Good hydration is extremely important for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum period. Water flushes waste products from the cells and aids in liver and kidney function for both mom and the baby. During pregnancy, water is also needed for the body's expansion as mom's blood volume increases significantly. Insufficient water intake can be a factor in constipation, preterm labor, and miscarriage, and even slight dehydration can cause or contribute to fatigue. Proper hydration is also important for adequate breast milk production and flow.
Most women know about the need for proper hydration during pregnancy, but many do not get adequate fluid intake. Some women do not like drinking water; others say they are not generally thirsty. Additionally, women are often unaware that some beverages are actually dehydrating.
Pregnant women typically need between 8-12, eight-ounce glasses per day, even higher if the weather is warm or you are exercising. Most people think that if they need to drink more they would feel thirsty and while thirst does signal a need for hydration, not everyone feels thirsty when they need to drink. Often we don’t get thirsty until after we are already dehydrated. Better to be proactive.
Caffeinated and high-sugar beverages are actually dehydrating and should not count in your daily total of fluids - and are best avoided. It's better to drink smaller amounts of healthy liquids frequently vs. large amounts only a couple times per day. Think of a house plant - if you don’t water it enough and then give it a lot of water, most of the water runs straight through, and certainly does not make up for the hours of time where hydration was lacking.
If you feel fatigued, increase your water consumption for a few days and see if you feel better.
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