During pregnancy we need extra water to handle the demands in our ever-changing bodies also to keep us fit and well.
BUT HOW COME WATER SO IMPORTANT?
Water is needed to flush out toxins, aid digestion and ensure our anatomies absorb the fundamental nutrients from the meals we eat. In addition, it really helps to restore and revitalise our anatomies.
During pregnancy these essential functions are even more important even as we make an effort to cope with this changing body and keep maintaining a wholesome environment for our developing fetus. Water is also a key component of breast milk so it’s needed for good lactation.
An adult’s bodyweight is made up of between 50-70% water and, without regular top-ups, our body’s survival time is bound to a matter of hours or days.
ABSORBING ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
Water is a major element of our blood, carrying essential nutrients to cells and flushing away harmful waste material. In addition, it helps our anatomies to absorb essential nutrients from food and speeds up the rate at which glucose is absorbed thereby boosting our energy.
The common adult loses about two litres of fluid every day – even more in warm weather, during exercise, or when carrying additional weight through pregnancy. It really is vital these fluids are replenished regularly.
HOW WATER AFFECTS PREGNANCY
When your body will not get enough fluid it becomes dehydrated which, even in mild cases, can result in health issues like constipation, headaches, anxiety, fatigue and dull skin. In pregnancy severe dehydration can cause miscarriage and preterm labour.
Drinking water rehydrates our tissues and increases our complexion. Some pregnant women realize that normal water at regular intervals can actually relieve the symptoms of morning sickness, heartburn and indigestion.
Drinking plenty of water also dilutes the urine, reducing the chance of urinary infections, which can be common in pregnancy.
THE EARTH Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a daily intake of between 1.5 and two litres of water (eight 250mls or 8fl oz.).
When you are pregnant this will increase by another two to four glasses (up to three litres) per day if the elements is warm or you are exercising.
3 ways to boost your daily intake of water:
Drink a glass of water when you get up each day instead of decaffeinated tea or decaffeinated coffee (warm water with fresh lemon is an excellent natural cleanser)
Never get thirsty. Thirst is an indicator of dehydration so try to not deprive the body for it to attain this stage
