially because dehydration may trigger Braxton Hicks contractions, which are easily mistaken for true labour pains. While you generally don't need to maintain a water log, it's a good idea to have a water bottle nearby and drink before you become thirsty.

Symptoms of Dehydration

Symptoms of dehydration are:

Extreme thirst
Urinating less frequently
Urine that appears dark yellow or straw-coloured
Fatigue, disorientation, and dizziness

Call your doctor if you think you could be critically dehydrated, particularly if:

Cannot keep fluids down
Are disoriented or very drowsy
Have bloody or black bowel motions, or diarrhoea that lasts longer than 24 hours

Drinking Too Much Water in Pregnancy

Overhydration is less common than dehydration, although it is possible. People with the following health issues have an increased risk of overhydration:

Heart issues
Kidney issues
Liver issues
Thyroid illness

If you use medicines that cause you to retain water, such as certain antidepressants, opiate pain meds, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Consult your doctor to determine the appropriate quantity of water for you during pregnancy.

Why Is It Necessary To Drink Plenty Of Water During Pregnancy?

Drinking adequate fluids might help you feel better throughout pregnancy. It will also alleviate several typical pregnancy symptoms, such as constipation and fatigue. If you sweat a lot or get ill often, as is common during pregnancy, you might rapidly get dehydrated. Dehydration results from a loss of more fluid than the body absorbs.

How Can I Remain Hydrated If I Suffer From Morning Sickness?

If you become sick often, you may be at a greater risk of dehydration. Continue to drink fluids, but try to drink small amounts frequently, which is easier than drinking large quantities at once. Try having a drink or bottle of water nearby and taking small sips rather than large gulps.

You may also get dehydrated if you have diarrhoea (looser, watery, or more frequent bowel movements than usual). If you are unwell or have diarrhoea, your doctor may provide you with oral rehydration packets. You have to combine them with water and drink them to help your body replenish the sugar, salts, and minerals it has lost. If you can't keep anything down, or if you're concerned about pregnancy nausea or diarrhoea, consult your doctor.

When Do You Have A Greater Risk Of Dehydration?

If you are physically active or the weather is hot, you are more likely to get dehydrated. To keep hydrated, you should consume enough fluids.
Making homemade ice lollies from fresh juice is an excellent method to stay cool in hot weather. Diabetes increases your risk of dehydration. Speak with your healthcare staff about ways to remain hydrated if you have diabetes.

Fasting When Pregnant

It is not suggested to fast or diet during pregnancy since it may restrict nutrients required by the baby to thrive. However, this is a personal choice, and if you decide to do so, consult your doctor for assistance.

What Are The Risks Of Being Dehydrated During Pregnancy?

Do not be concerned if you experience occasional thirst. It's difficult to drink enough water all the time. Your body will discover methods to balance itself out. It will also send you reminders to drink more water.
However, if you do not drink enough water regularly, it may have some negative consequences on your health and pregnancy.

Constipation and Haemorrhoids

These are some of the most typical inconveniences that come with being pregnant. Prenatal vitamins include iron, which is essential for a healthy pregnancy. However, it may also lead to constipation. As your baby grows, food passes more slowly through your intestines. In addition, the arteries around the rectum are under increased strain. All of these may cause haemorrhoids.

Eating enough fruits, vegetables, and fibre may be beneficial. Getting 8 to 10 glasses of water per day can also help with constipation and haemorrhoids.

Leg Swelling

Leg swelling is another common pregnancy symptom, particularly in the latter months. Several factors might cause swollen feet, ankles, and legs during pregnancy:

You have a lot of excess blood running through your body.
Your hormones influence how your body holds onto fluid.
The blood vessels in your lower body are under increased pressure as the baby develops.

It may seem weird to think of drinking water to reduce swelling in your body. But it does help. Increasing your water intake aids in the kidneys' removal of excess fluid.

However, it is also vital to understand preeclampsia, a serious medical condition. It is advisable to consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience stomach discomfort, headaches, and/or limb oedema. Additionally, be sure to attend all of your prenatal appointments. At every appointment, they will examine your urine and blood pressure for preeclampsia symptoms.

Urinary Tract Infections

Pregnancy might increase the severity of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Preterm contractions and early birth may result from a UTI. Additionally, pregnancy raises the chance of getting pyelonephritis (kidney infection). The kidneys are affected by UTI. Pyelonephritis poses a risk to both the mother and the infant.

However, increasing water intake may help avoid UTIs. Fluids aid in the kidneys and bladder's removal of any germs that can cause an illness. Those who have previously had a UTI should drink more water.

Contractions

Preterm labour is probably not prevented by drinking water alone. When contractions begin to open the cervix before the baby is ready to be delivered, this is known as preterm labour. Premature births and preterm labour may result from UTIs. However, UTIs may be avoided by drinking water.

Dehydration may sometimes make Braxton Hick's contractions worse. Braxton Hicks contractions are frequently referred to as "false labour" since they do not cause the cervix to open. However, they may cause annoyance. Additionally, it may sometimes be difficult to distinguish them from actual contractions.

