Water and Fluid Intake During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by approximately 50%. Drinking enough water to meet this increase and support amniotic fluid is truly important. Consuming 8-12 glasses (2.3-3 liters) of fluid per day can be a general goal.

An easy way to tell if your body needs water: Dark-colored urine, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, and fatigue may be the first signs of water deficiency. Especially during the first trimester when nausea is intense, paying attention to fluid intake is very valuable.

Not just water — milk, fresh fruit juice, buttermilk, and herbal teas your doctor is comfortable with also contribute to fluid needs. For caffeine, WHO and ACOG recommend no more than 200 mg a day (about 2 cups of filter coffee); staying within your doctor's recommended limit is a good approach — WHO indicates that high caffeine consumption may be associated with low birth weight risk.

A practical tip: You can always carry a water bottle with you. Starting the day with a glass of water when you wake up is a great habit. If you have nausea, water with lemon or ginger may be worth trying.