Summer has arrived and it's more important than ever to keep your water bottles topped up, especially if you're carrying a little one. Read on to discover tips for hydration during pregnancy and why it's so important you keep your H2O levels high during the nine-month stretch...
Does pregnancy cause dehydration?
It's important to remember that everyone and anyone can become dehydrated for so many different reasons. Our bodies are completely unique - some need or crave water more so than others. During pregnancy though, it may be worth trying to tap into your hydration levels a little further. Your body is working so hard to make your little baba; water actually plays quite a big part in helping the process. If you are suffering from morning sickness, you're losing more fluid and electrolytes than the average person, so this could lead to you feeling a little dehydrated. According to the Royal College of Nursing, signs of dehydration can include feeling thirsty, feeling dizzy, sleepiness, a dry mouth, headaches, passing small amounts of darker urine, low blood pressure and experiencing a rapid pulse. You know your body as well as anyone, so keep checking in with how you're feeling every day and remember to keep sipping that water!
What are the benefits of staying hydrated during pregnancy?
As your bump grows, water is needed to help you increase the volume of blood in your body and support the development of the amniotic fluid that surrounds and protects your baby (or babies) during the nine-month stretch. It also helps to form the placenta, where the nutrients for your baby (or babies) pass through. It's amazing to think that you can help your body do its incredible work just by drinking a glass of water! Two-thirds of our body is made of water, so its only natural that replenishing your hydration levels is bound to make you feel better. You may find that you gain more energy, sleep better and feel a little brighter in your step by upping your water drinking habits.
How do I stay hydrated during pregnancy?
If you're naturally not a very thirsty person, it can be tricky to keep up with a healthy routine of drinking water. If you feel like you may need to be drinking more water during your pregnancy, here are some useful tips to help you boost your hydration levels.
#1 Drink one glass of water before every meal
This is a good way to get into a routine of drinking more water and it's super easy to remember, so you don't have to worry if you're struggling with a small case of 'baby brain'!
#2 Infuse with your favourite fruit
If you just simply don't enjoy drinking water and you struggle with it, adding your favourite fruit can really help you enjoy it more. Grab a large glass bottle, fill to the top with water and ice and drop in your fruit of choice - it can be anything from strawberries to lemon.
#3 Just sip throughout the day
There's no need to gulp down gallons of water in one go if you're feeling dehydrated. This can be super difficult if you are experiencing morning sickness, too. The NHS advises that you should try drinking small amounts throughout the day if you're struggling with sickness.
#4 Don't forget the ice cubes!
During the nine-month stretch, especially in summer, you may find that you feel hotter (and sweatier) than usual. This is completely normal! A refreshing glass of cold water can help to cool you down as well as increase your intake of H2O. Keep a large glass jug of water in your fridge so it's ready to go whenever you feel yourself overheating.
#5 Treat your skin to some hydration too!
You may find that when you're dehydrated, your skin feels super dry, tight and slightly shrivelled. This is just another sign that your body is telling you to maybe drink a little more water. Our Megamama Body Lotion contains Hyaluronic Acid, a naturally occurring active that sounds much scarier than it is! Completely pregnancy-safe, Hyaluronic helps to draw moisture to the surface of the skin and lock in moisture, leaving you with plump and hydrated skin.
