Did you know that water is an important part of a healthy pregnancy? While staying hydrated is
always an important step toward maintaining a fit lifestyle, pregnancy presents specific circumstances that make hydration – and cleaner, safer water – even more vital.
Combat the Side Effects of Pregnancy
Proper hydration can aid in preparing your body for the side effects and physical changes of pregnancy, while ensuring your baby experiences healthy fetal development. The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can alter the way women store water in their bodies, often leading to water retention. While it might seem counter-intuitive, drinking the recommended eight glasses of water a day can actually alleviate excess water retention. Staying properly hydrated can also replace fluids that are lost due to increased perspiration and urination, which are side effects commonly associated with pregnancy. Plus, as your blood volume increases during the third trimester, the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular problems can increase. Maintaining a healthy intake of water can help reduce the risk of these conditions1.
Water Your Growing Baby
Did you know that water can also nurture your growing baby throughout the gestational period? Proper hydration aids in the flow of nutrients to the baby through your blood. Also, the amniotic sack that protects your baby in the womb depends on fluid that must be replaced every hour by a cup of water that is stored in the body2. If you’re dehydrated, your body may not have the fluids necessary to ensure the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby is properly replenished. Dehydration can also lead to harmful effects on your baby’s development, such as an excessively warm maternal environment and, potentially, preterm labor and delivery3.
Nurture Your Newborn
If you choose to breastfeed once your baby is born, keep in mind that you may feel even thirstier than normal. That’s because the hormones involved with milk-making cause your body to conserve water. Failing to get enough fluids to replenish your body’s water supply can impact how much milk you’re able to produce. This can also lead to constipation, fatigue and impaired concentration4.
Safe, Refreshing Water: Just a Taste Away
Ensuring the water you drink is free of potentially harmful contaminates is crucial. The cleaner, safer water you get from a Culligan drinking water system will make a difference toward a healthy, happy pregnancy. Contact Culligan today for a free water analysis to see how a Culligan water system can deliver better drinking water to you and your baby – during pregnancy and beyond.
1 and 2 “The Benefits of Water in Pregnancy.” Pregnancy Info.net. Online: http://www.pregnancy-info.net/benefits_water.html
3 “Water Consumption During Pregnancy”. Mediconsult’s Nutrition Services. StorkNet. Online: http://www.storknet.com/experts/nutrition/cd21.htm
4 Mary Silva, M.S, R.D. “Dietary Tips for Breastfeeding Moms”. Dr. Spock.com. Online: http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,5370,00.html
April 11, 2010 by james
This past weekend the world record for the longest kickball game was broken. No, I did not play in it. I really wish I could have! Chris called me and asked if we could help out with providing water. It started this past Friday afternoon in Rowlett, TX. They played kick ball for 50 hours straight in order to raise money and awareness for children in slavery. The Mercy Project was started by a friend of mine, Chris Field. Its sole mission is to bring as many young children out of slavery. Chris has a heart for service and is a man full of passion. He is part of something bigger than himself…bigger than you and I. The question for me and you is the same. What do you do that is bigger than you? I mean really when its all said and done that’s the stuff that matters…the stuff that leaves a legacy is what you participate in that leaves a lasting difference in someones life. Its not about how much water I sell. Its not about the size of my truck/house or other material things. That stuff is all going to burn up one day. I hope that I can make it a priority to make a lasting impression on someones life for good. Maybe its a kickball game to raise awareness for children in slavery, maybe its that extra effort each day to spend time with your children, maybe its that phone call that you need to make, maybe its those words you need to say…I don’t know what it is for you but I do know that if we open our eyes the opportunities are there. We just have to act on them. Here are a few pictures from the World record Kickball game. Congrats to all who participated. What a cool event. Enjoy…be inspired to DO something that makes a difference in the lives of people.
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