How much and what water to drink during pregnancy?

January 26 2023
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Drinking water while pregnant is an important and topical topic for expectant mothers. Many women wonder what water to drink w period pregnancy - will highly mineralized or sparkling water be better? Another frequently asked question is about how much water to drink when pregnant.

The need for water increases during pregnancy, which is due to, among other things, increasing blood volume, developing fetal tissues, amniotic membranes and the enlarging uterus. Drinking water during pregnancy affects the proper hydration of the mother's body, which is very important for maintaining the homeostasis of her body and the body of the developing child.

Why water for pregnant women is so important?

It is the main component of the follicular fluid that protects the ovum, and after fertilization, it facilitates its migration to the uterine cavity. Used by the expectant mother water is essential for the production of amniotic fluid and the proper development and function of the developing baby's tissues. Water enables the exchange of building components and gases dissolved in it through the placenta and fetal membranes.

It is estimated that the water exchange between mother and child is approx. 460 ml/hour. The amniotic fluid plays a protective role against infections and injuries, and also provides the unborn baby with a constant temperature environment. A normal volume of amniotic fluid allows the baby to perform movements that develop its muscle mass.

Drinking water during pregnancy also has a positive effect on the woman. Adequate hydration during this period helps to reduce pregnancy-related ailments, such as nausea and vomiting, constipation, dry skin and urinary tract infections.

How much water to drink while pregnant?

During pregnancy, the greater need for water is associated with the expansion of maternal tissues, the fetus and the volume of circulating blood. The daily fluid requirement in pregnant women is approximately 2300 ml. It increases gradually from the beginning of pregnancy and is about 300 ml higher than in non-pregnant women.

Pregnant women should drink water throughout the day in small portions, gradually supplementing its deficiency. The volume of water consumed should be proportional to the amount of water lost. This is especially important during hot weather and increased physical activity. It is recommended during pregnancy the temperature of the water consumed was about 15 degrees Celsius.

In high ambient temperature and greater physical exertion, one should drink about 1/3 more water than the recommended 2300 ml per day.

What water to drink when pregnant?

A lot of questions from expectant mothers concern the most recommended types of drinking water. So, what water to drink when pregnant? Is mineral water during pregnancy better than spring water? During pregnancy, both can be eaten spring waters as well as natural mineral waters. In the case of the latter, however, it is necessary to pay attention to the degree of mineralization and composition, because not everyone pregnant mineral water is recommended.

Małgorzata Wiek

Dietitian, Human Nutrition Specialist, Nutrition Department, Gastroenterological Clinic, Institute of Mother and Child

The expert advises:

In pregnant women, due to the physiological increase in blood volume, development of fetal tissues, increase in organ weight, the need for water also increases. Proper hydration of the mother's body is very important for maintaining homeostasis of the mother's body and that of the developing child. Pregnant women are advised to drink bottled spring water and natural low- or medium-mineralized and low-sodium mineral waters.

Jackets pregnant mineral water?

The best choice to drink during pregnancy is low- or medium-mineralized and low-sodium mineral waters. Low-mineralized water is water in which the sum of minerals does not exceed 500 mg/litre, medium-mineralized water contains from 500 to 1500 mg/l dissolved components, and low-sodium water - less than 20 mg of sodium ions in 1 liter. Attention should also be paid to the content of magnesium and calcium ions in water intended for consumption by pregnant women.

Consumption of water rich in magnesium ions may be a form of prevention of pregnancy-induced hypertension, and water rich in calcium ions may be important in the prevention of osteopenia/osteoporosis. Water with a low content of sodium ions should be consumed for the prevention of hypertension.

Czy highly mineralized water during pregnancy is recommended?

Highly mineralized mineral waters are those in which the sum of minerals is above 1500 mg/l. Highly mineralized water during pregnancy should be consumed carefully, and its daily supply should be limited should be limited to the values ​​agreed individually with the attending physician.

Sparkling water during pregnancy: Yes or no?

Many people prefer to drink carbonated water, although as a general rule, it is better to choose "bubble-free" water. Sparkling water during pregnancy is not forbidden and will certainly not harm the baby. However, its consumption can contribute to irritation of the gastric mucosa and cause flatulence, so it is better to give up drinking it at this time.

What to drink while pregnant besides water?

Now that we know what and how much water to drink during pregnancy, let's take a look at other fluids. In addition to water, during pregnancy, use:

  • milk and fermented milk drinks - in the amount of about 2 glasses;
  • weak infusions of teas;
  • fruit / vegetable juices - no more than 2 glasses.

You should not consume alcohol and beverages containing alcohol throughout your pregnancy as there is no safe dose of alcohol during pregnancy as well as during breastfeeding. Avoid sugary carbonated drinks and energy drinkswhich are hypertonic and contain caffeine and taurine that stimulate the body.

How to store water for pregnant women?

The safest water for pregnant women is bottled water. It should be stored in a dry, cool, shady, odor-free place. After opening the bottle, it is best to consume water within 12 hours.

Water in unit containers with a capacity of not more than 1,5 l is used up faster, which reduces the risk of its contamination.

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Aleksandra Swiebod

Head of the Department of Assessment and Development of Cooperation at the Institute of Mother and Child

When expecting a baby, it is worth paying special attention to what we eat and drink. Drinking the right quality water and in the recommended amounts allows our body to be properly hydrated, which in turn is essential for the proper development of the baby during pregnancy.

Author

Małgorzata Wiek

Dietitian, Human Nutrition Specialist, Nutrition Department, Gastroenterological Clinic, Institute of Mother and Child

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