Thinking of Getting Pregnant? Part 3
You’ve started taking Folic Acid. You started working out, or kicked it up a notch. What else can you do pre-pregnancy? Check your water intake. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have heard that you are supposed to drink 8 glasses of water each day for a total of 64 ounces. This is for the average healthy person.
When you are pregnant, water is even more crucial to your body. Water can help you feel better, and is essential for your baby too. Ironically, drinking enough water will help you from retaining water. While your baby is in the womb, the amniotic fluid will protect him. Without drinking the proper amount of water, you may not have enough protection.
The big concern most women have about drinking water when they are pregnant is that they already have to go to the bathroom all the time. Yes, it does get a little old running (waddling) down the hall to the bathroom every hour. But remember, it’s essential for you and baby!
Why start drinking water pre-pregnancy? I find that it’s much easier to make changes when you aren’t under pressure. There will be many other adjustments throughout your pregnancy, why not make a few beforehand to lighten your load? Drinking enough water will help ensure that your body is a healthy place for your baby to grow. If you start drinking water now, it will be part of your normal routine, and you won’t think twice about continuing once you are pregnant.
How did I do it? I got one of those 32 oz. “unbreakable” bottles. Every morning when I got to work, I would fill it with ice and water. Then I would take it with me everywhere I went. By lunch, I’d be ready for a refill. Just 2 bottles a day at work, and I was covered. Any more that I drank was gravy or icing (depending on your current craving 
).
Some people do not like that water has no flavor. Now there are the Crystal Light To Gos, and many other flavorings you can add. I really like adding lemon to my water. It takes the edge off and provides a hint of flavor.
Remember that 64 ounces is a guideline for intake. A good way to see if you are drinking enough is if you have to go to the bathroom often (please don’t try to hold it too long!), and if your urine is almost clear and odorless. If you are taking your vitamins you may have florescent urine shortly after, that’s ok. You should be able to tell the difference between highly concentrated urine, and vitamin urine after awhile. ☺
Go get hydrated!