Pregnancy is supposed to be magical, but our bodies go through so many changes that it’s difficult to keep up with what’s normal and what’s a real problem. There’s already enough to worry about when creating a brand new human, and the crazy dreams and new mom worry are enough, thank you.

There are so many rules about pregnancy, an endless number of blogs, articles, and apps telling us Do This, Definitely Don’t Do That, and I felt like I spent way more time in the waiting room than with my OB discussing pregnancy do’s and don’t’s. It’s difficult to know who to listen to and what to believe. I’ve done the research, seen my advice work with my patients, and I even LOVED being pregnant. To some, that’s incredibly annoying, I know. But, maybe it’s because I followed some of my own advice!

In my years on L&D, I’ve definitely seen some obvious and powerful patterns in preterm complications. I believe that one easy solution can solve and possibly prevent so many of these pregnancy woes. This secret really isn’t a secret, but you may be surprised to learn that it could save you hours of waiting in the hospital, hundreds of dollars in emergency room bills, and mean the difference between feeling broken and feeling like the rotund goddess that you are!

(ok, that might be a lofty goal, but we can dream!)

The Culprit: DEHYDRATION

The Cure: WATER

Sounds easy? It is!

Too good to be true? Try it out and you tell me!

The other day I was the triage nurse; the lone ranger on the front lines of pregnancy queries and chaos. I decided to test my theory and was shocked to learn that it alleviated so many pregnancy complaints that walked through our doors that day. Of course there are actual research studies that back up these findings; it was just amazing to see it in person!

Most of these expecting mamas spent between one and five hours on an uncomfortable stretcher, undergoing multiple (and often expensive) tests and procedures, in a stinky, loud triage bay separated from other mamas and families by just a curtain.

Not how I like to spend an entire afternoon.

Here are eight complications that may be prevented by simply staying hydrated:

1. 1. Preterm Labor – the uterus grows into a huge muscle when pregnant. It can become very irritable without adequate hydration. An irritable uterus will do exactly what it sounds like: contract, hurt, feel a little angry which over time can cause the cervix to dilate.
   2. Common Cold – Not only does water and staying well hydrated boost our immune system, but a pregnant woman is supporting two immune systems! Adequate hydration helps the placenta work efficiently, which helps the two-way communication between mama’s body and baby. Some viruses can cause preterm labor, so prevention is key.

3. Nausea/Vomiting – There are many reasons for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Dehydration can make nausea and vomiting even worse, even if it is not always the only cause. If dehydration is the cause, then water and sports drinks are the answer. If not, it is very easy for the pregnant mama to become dehydrated if she is vomiting – now there’s a vicious cycle of nausea, vomiting, dehydration. Prevent this cycle by staying hydrated as much as possible.

4. Decreased Baby Movements – Decreased movements of baby may be a sign that she’s not getting enough oxygen and nutrients through the placenta. This can be due to a variety of reasons, but adequate hydration can help increase blood flow through the placenta.

5. Low Amniotic Fluid – Adequate amniotic fluid levels help determine fetal wellbeing during pregnancy, and low fluid levels are indicative of fetal distress. Studies show that hydrating the mother can increase amniotic fluid levels for baby.

6. Bladder Infections (UTIs) – Pregnant women are at a higher risk for bladder infections, but drinking enough water can help move urine through the kidneys and bladder and prevent this painful complication.

7. Constipation – Water can help prevent constipation! (Thanks a lot, prenatal vitamins)

8. Lightheadedness/Dizziness – Prevent this with water if it’s caused by dehydration or low blood pressure.

How does a preggo mama stay hydrated without forwarding her mail to her bathroom for the duration of her pregnancy?

Well, you’re going to be peeing a lot. Here’s a hint: Know your water goals for the day (calculate it with me here), and start early. Have a halfway goal to complete by lunch to help break up your day. If you can get half of your water in by noon, then you won’t be scrambling to catch up late into the evening and then peeing Even More through the night.

Just think, the more days that you stay hydrated, the more likely you’ll be using your own bathroom instead of the one in my triage unit!! Enjoy that Butt-On-The-Seat feeling (squatters, you know what I mean)!

Taking my water with me to the bathroom made me feel like I was multitasking AND saving a step all at the same time 🙂

How much water is enough??

What if I don’t like to drink water??

Check out my video at the end of this post for quick answers to these questions!

Now tell me the truth. Did water work for you? Was it easy or are you struggling through each exhausting gulp? Tell me about your pregnancies in the comments below. And since you’ve got a full water bottle to get through, why not check out a few more Pregnancy Tips!

References

Borges VT, Rososchansky J, Abbade JF, Dias A, Peraçoli JC, Rudge MV. Effect of maternal hydration on the increase of amniotic fluid index. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2011; 44(3):263-6.

Mauad Filho F, Ayres CE, Ferreira AC, Paton MRF, Baracchini JAA, Casillo PM. The amniotic fluid volume in pregnant women under subtotal immersion in water. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet 1996; 18: 297-302.