Staying hydrated at all times is crucial, but this is more important if you are pregnant. While you may want to avoid using the bathroom as often as possible, getting proper fluid intake is essential for a safe and healthy pregnancy. Here's everything you need to know to stay hydrated during pregnancy.

Why is hydration important during pregnancy?
Water makes up over 60% of our body and plays a crucial role in almost all body functions. The absorption and distribution of nutrients, the elimination of wastes, digestion and the regulation of body temperature are all facilitated by water. It even helps cushion your joints.

You and your baby, as a pregnant woman, need more water than a normal person. This is because water plays a different role during pregnancy. Water, for example, is needed for the placenta to supply nutrients to your growing baby and the amniotic sac to cushion your baby throughout pregnancy.

You become dehydrated when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. This can make it harder for the body to complete its usual activities, leading to constipation and oedema. Insufficient fluid intake for a long time during pregnancy can cause low amniotic fluid and can produce Braxton-Hicks contractions, a type of pregnancy contraction. It can also lead to more serious problems, such as birth defects.

How to avoid dehydration during pregnancy
You've probably heard that drinking eight glasses of water a day is a good idea. However, your hydration needs are determined by a variety of factors including your gender, region (temperature and altitude), and activity level. Yes, your body's fluid requirements can be affected by pregnancy. You will almost certainly need to drink more water than the usual person.

Your body does a good job of keeping track of your fluid intake, which makes you thirsty when you need it most. Checking the colour of your urine is another technique for tracking your hydration level. A soft, lemonade-like shade, rather than a dark yellow, is ideal. Cottonmouth, a dry, sticky feeling in your mouth is a sign that your body needs to be hydrated.

Dehydration can manifest itself in several ways, some of which are less obvious. You might have headaches, lightheadedness, fatigue, or constipation, for example. If you are dehydrated, you may feel overheated because your fluid levels help regulate your internal temperature. It is especially important to keep track of your fluid intake if you experience nausea and are having trouble keeping up with your diet. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest.

Tips for staying hydrated
Here are some tips for staying hydrated and avoiding dehydration during pregnancy. Remember, staying hydrated takes more than water; milk, juice, soup, and watery fruits like watermelons and cucumbers can all help.

Be a goal setter.
Set a daily fluid goal. Stickers or rubber bands on your water bottle can help you track your progress.

Use an app.
Waterlogged and WaterMinder are two free or inexpensive apps that can help you track your fluid intake. Of course, you can just use pen and paper if you want.

Make it a habit.
You are more likely to continue to hydrate if you make it part of your daily routine. Set an alarm on your phone or calendar to remind you to drink throughout the day or have a glass of water in the morning.

Flavour it.
The majority of your fluid intake should be unsweetened fluids. If the concept of still water doesn't appeal to you, try infusing it with some fresh fruit or herbs for a slight boost in flavour.

A healthy pregnancy requires proper hydration in addition to eating healthy and staying active. It's easy to forget to drink water during the day, but staying hydrated is crucial. See your doctor if you have any signs of dehydration during pregnancy or if you are concerned about your fluid intake. Visit now: bump2Babyscans.co.uk