Pregnancy tip #2 – Drink lots of water!

Feeling constipated? Have swollen feet and ankles? Suffer from heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy? Probably you need to increase your water intake

By: Debjani Arora | | Updated: October 9, 2014 5:11 pm

Drinking water has its own importance, whether you are pregnant or not. But during pregnancy the amount of water you drink becomes crucial, for the sake of your own health and that of your baby. Discipline yourself enough to stick to having eight glasses of water every day. It will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine.

It helps to deal with constipation and bloating: Constipation and bloating are very common during pregnancy. The elevated levels of progesterone and relaxin, the two hormones secreted during pregnancy in abundance, makes metabolism slow and interferes with bowel movements. This hormonal change leads to constipation at times, followed with bloating of the abdomen, indigestion, heartburn and nausea. Having water regularly and in good amounts, help to metabolize food easily, which can be digested well hence providing some relief from the irksome symptoms of constipation, nausea, heartburn and indigestion. Also read about tips to deal with constipation during pregnancy.

It helps to counter morning sickness and nausea: Well, it isn’t a good idea to sip water, or have any other fluids early in the morning, as it can trigger the symptoms of morning sickness. But sipping water regularly in between meals (not gulping it down) can help counter nausea and vomiting after the meals. Also read on ways to deal with morning sickness during pregnancy.

It relieves symptoms of dehydration: Dehydration during pregnancy can manifest in various forms. Headaches, nausea, dizziness, muscular cramps and edema are a few of them. Water retention (a feeling of bloating) is also a common symptom of dehydration. To flush out excess water from your system you need to drink more of this wonder liquid. Also read about ways to deal with edema.

It helps prevent certain infections: Urinary tract infections are common during pregnancy. But having good amount of water dilutes the urine which reduces the risk of vaginal infections. Less water intake could also lead to other form of infections. Urea, toxins and other wastes are flushed out of the body if you drink enough water throughout the day.

It helps to fight stress: Keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day can help in regulating the internal body temperature, achieving body-mind balance and work on the bodily rhythms to keep you calm, enabling you to handle stress in a better way. Also read about foods to eat during pregnancy to keep stress away.

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Published: June 17, 2014 3:54 pm | Updated:October 9, 2014 5:11 pm

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