The average human body is composed of 60% water--if not more.
That being said, the need for humans to consume water speaks for itself. In fact, it's widely believed that the average adult male should consume around 3 liters of water a day; 2 liters for the average adult female.
Sure, it sounds pretty simple, right? Just consume 2 to 3 liters a day. Well, believe it or not, it's actually rather difficult. Especially if you're not accustomed to consuming that much water in an average day.
To add to the difficulty of consuming that much water in an average day, experts claim that pregnant women should consume around 1 gallon (or roughly 4 liters) of water per day.
While the thought of consuming an average of 4 liters of water a day for 275 or more days doesn't sound all that appealing, experts claim that women hoe do so are less likely to deal with a number of pregnancy symptoms and discomforts.
According to Parent Herald, staying hydrated with the recommended amount of water while pregnant can help you overcome fatigue, headache along with overheating and swelling. Oedema, dizziness, and cramps will also be avoided if you keep yourself well hydrated.
Apart from a mother's needs for hydration, your baby-to-be will greatly benefit from a healthy dose of H2O. "Water helps your body absorb essential nutrients into the cells and transports vitamins, minerals and hormones to the blood cells. It's those nutrient-rich blood cells that reach the placenta and ultimately your baby — all with the help of H2O," claims What to Expect.
For expecting mommies who aren;t exactly the biggest fans of drinking water, there are other options! "Hydration can also be supplied by through other drinks such as flavored waters and fruit and vegetable juices. However there is a need to always check the added sugar in fruit juices and sodium in veggie drinks. Decaffeinated teas are also good but you need to consider pasteurization, calorie info and other components of the drink that your doctor would suggest for you to keep away from," reports Parent Herald.
One helpful tip for moms considering alternatives to strict "water only" options is to be mindful of the diuretic effect. Certain beverages like tea, coffee, and soda (if you've decided to indulge in the occasional cup of these) can cause dehydration and excessive urination. So--if you've talked to an expert about the occasional cup or two of these beverages--keep in mind that you need to replenish your body with water.
Implementing a daily routine of 4 liters of water can be a bit overwhelming. As a result, other experts claim that an average of 8 to 12 glasses of water can be a sufficient substitute. However, no matter which path you take, you should always consult your doctor or healthcare professional first.
Want to know more about hydration during pregnancy? Check out this helpful and insightful video (next page) for more!
READ: Nursing mom on a “water-only” diet nearly kills her newborn of starvation
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