$Unique_ID{BRK02061}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Recommendations for Water Intake During Pregnancy}
$Subject{pregnant pregnancy water liquids liquid fluid intake thirst nutrition
hydration lactation prenatal health diet}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Recommendations for Water Intake During Pregnancy


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QUESTION:  I am now pregnant, and being advised by some of my friends to
increase my daily water intake to about 8 glasses a day.  In addition I intend
to nurse, and these same friends say I will have to drink even more then to
make up for the milk.  I really have trouble getting this much water down.
Will I hurt my baby if I don't follow this advice, and drink this much?  I
will do anything to preserve the health of my child.

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ANSWER:  I am sure all your friends are well meaning in their advice, which on
the surface might seem logical.  But there is a much better method to measure
the amount of liquid your body really needs.  It is called "thirst," and if
you follow the prompting of your own body, you and your baby will do just
fine. While your body may require about 8 glasses of liquid a day, this
represents the intake from all sources, not merely water.  Juices, milk, soft
drinks, even the fluids contained in food all contribute to the total amount.
Most people only drink about two to three glasses of water a day, and that may
be just enough to make up all that is required.  Besides, trying to add more
water than is needed can give you a full feeling that prevents you from
consuming all the nutritious foods you should be eating now.  In addition, too
much water will keep you running to the bathroom more than you might wish.
Even the additional needs of nursing are not sufficient to cause anxiety. Your
own sense of thirst is all the reminder you will need to keep your body
adequately hydrated, and provide sufficient milk to nourish your baby.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.