Staying Hydrated for Two: 6 Essential Tips for Pregnant Women

Staying hydrated is the life force for all life forces, even the ones that are still growing in the womb. As a pregnant woman, it's something I hear doctors mention all the time and read everywhere. Hydration is an important building block, you need to create amniotic fluid and build a life. You can't build a life without providing it with the materials it needs to grow. As you would guess dehydration can lead to birth defects and preterm labor. 

Trying to stay hydrated, especially when you're nauseated, or too tired to drink anything, sounds difficult, but it really isn't. Below I provided 7 tips that have been helping me keep hydrated during my pregnancy.

Tip #1: Know Your Daily Water Intake

Did you know that a pregnant woman should be consuming 8-12 cups of water a day? For those using bottles of water, that's about 4-6 bottles! If you're active or if you're sweating a lot more, it can cause you to become dehydrated quicker, with that said you can increase you water intake. According to Taste of Home, while it isn't easy for someone to drink too much water during pregnancy it's still possible! Just remember to keep it all within moderation, anywhere between 1 to 2 gallons of water may be too much!

Tip #2: Carry a Reusable Water Bottle Everywhere You Go
Carrying a reusable water bottle, especially one that you enjoy the look of, everywhere you go can come in handy. I've lost count of how many times I've been thirsty while walking around the grocery store, at an appointment, and how carrying a reusable water bottle has been a life safer for me. It also gives you an idea on how much water you have drank during the day!

Tip #3: Flavor Your Water
I know plain water is boring, but it doesn't have to be. There are many ways you can add flavor to you water. You can go the natural route and add fruit to your drinks; lemon, lime, berries, melon, and even pineapple are great fruits to add to your water. Sinful Kitchen has a list of ways you can naturally flavor your water if you're not a fan of fruit. Of course, there are flavor enhancers as well, I suggest something like True Lemon or True Citrus, as they are natural and gluten-free.

Tip #4: Eat Water-Rich Foods

One of my favorite ways to make sure I stay hydrated is eating water-rich foods, fruits such as melons, berries, oranges, and pineapples and vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers, are just some of the fruits that are high in water content. It doesn't stop at fruits and veggies; broth and yogurt are good choices. 

Tip #5: Set Reminders

Life can be hectic, even more so when you're pregnant. Setting reminders or writing down reminders on the fridge to drink more water can help. One of my suggestions for anyone setting reminders or writing down a reminder to drink more is to include some positive reinforcement. Telling yourself that you're doing good drinking water, even if you know you need to try harder tomorrow, can be a great motivation!

Tip #6: Limit your caffeine 
A lot of doctors are fine with you drinking caffeine in moderation when pregnant, the paper I have on my fridge says 200mgs of caffeine a day. If I want to drink something with caffeine, during the day, I actually made the rule for myself, that I must drink at least 32 oz of water, and a cup of something other than water before I drink anything with caffeine. Just remember water and hydration with the good stuff, should come before a cup of coffee or a can of cola. 

Conclusion:

To build a baby, you need one of the most important things of our existence, water. Without water there's no way to build your precious little life. Remember, that if you're a little under your hydration goal for the day, it's okay, there's always tomorrow and a time to start brand new! Both you and your baby are worth it! Yes, staying hydrated is worth it! Please stay hydrated!