Posts Tagged ‘How much water should I drink when pregnant?’

Pregnant women need to drink between 8 to 12, 8- ounce glasses of water each day whether you are thirsty or not. During pregnancy your blood volume increases by 40%.  The growing fetus demands that you stay well hydrated in order for this to be accomplished successfully.  Drinking this large volume of water helps with your digestion, avoiding constipation, prevents urinary tract infections and reduces premature contractions.  Drinking a lot of water also assists in preventing dry skin, building new tissue, carrying nutrients, flushing out wastes and toxins and helps keep excessive water retention under control.  Limit you intake of soda, (sugar full or sugar free) as well as beverages containing caffeine.  To the best of your ability, space out your water intake, steadily drinking throughout the day.   In general avoid drinking too much water after dinner so that you won’t spend your sleeping hours getting up to use the bathroom!