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Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Water enables your body to process nutrients, develop new cells, sustain blood volume and regulate body temperature-all important during pregnancy. Your blood volume increases during pregnancy; drinking extra fluids helps you keep up with this change. You may feel better during pregnancy if you drink more liquid than you normally do.
Research has shown that for every 15 calories you burn, your body needs about I tablespoon of water. If you burn 2,000 calories a day, you need 133 tablespoons-2 quarts-of water! Because you need more calories during pregnancy, you also need more water.
Drink six to eight glasses or more of liquid every day. Water is the best source of fluid; however, other fluids will satisfy your needs. Foods and drinks that can help you get enough fluid include vegetables, milk and milk products, meats, grain products, fruits and juices. Avoid coffee, tea and diet cola as fluid sources-they can contain sodium and caffeine, which act as diuretics.
Two quarts a day may seem like a lot of liquid to consume, but you can do it. Some women drink water, one glass at a time, throughout the day. (Decrease your intake later in the day so you don't have to go to the bathroom all night long.)
Increasing your water or fluid intake can relieve headaches, uterine cramping and other problems. Drinking plenty of water also helps avoid bladder infections.
Water is important in regulating body temperature. In fact, for each degree above 98.6F (37C), drink an extra pint of water (or other fluid) each day to help bring down a fever.
To determine if you're drinking enough flUid, check your urine.
When it is light yellow to clear, you're getting enough water. Dark yellow urine is a sign you need to increase your fluid intake.
Thirst is not a good indication of how much water you need. By the time you get thirsty, you've already lost 1 % of your body's water. Don't let yourself become thirsty!
When you exercise, drink a cup of water before you begin your routine. Then drink 1/2 cup to 1 cup of water every 20 minutes while you are exercising to help prevent dehydration.
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