There is nothing more essential to life than water, and when you are growing a new little life on the inside- it’s incredibly important to make sure that you are getting enough. Every part of your body, from the smallest cell, to tissues, and organs need water to regulate your temperature and maintain essential body functions. Your body loses water when you breath, sweat, digest food, and more; so it’s important to make sure you keep a regular flow of water going back into your body.  

During pregnancy you need a little more water than usual

Roughly about ten cups of water, as opposed to the regular eight cup recommendation. As you take on the task of staying hydrated, keep in mind there are a lot of benefits to staying hydrated during pregnancy; it can keep swelling at bay, avoid hemorrhoids, bladder infections, preterm labor, low amniotic fluid levels, and high blood pressure. If you are suffering from morning sickness, the thought of water can be nauseating, but becoming dehydrated on top of morning sickness won’t help you or your baby. 

When you aren’t a fan of water it can be tough to buckle down and drink it, but, there are 6 tips and tricks that might help:

• Buy a fancy water bottle.You love it might sound silly, but a bottle you love the look of can inspire you to keep filling it up and carrying it with you through the day, which will lead to the intake of more water for you and baby.
• Keep a cup in the restroom. Every time the “pregnancy bladder” acts up and you have to run to the restroom, fill that cup up with water and drink it down. The more you have to use the restroom, the more you will fill it up, causing you to use the restroom again. It’s a healthy cycle!
• Infuse your water with fruit or herbs. Putting a little flavor in your water can help. You can use things like cucumber, mint, berries, pineapple and more to put a fun twist in your water. 
• Try sparkling water.If plain water doesn’t do it for you, try to drink some with a little fizz. 
• Eat foods that contain water. Lettuce, carrots, celery, melon, and many other fruits and vegetables are a great source of water. 
• Reward yourself. Set a goal to drink a certain amount of water each day. Once you hit that goal, reward yourself with a tastier beverage - like juice, milk, or an occasional soda.  

If you are worried that you are not getting enough water, you will want to look for a few signs of

• Dehydration:
• Very dry skin
• Eyes that are sunken in
• Not having to urinate or having very dark in color urine
• Lack of energy
• Fainting
• Dizziness 
• An increase of Braxton Hicks contractions 

If you see any signs of dehydration, be sure to call your doctor right away. Now get ready to drink up!