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- $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.
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- 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.
-