Hydration During Pregnancy Is Very Important
Hydration is important for everyone, but it is especially essential during pregnancy. In fact, water is the means by which many physiological reactions take place in the body. Therefore, in this article, we will talk about hydration during pregnancy.
It is important to emphasize that during the summer or in warmer weather, the risk of dehydration increases. In normal cases, this can have serious consequences. However, in the case of pregnant women, two lives are at stake instead of one.
Water Requirements
You probably know that water is the most efficient drink for keeping people hydrated. In fact, normal people should drink between 1.5 and 2 liters per day. However, women’s water needs increase when they become pregnant. Under certain circumstances, they may even need to drink three liters of water a day.
Nevertheless, drinking water during pregnancy is not just about drinking water. A study by the journal BMC (English link) states that the water from various foods also helps women stay hydrated.
Avoid alcohol consumption to be well hydrated
You probably already know that you should avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy. This is for two main reasons. First, since this type of drink has a diuretic effect, it alters our fluid balance and can cause dehydration.
On the other hand, certain studies have shown that alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal malformation and problems with fetal development. This is also what an article from the journal Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology states. In addition, other studies suggest that alcohol use during adolescence may also affect fetal development during pregnancy.
Soda and Hydration During Pregnancy
Nowadays people drink a lot of sweet, soft drinks. However, this habit is quite harmful to their health. This is mainly because the amount of sugar they contain has an impact on their metabolism, which can lead to various pathologies, such as diabetes.
In fact, this is even worse in the case of pregnant women, as they may already suffer from gestational diabetes. Although being overweight is a risk factor, the intake of sugary soft drinks during pregnancy can also have an influence.
It is very important to emphasize that the best way to stay hydrated during pregnancy is to drink water. Plus, you can get whole milk, which can relieve heartburn. However, never replace water with other types of drinks.
In the case of women who are accustomed to soda, they can replace it with sparkling water. However, remember that it should not contain sugar. Besides, if they drink it really cold, it can be very helpful to overcome the heat that women experience during the early months of pregnancy. In addition, it is very refreshing in hot weather.
Hydration during pregnancy
As we mentioned before, staying hydrated is essential for a healthy pregnancy, both for the mother and the fetus. To do this, the best choice is to drink mineral water and thus avoid sugary soft drinks and alcohol.
In addition , specialists generally do not recommend regular intake of fruit juice. This is because they contain simple sugars, but they do not contain fiber. Therefore, they can increase the chances of developing gestational diabetes.
On the other hand, it is recommended to eat whole fruits. This type of food contains large amounts of water, which helps to stay hydrated. Finally, keep in mind that drinking a glass of water before every meal will also help you stay hydrated.
