Fluids during Pregnancy

Fluids during Pregnancy

It is good to remember that during pregnancy, you are drinking for two; your body now needs more fluids than before. Since you are eating smaller meals frequently you should make it a point to consume larger drinks more frequently in between. Like an adult’s body, a baby’s body is mainly composed of fluids – a viable reason to stay hydrated.

The Benefits are Manifold

Staying hydrated (and water is the best choice) is essential and the reasons are plenty:

• To help ease pregnancy problems such as constipation

• To form the amniotic fluid in the sac

• To help form plasma which is important for the increased blood volume

• To keep your skin supple

• To reduce the chances of fluid retention and excessive swelling

• To help prevent hemorrhoids

• To flush out waste, prevent bladder infections – your urine stays diluted and you will urinate more which lessens the chance of bacteria multiplying in your bladder.

• To rid your body and your baby’s of toxins

Drinking adequate amount of fluids can be quite challenging for those who are not used to it. Some key points to remember and help you along the way:

• Make it a point to drink large cups or glasses of fluids so that you drink more at each sitting; Aim to drink 8 glasses of 225 ml or 8 oz of fluids daily, with water being the main choice.

• If you do not like the taste of water, try adding a lemon wedge or a splash of juice for flavor.

• Try not to drink too much before meals or you may end up being too full to eat

• Keep a water bottle handy, always

• Space your fluid intake throughout the day; drink a glass of water every two hours during the day

• Limit your intake of carbonated and caffeinated drinks since the latter acts as diuretics

• If you face water retention problems make it a point to drink even more as this will help flush out excess fluids

• Consume other sources of liquids which are healthy such as chunks of watermelon or soups

• Eliminating alcohol altogether is high plus during your entire pregnancy phase.

Milk

A 225 ml or 8 oz glass of cow’s milk contains about one third of your daily recommended calcium requirement – three glasses will help you meet the required target. If you are lactose-intolerant try rice milk or lactose reduced milk. Substitutes like low fat or non-fat milk, which may contain slightly higher amounts of calcium, is ideal for the weight conscious woman. For a change, drink soy milk that has been fortified with vitamins in place of regular skim milk.

Caffeine

Statistics show that women should not exceed 300 mg (lesser is preferable) of caffeine in a day. This is equivalent to 3 mugs of instant coffee, 6 cups of tea or 8 cans of cola. High levels of caffeine – 400 mg or more a day may affect baby’s respiratory system, cause decreased birth-weight and even possibly SIDs. Taken in moderation, caffeine will bring no harm to you or your fetus. Many women are able give up caffeine and colas totally and switch to decaf beverages, mildly brewed tea and juices. This is a good decision. Be also aware of the fact that chocolate and high energy drinks also contain some amount of caffeine so drink them in moderation.

Artificial Sweeteners

Adults should not exceed the recommended 2800 mg per day or 14 cans of drinks containing artificial sweeteners. Aspartame found in many diet drinks is considered safe during pregnancy but caution is necessary on the amount that can be consumed. Saccharin, another form of sweetener found in foods is also considered safe but again moderation is the key. Pregnant women who are bothered by their weight or simply detest the taste of drinking water get hooked to these diet drinks instead of seeking healthier alternatives such as ‘flavored’ water and juices. In the long run this is bad news for both baby and mother.

Alcohol

The question is how much is safe. Further, alcohol is metabolized in all women differently because of individual body makeup. No one type of alcohol is better than another: a small can of beer, a small glass of wine or one measure of spirits all contain roughly the same volume of alcohol. Alcohol effect worsens if our diet is lacking, our intake of caffeine is high and in smoking pregnant ladies. Even the occasional drink that is consumed will pass to your baby through your bloodstream. Many health experts recommend that pregnant women stay clear of alcohol altogether since it can be difficult to stick to one drink once a week. If you do decide to indulge, drink one drink once or twice a week at the most and that too with a meal.

Herbal teas

Play it safe by drinking in moderation. Remember that herbs are drugs. High doses of some herbs may cause diarrhea, heart palpitations and vomiting. However herbal preparations consumed in the form of tea bags are considered safe during pregnancy. If herbal tea is your thing choose the ones containing ingredients such as lemon, peppermint or jasmine and stay away from unusual contents such as cohosh or mugworth, ingredients worth avoiding during your pregnant months. You can also make your own concoctions using cinnamon, ginger or lemon rind.

About Author

Jyoti Bedi, a homemaker and a mother, officially writes for http://www.welcomebabyhome.com , a pregnancy and parenting site. Articles are simple-to-read, relevant and concise for today’s busy parents and parents-to-be.

Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com