Water is very important for a healthy pregnancy. Think of water as the transportation system in your body that delivers nutrients to your baby through the blood. Water can also help prevent bladder infections, which are common during pregnancy.
If you drink enough water, your urine will remain more diluted, reducing the risk of infection. Drinking plenty of water can also improve constipation and help prevent hemorrhoids. Although it may seem counterintuitive, the more water you drink during pregnancy, the less water your body retains. Additionally, drinking enough water can prevent dehydration, which is especially important in the third trimester as dehydration can cause contractions and premature labor.
So how much water is enough? You should aim to drink at least 6-8 cups (48-64 ounces, or 1 ounce equals 28.35 grams) of water per day. In addition, you should drink an extra cup (8 ounces) of water for every hour of light exercise.
Juices can also count towards your fluid intake, but remember that they can also provide extra calories. Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, cola, and tea should not be counted towards your fluid intake as they are diuretic and can increase urine production, causing actual water loss. If you don't like the taste of water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime, or a splash of juice to improve the taste. If you're unsure about how much water to drink each day, you can fill a 64-ounce water bottle and aim to finish it by the end of the day.
