July 30, 2018

Drinking plenty of water each day is important for everyone, but it becomes even more critical for expecting moms during the summer months. Dehydration during pregnancy can lead to a number of complications for both moms and their babies.¹

Importance of Staying Hydrated During Pregnancy

Dehydration poses a real danger to expectant mothers and their growing babies. Aside from causing physical discomfort and sweating, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause heat stroke. In people who aren’t pregnant, heat stroke can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, and even death.¹ For pregnant women, heat stroke carries the same risks, as well as an increased potential for miscarriage and maternal death.¹ Because of the extra weight they carry, pregnant women have an increased risk for dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and their bodies have to work overtime to cool down.

Perhaps the most important thing a pregnant woman can do to prevent heat stroke and avoid heat exhaustion is to stay hydrated. A developing baby is dependent on getting fluids from the mother. Drinking eight glasses of water each day can help both mom and baby stay healthy in the heat. Avoiding caffeine and high levels of salt is also recommended.¹ These can be dehydrating to both mothers and babies and are generally not recommended as part of a balanced prenatal nutrition regimen.

Deliciously Healthy Infused Water

For some people, drinking water day after day can get monotonous. Try these infused water recipes to mix up your water routine. For every recipe below follow these preparation steps:
Drop ingredients into the bottom of a half-gallon pitcher or a fruit infuser bottle.
Cover with ice about halfway to the top of the pitcher and then fill to the top with water.
Place in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

Citrus Raspberry
This recipe provides a boost of vitamin C and you can mix and match citrus fruits.

• 1 thinly sliced orange OR 2 thinly sliced lemons OR 2 thinly sliced limes
• 1 pint raspberries, lightly crushed

Blueberry Herb
This recipe is beautiful to look at and good for you. The blueberries are rich with antioxidants.

• 1 pint blueberries
• Lavender OR basil to taste

Fresh Strawberry Lemon
The sweetness of the strawberries is nicely balanced with the tartness of the lemons. The mint adds a refreshing, cooling finish.

• 15 strawberries, quartered
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 5 mint leaves

Citrus Cucumber Medley
This recipe is packed with flavor. You may want to strain it since there are so many ingredients. But it, too, is full of healthy vitamins and antioxidants.

• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 lime, thinly sliced
• 1 grapefruit, sliced
• 1 medium cucumber, sliced
• 1 sprig of fresh mint

Prenatal Vitamins to Supplement Prenatal Nutrition

During pregnancy, a well-balanced diet is even more important as mothers-to-be are eating to support the nutritional needs of their babies, too. The Prenate^® Vitamin Family is committed to promoting women’s health. Prenate^® Vitamins can help support mothers and babies throughout pregnancy and through labor and delivery. Even with a balanced and healthy diet, many women have trouble meeting their daily recommended intakes for certain vitamins and minerals. Talk to your doctor to see if a prenatal vitamin may be right for you to help fill nutritional gaps.

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