Water, the source of life, is essential for the baby’s development and the pregnant woman’s well-being. It also helps alleviate some pregnancy-related discomforts. In this new article, you will learn more about hydration for expectant mothers and their water needs, the benefits of water during pregnancy, and the types of water to choose.
Water needs of pregnant women
During pregnancy, a woman’s water needs are particularly high to ensure the proper growth of the fetus and meet its metabolic needs. Proper hydration allows her to:
to nourish the placenta, an essential organ during pregnancy that provides the developing baby with the water, nutrients, and oxygen it needs.
to form the amniotic fluid , a sac of water in which the baby is bathed and which protects it from shocks and infections while ensuring a constant temperature.
Increased water intake also helps to compensate for water losses related to urine, perspiration, and respiration.
For a healthy pregnancy, there’s only one rule: “hydrate thoroughly.” According to the EFSA ( European Food Safety Authority ), pregnant women, who are more vulnerable to dehydration, should consume around 2 liters of water daily, or 300 ml more than the recommended daily amount. This intake, provided by drinking fluids and a varied and balanced diet, should be spread throughout the day, from morning to evening, and increased in cases of high temperatures or fever.
The benefits of water during pregnancy
During the nine months of pregnancy, water is essential for both the baby and the pregnant woman, as it helps combat certain maternal issues. Indeed, pregnancy is sometimes accompanied by discomforts related to hormonal and metabolic changes. Among these minor inconveniences, constipation is frequently mentioned, affecting approximately one in two pregnant women. Sufficient fluid intake is a gentle and natural solution for treating constipation and improving bowel regularity.
Furthermore, drinking regularly increases urine volume, thus reducing the risk of urinary tract infections such as cystitis, which can lead to complications during childbirth. Proper hydration is also beneficial in preventing cramps caused by poor blood circulation (common in pregnant women), fatigue, magnesium deficiency, or lack of physical activity. https://echosip.pk/
What type of water should I drink during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, choosing the right water is crucial, as it must contribute to both the well-being of the pregnant woman and the healthy development of the baby. However, it’s often difficult to navigate the wide variety of waters available.
Bottled mineral water is beneficial for pregnant women as it helps balance mineral intake and address certain deficiencies, particularly in calcium and magnesium. Magnesium primarily helps relieve cramps and combat fatigue, while calcium helps prevent high blood pressure, contributes to the development and strengthening of the baby’s skeleton, and enriches breast milk. During pregnancy, the need for these two minerals is particularly increased. It is estimated that a pregnant woman needs 400 mg of magnesium and 1000 mg of calcium per day.
Contrary to popular belief, tap water is safe to drink during pregnancy. Treated and tested to meet drinking water standards, it poses no danger to pregnant women. As a precaution, it’s advisable to check with your local council regarding the presence of nitrates. For a pregnant woman, the nitrate level should not exceed 50 mg/l.
