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"What IS all this talk about water?"

An adult body is composed of nearly 70% water.  Along with oxygen, we are completely dependent on water for our survival.  Water transmits nutrients, regulates our body temperature, eliminates waste products and toxins from the body, and keeps the skin and joints moist and lubricated.  We may find that we are able to concentrate better after drinking water.  Poor hydration is responsible for distractibility, low energy and muscle weakness among other things.  A severe state of dehydration causes serious chemical imbalances in the body.  It is said that when we first have the thought that we are thirsty, the body is already in a state of dehydration.  Dehydration is known to cause premature labor and many other pregnancy complications.

Drinking lots of water during pregnancy and labor is essential for a healthy experience.  Eighty-three percent of our blood is made up of water and blood flow expands greatly as pregnancy progresses.  Our bodies do not store water and we must take in new water every day to replenish our needed supply.  Water provides an efficient transport of nutrients to our baby ensuring adequate fetal growth.  Water is responsible for balancing acids and holding essential salts in the body.

One pregnancy related complication of dehydration is low amniotic fluid.  Studies have shown that women who have lower amniotic fluid levels can effectively improve their levels by increasing the amount of water they are drinking.  During pregnancy we need to drink at least 10 eight-ounce glasses of liquid every day, water being the best choice.  Hot temperatures and exercise increase the need for water.   So keep in mind that having a water bottle with you at all times is great for you and your growing baby.

~Written and submitted by Susan Oshel, CPM