Hydration In Pregnancy

Ideally, you should be aiming for 2-3litres a day, from your first trimester right through to postpartum and for as long as you’re breastfeeding.

Of course, that’s often easier said than done. Not everyone enjoys drinking water and in pregnancy there are a few more hurdles to cross before you can reach adequate hydration (vomiting, nausea, heightened gag reflex and sensitive tastebuds, to name a few).

In your first trimester, your thirst may also be hard to quench and for good reason; your body needs more water because it’s working incredibly hard to maintain healthy amniotic levels (the fluid surrounding your baby in the womb), reduce swelling, grow your placenta and increase its blood volume by 40% – there is so much change and growth! Throughout your pregnancy, hydration is essential to aid digestion (and prevent constipation and its associated discomforts), move nutrients around your body and process waste (your baby’s and yours).

If you’re finding it hard to drink water, don’t fret! Embrace these tips to establish healthy water habits:

– sip, don’t gulp. This is especially relevant in the first trimester when you’re more sensitive and likely to vomit. Small sips throughout the day will keep you hydrated which can help to quell your nausea

– invest in a drink bottle so you can keep track of how much you’re drinking. It will be a pregnancy must-have that you’ll use during labour and postpartum, too.

– make it enjoyable! Add a few slices of lemon, cucumber, ginger or some mint leaves to add a little flavour

– cool it down. Cold water is easier to drink in summer and especially if you’re uncomfortably hot (your basal temperature increases as soon as you conceive). If you notice you’re craving ice and you’re crunching it with glee, be aware that this can be a sign of low iron so make sure you mention it to your care provider next time you see them.

– keep it warm. In winter, a herbal tea infusion (sans caffeine) can be a comforting way to increase your water intake while warming you from the inside. Warm drinks can also aid your digestion (this is particularly relevant to postpartum, too).

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your urine; when you’re hydrated it should be a light, clear colour. The major concern with dehydration during pregnancy is its connection to premature labour; when you’re dehydrated, your blood volume decreases and subsequently, the hormone oxytocin increases, which can trigger contractions. During postpartum, dehydration can significantly affect your milk supply (you’ll want to aim for 3L if you are breastfeeding and a full water bottle that can be held with one hand is a must-have for every feed – you’ll be thirsty as soon as your baby latches!).