Pregnant Women Need More Water
Key points
- "Even though it's 'oh so trendy' to carry water, during pregnancy it is quite wise," says Mary Brucker, director of the Women's Health Education Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
- Especially as the weather warms for spring and summer, dehydration may result in contractions and even preterm labor, she says.
- You can gauge your level of hydration by listening to your thirst and by watching your urine color, she says.
- Urine should be light yellow, not dark - although prenatal vitamins can make it brighter.
"Even though it's 'oh so trendy' to carry water, during pregnancy it is quite wise," says Mary Brucker, director of the Women's Health Education Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
Especially as the weather warms for spring and summer, dehydration may result in contractions and even preterm labor, she says. You can gauge your level of hydration by listening to your thirst and by watching your urine color, she says. Urine should be light yellow, not dark - although prenatal vitamins can make it brighter.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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