Water and Pregnancy - Page 2
Common pregnancy discomforts that water may play a role in:
- Fatigue - Drink water throughout the day so your urine is light colored – Water’s hydraulic cycle
- Hormone regulation & Headaches - Water’s role in chemical reactions delivery and transport
- Upset stomach, heartburn, ulcers & constipation – Water’s role in digestion
- Leg cramps, swelling, dizziness and hypertension – Water’s role in fluid regulation and retention
- Joint Pain – Water’s role in lubricating the joints
Pregnant women should be sure to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, which is in addition to the normal intake of other recommended foods. The benefits of drinking water during pregnancy include healthier skin, less acne, washing away of unnecessary sodium, less chance for pre-term labor or miscarriage and better bowel movements. Drinking water can, believe it or not, also help preventing the nausea known as morning sickness, as doctors recommend drinking plenty of fluid between meals.
Not only is the amount of water important but also the quality of the water being drank is just as important. Chlorine and other contaminants are often found in tap water and even in some bottle water brands. The fetus may be sensitive to the contaminants in unfiltered water which may pose a risk to their development. Point of use filtration systems are the only way to ensure pure contaminant free drinking water.
Drinking water for health benefits of the mother and baby are evident. Doctors, in fact, ask mothers to steer clear of diuretics like caffeine and alcohol, so water is the obvious alternative for fluid intake. Also, since doctors often 'prescribe' exercise in pregnant women, fluids will be lost through perspiration. As we know, pregnant or not, those fluids also need to be replaced.
