How Important Is It To Stay Hydrated During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is one of the life changing experiences for women. During Pregnancy, a female body goes through several major changes that influence the hormonal balance, emotional state, and other physical changes in the body that may last long after giving birth. During these 9 months, a women’s body needs the care it has always been taking for granted. Diet during this time plays a very major role in the overall well-being of not only the mother but also the baby inside the womb. The nourishment the body and the baby need throughout these 9 months must not be avoided. Of all the nutritional needs, staying hydrated is one of the most important dietary requirements. Today, in this article, we will talk about the importance of hydration by looking at the consequences it may have on health if stayed dehydrated for a long during pregnancy. Moreover, we will share a few of the important hydration-providing sources that you must include in your daily diet routine to make sure your body is getting a sufficient amount of hydration.

Dreadful Consequences of Staying Dehydrated during Pregnancy

Staying dehydrated during pregnancy can lead to serious consequences if not taken care of properly and on time. 

• Preterm Labor

Staying dehydrated for a long may lead to unwanted and untimely uterine contraction that may provoke pre-term labor. Premature babies suffer from health problems and are required special care in intensive care units for longer than usual. 

• Recessing Amniotic Fluid

The body suffering from an insufficient amount of water content during pregnancy puts the baby at risk as it may result in decreased amniotic fluid, a space where your baby grows, breathes, and lives. If that fluid would drop to a dangerous level, your baby is put at risk. 

• Neural Tube Defects

Dehydration during pregnancy can affect the neural development of the baby which may lead to future problems linked with brain and or spinal cord dysfunction. 

• Headaches

During pregnancy, women are already more susceptible to headaches. On top of that, if you will keep your body dehydrated, the chances, frequency, and intensity of headaches may increase, causing distress in the whole body.

• Constipation

Constipation is very common during pregnancy. Dehydration can only elevate the chances and the pain which might lead to hemorrhoids. 

• UTI’s

Urinary tract infections or UTIs are more common during pregnancy but dehydration can become an alarming trigger for UTIs to happen. UTIs cause immense discomfort burning and pain and might require antibiotics. Which are also not suggested to be taken at large during pregnancy. 

It often seems nothing to not have plenty of water during these months. But your body is in a constant state of growth, trying its best to provide your baby the nourishment it needs. In the end the baby takes all it needs leaving your body deficient and eventually the baby suffers too in a deficient body. Therefore, it is important to take care of your diet during pregnancy. Following are the hydration-rich sources that you or your caretaker must ensure you follow.

Fruits

Fruits are rich in minerals and vitamins. During pregnancy, your body needs more than the usual amount of nourishment. Fruits are the most important and healthy source of nutrition, so try making it a mandatory part of your diet. Following are the fruits that are considered a must-have during pregnancy:

1. Watermelon is rich in vitamin C, water, and, antioxidants.
2. Avocado is rich in healthy fats, vitamin C, and fiber.
3. Banana is rich in vitamin C, potassium, carbohydrates, and other energy-rich nutrients.
4. Apples are rich in fiber, Vitamin K which is good for bones, Vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Vegetables

Like fruits, vegetables make up another most important part of your dietary intake during pregnancy. Vegetables are rich in minerals vitamins Fiber and water which is an absolute necessity to have during those crucial 9 months, both for the mother and the baby. Include vegetables in your weekly diet. Raw food is said to be avoided during pregnancy, and therefore, try consuming vegetables when cooked or at least sauteed. 

There are multiple ways you can have vegetables. You can make yourself a fresh salad or you can make a dinner or a lunch out of vegetables. Spinach e.g., is very rich in minerals and is also very good for health. 

Water

Although fruits and vegetables are rich in water content however during pregnancy the body’s requirement for water increases. And drinking at least 8 to 12 glasses of water daily can prevent dehydration cure dizziness and keep the blood pressure normal which is very important for not only the mother. But also the child inside the womb who is sucking all the nutrients and water from the mother’s body.  

While consuming water, make sure the water is filtered and is clean. If you are traveling, make sure to buy a bulk of bottles before you leave so that your body doesn’t feel deficient in hydration. With bottles of water, it is important to check the expiry date on the water bottle packaging box that you are buying for yourself. 

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