Dehydration may reduce the intensity of your contractions when the moment is ripe to give birth. Your labour may take longer as a result. Therefore, it's a good idea to keep drinking water as contractions start.

Tips to Help You Drink More Water in Pregnancy

Here are a few tips to help you drink more water:

Listen to your body. Drink enough water to avoid feeling thirsty all the time.
Exercise more often. However, try to avoid exercising in the heat. Exercise in the morning, late afternoon, or indoors.
Soups, milk, juice, and herbal tea may all help you stay hydrated.
Eat more veggies and fruits, not only to maintain a healthy diet but also because they contain water.
To make your water more appetising, add fruits such as lime or frozen berries.
Always carry a refillable water bottle.

You acquire roughly 20% of your water from the food you consume, so strive to eat more water-rich foods. Foods with 90% to 100% water content are:

Vegetables like cabbage, celery, and spinach
Fruits including watermelon, cantaloupe, and strawberries
Drinks such as nonfat milk and water

Foods with 70% to 89% water content include the following:

Dairy products, such as ricotta cheese and yoghurt
Fruits like grapes, pears, and oranges
Vegetables like carrots and avocados

Try these tips to remain hydrated:

Carry a water bottle with you. If you constantly have your water bottle with you, you're more likely to remember to drink water.
Consider drinking filtered water. If you are concerned about the safety of your water source, go for filtered water.
Add fruit to the water. For an added flavour boost, add lemon, lime, cucumber, or strawberry.
Add water to the juice. Juice has a lot of sugar, which is not ideal while pregnant. However, try combining a little juice with an equal quantity of water. If you are accustomed to drinking juice, it may take some time to adjust to the new flavour.
Consume low-fat milk. Milk contains vitamin D and calcium. These nutrients are beneficial during pregnancy. However, consuming too much milk, particularly high-fat milk, may contribute to weight gain. Soy milk and almond milk are also viable alternatives. Choose ones that have been fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
Consume watery fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables provide fibre and minerals. However, some provide enough hydration. Try melon, strawberries, lettuce, cabbage, spinach, grapes, cucumbers, oranges, pears, and pineapple.
Begin with chewing gum or hard candy. If you're experiencing morning sickness or a nasty taste in your mouth, consider chewing gum before eating or drinking. Alternatively, try sucking on a piece of hard candy.

What Other Drinks Help You Stay Hydrated During Pregnancy?

If you're tired of plain water, don't worry. Several additional liquids may help you stay hydrated during pregnancy. This includes:

Flavoured or sparkling water
Caffeine-free herbal teas
Coconut water
Diluted juices
Water with flavours, such as lemon, lime, or orange

The most essential thing is to limit your intake of high-sugar drinks. You should also restrict your caffeine intake while pregnant; experts advise no more than 200 milligrams per day. Caffeinated beverages can contribute to dehydration, so they don't offer the same benefits as drinking water.

Of course, if you're having difficulties fulfilling your water requirements, consult your healthcare professional. They should be able to provide personalised suggestions to help.

Which Drinks Should You Avoid?

During your pregnancy, you should stick to drinking water. However, there are several beverages you should avoid when pregnant:

Alcohol: There is no safe quantity of alcohol during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol while pregnant may have negative consequences for the baby's physical and mental health, as well as its development.

Raw or Unpasteurised Milk: These items may contain germs that may cause severe disease in you and your developing child.

Sugary Beverages: Soda, sports drinks, and fruit juice are usually safe in moderation. However, consuming excessive amounts of sugar during pregnancy might lead to complications. It's been related to excess weight gain, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. It may also lead to high or low birth weight in babies, as well as childhood obesity. It may also contribute to illnesses such as asthma and eczema.

Several Herbal Teas: There are many types of herbal tea. Many are safe in small quantities. Some teas, such as ginger tea, may aid with nausea and vomiting. Others, however, may put you and your unborn child in danger.

Caffeine: When pregnant, experts suggest consuming no more than 200 mg of caffeine each day. According to certain studies, even less caffeine intake may result in lower birth weights. Caffeine may be found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, or soft drinks.

Artificial Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners appear in diet soda and other low-calorie beverages. Artificial sweeteners during pregnancy may lead to weight issues or developmental impairments in children later in life. If you're pregnant, however, you should generally restrict your use of diet drinks and artificial sweeteners.

Staying hydrated is a critical component of a healthy pregnancy. Different meals and beverages may help you stay hydrated and support your and your baby's health. But drinking sufficient water is the most effective strategy to satisfy your body's demands.

FAQs on How Much Water Should a Pregnant Woman Drink?

Is 2 litres of water adequate when pregnant?
Experts recommend that pregnant women consume 8 to 12 cups of water every day. This is around 1.9 to 2.8 litres. For proper measurements and to make sure you are drinking enough water, keep a big bottle of water with you at all times.
Is coconut water okay during pregnancy?
Pregnancy increases your body's need for fluids, and coconut water is a natural and efficient way to satisfy that requirement. Coconut water, which is high in electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, aids in the maintenance of adequate fluid balance in the body, which is essential for both maternal and foetal health.