Staying properly hydrated anytime is important, but during pregnancy, it becomes even more important as the heavy work your body is doing requires even more water, especially in the later trimesters. Its recommended that you drink eight to twelve glasses a day, but that doesn't mean it has to be a chore or boring; there are plenty of alternatives and nifty tricks to help you stay hydrated and happy.
Drink Frequently
Eight glasses may seem daunting when all placed next to one another, but just as with many things, slow and steady wins the race, and drinking small sips frequently makes it much easier to manage. Pro tip- carrying around a water bottle works as a physical reminder of what you need to drink and will help you build healthy habits. Using a water bottle with set times to drink also works to stop you from rushing at the end of the day. However, if you find you're having indigestion problems, drink between meals rather than while eating, as drinking while eating can make it worse.
Listen to Your Body
Usually, when you are thirsty, you drink. However, by the time your body is telling you you're thirsty you are already slightly dehydrated. Not only this but some of us don't even recognize when we are thirsty, and occasionally mistake it for hunger. A good way to combat this is to drink before you eat and at regular intervals. Finding yourself too busy and distracted to remember is no longer a problem with apps now available to keep track for you. Another pro-tip- drinking a glass of water when you first wake up is an excellent habit to start. It starts your metabolism and replaces the fluids you have lost during sleep, helping you to start your day the right way.
Check What You Are Putting into Your Body
Everybody knows to avoid caffeine and alcohol during pregnancy, but did you know that tea contains a high level of caffeine too, including green tea. It's recommended that you don't exceed four cups of green tea, or two cups of instant coffee a day. Good news though: all non-alcoholic drinks count towards your fluid intake, that means smoothies, milk and fruit juices can shake up your drinking routine.
Nevertheless, plain water is the best choice and keeping it fresh and crisp and free from impurities is essential both for taste and hygiene. If you use your fridge for water, make sure to check and use a fridge water filter replacement to make sure your water is as fresh as it can get. If you use your tap, perhaps consider a water jug with a filter, ensuring fresh, clean water.
Ensuring hydration is essential for everyone but especially for pregnant women; the body is working so much harder than usual that extra fuel is needed. Creating easy and quick habits it's best to start as early as possible; within a few weeks you'll be hydrating without even thinking about it and feeling the benefits.
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