Hydration is very important during pregnancy and lactation

Hydration is very important during pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, maintaining adequate hydration is important and fundamental for the proper development of pregnancy and for the newborn during lactation. Find out why.

On many occasions we have talked to you about the benefits of water, and above all, the different virtues that our health means to follow proper and adequate hydration, drinking the number of fluids that our body needs every day (not only water but also juices of fruits and natural vegetables, infusions and tea, milk and vegetable drinks …). But it is true that there are often enough doubts about how much water to drink each day.

As recommended by many doctors and nutritionists, it is best to take between 7 and 8 glasses of water every day, which is about 1.5 liters. of water per day. In addition, it is essential to follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fresh vegetables as a way to ensure a greater consumption of liquids.

Due to the importance of hydration for our health today we have known that proper hydration is crucial during pregnancy and lactation, through the presentation of a report carried out by the Spanish Society of Community Nutrition (SENC) in the 33rd Congress of the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SEGO) with the collaboration of Solán de Cabras.

In the words of Professor Javier Aranceta, scientific president of the SENC, “the quantity and quality of water have a key relevance in all stages of life, but in a very special way during periods of pregnancy, lactation and early childhood.”

In fact, during pregnancy 90% of the body weight of the fetus is water. This percentage reaches 75% in newborns and remains around 60% in adulthood. Therefore, water consumption during pregnancy helps maintain the amniotic fluid, while intervening in the prevention of both kidney stones and urinary tract infections, as well as hydration in pregnant women who usually have to vomit as a result of the action of hormones during pregnancy.

In the words of the expert, water helps relieve symptoms caused by common problems and conditions during pregnancy. For example, it helps relieve the burning sensation in the esophagus and prevents constipation.

During breastfeeding, maintaining proper hydration is essential, so much so that the consumption of fluids should increase by 700 milliliters more per day since it is very common that during this stage the mother feels more thirsty. In addition, the newborn needs more water.

How much water should a pregnant woman drink a day?
Arancet advises that a pregnant woman take between 2.5 to 3 liters of water every day, preferably choosing mineral water, which provides minerals and traces elements such as magnesium or calcium, as well as bicarbonates.

While, during breastfeeding, it is best to increase this amount to 3.1 to 3.7 liters per day (ie, around 700 ml more).