Water (liquid) intake

[rationalbalance]

How important is it to drink a lot of water?  I can't seem to get much down at all.  I was a coffee, tea, occasional soda drinker and now those things are out!  I don't really like water and juice is like drinking a ton of calories I don't need.

[JenNotSoSure]

YES!! there's someone else who doesnt like to drink water and juices! im the same way..but when i know i have to drink water..i will...but yes it it very very important to drink water and fluids, especially when you are pg.... hope this helped...

[Stacie30]

here's an incentive... did you know that the more water you drink the less fluid your body retains? That one blew my mind when my doc told me.. It sure has helped with swollen ankles though. I make sure to drink at least 64 oz per day and I try to drink nothing caffeinated (sp?) (sometimes I HAVE to have a glass of tea. LOL)

apologies for any spelling errors. for some reason it seems the more pregnant i get the harder time I have spelling stuff right. :o)

[Debra_Maine]

My doc said decaf is worse for you than regular coffee during pregnancy because of the chemicals they use to make it decaf. Just thought I'd share.

[mgi]

I am similar - I won't drink decaf because I am preg - but then I am thirsty all the time - I drink teh water but it doesn't quench my thirst

[Angel4JohnnyB]

Well........it's pretty important. But you already knew that.
Have you tried flavored water? Maybe you could tolerate that better. They have some new kind out that is flavored and has vitamins in it also, forgot the name though.
Yes juice does have lots of calories and lots of sugar. My pedi told me I could let my 10 year old have one cup a day but I don't let him have any because of all the sugar and calories. (he is overweight)

[cinnamonheart]

Coffee and tea are out  is this because your pregnant and dont want the caffeine?  Try the decaf  I drink it (not pregnant) I cant tell any difference, You should drink fluids, water, milk,  Or is this a diet thing?

[cajun01]

It's very important to drink water, especially if you're pregnant with a growing uterus, becuase it's like a big muscle and muscles need water.  I think you can still have a couple cups of coffee or tea a day.  Maybe try decaf?  It's hard to conciously think of drinking a big glass of water, so I just have a water bottle with me all the time and take sips during the day.  I usually go through about 6 cups of water from my bottle alone, never mind having a cup of tea at night or milk wtih supper.  I also find that putting a bit of lemon juice in water takes that metallic water taste away and makes it a bit more refreshing.  What about carbonated water?  If you don't mind the taste, it's a good break from pop.

[robin1979]

I will let you in on a trick, if you can't get water down, do herbal teas, or flavor your water with your fav. flavors like lemon, some kind of other fruit slice. get creative. you can do tes and coffee if it is DECAF!!! Good Luck.

[Angel4JohnnyB]

I was told NO herbal tea by my doctor.......not sure why but it was all over the book they gave me related directly to their offices.
Just wanted to share.

[jennimom]

Teas actually dehydrate you so you can't count them as liquids in your intake.  If you are a non-water drinker, perhaps the Fruit2O or the flavored selter waters might be palatable.  There's also good ole Gatorade, if dehydration is a problem.  I am picky generally now about my liquids, so I try and mix it up.  I do share your calorie concern, so perhaps the various flavored waters might work for you.  Also, I sometimes make my own lemonade (light version, when heartburn is not a problem).  Good luck.  Jenni

[mgi]

if you are trying to avoid all those artificail sweeteners (like I am ) it is hard - calories or sweeteners - what a dilemma - I cut  a coupon for V8 yesterday - I am going to buy some - at least that is fewer calories than juice.

[Debra_Maine]

I am a stickler for no artificial sweetner and I have gestational diabetes, so sugared drinks are out. The flavored seltzers are really not bad. The raspberry lime is my favorite. It's made by Polar. Don't know if they have that brand where you are.

[Still_AndiJ]

Watch out for gatorade, the sodium content in that is quite high. If you have pre-eclampsia this may be an issue.

Water, water, water! As many have mentioned, mix it up, add fruit, dilute some juice, decaf iced tea can be refreshing.

Andrea

[trixie charles]

Caffeine products are diaretics(make you pee) and they say to limit your intake to 3 cups per day if you are a heavy coffee/tea drinker.  I have one cup of regular coffee in the morning when I used to drink a pot.  Whoever said that drinking water helps with retention is exactly right and when my dr told me this I thought he was completely off his rocker but it has helped me big time.  I am now drinking 6 to 8 -10oz glasses of water daily and am suffering very little from the swelling.  The more fluids you drink while pregnant help with the milk production and guarantees that there will be no shortage of amniotic fluid for baby.  Plug your nose if you have to to get it down.