Water Water Water. Hydration is key

So, lets talk about Hydration and what that means for a woman with child

Near the end of your pregnancy every single cell of your amniotic fluid is replaced every three hours.....let that little fact sink in....EVERY cell, EVERY 3 hours....amazing right? By the time you are full term this adds up to about a 6 gallon a day exchange in amniotic fluid. Add to that the doubled blood volume, the increased strain on the muscles, physical activity and the weather and you start to get a clearer picture as to why hydration is so very key for the pregnant woman. 

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Symptoms of dehydration can range from annoying all the way down to serious. Keep an eye out for things like

• headaches
• nausea
• dizziness 
• dark urine

• constipation
• swelling 
• increased braxton hicks
• even preterm labor

Pregnant women are prone to urinary tract infections. By keeping the urine diluted with a high volume of water, you minimize the risk of contracting one. Not only that but many women suffer from edema when pregnant. Swelling that is more than normal is usually associated with elevated blood pressure. Drinking water helps flush out the sodium, thereby minimizing the swelling. 

So, how much water should you be drinking? Well, women need at least2.3 liters of water daily during pregnancy and 3.1 liters daily for lactation. But this can vary due to your weight, weather and physical activity. Worry not! The internet is great. you can find some greathydration calculators that will help you determine how to set your hydration goal!! 
Starting to feel like your eyeballs are floating? Finding it hard to drink that much? In the land of Cokes and Sweet tea drinking that much water can be a little daunting. Try eating foods that are high in water... Melon (all are great), Iceberg lettuce, Oranges, Apples, Cucumbers ......you get the idea. Also considerinfusing your water with yummy fruits and herbs!! Are you a soda addict? Try switching to carbonated water and flavor it with fresh fruit or flavorful herbs to get that bubbly fizz without the chemicals and sugar, which your body don't need anyway. Make hydration a priority. It's good for you, its good for you baby and it will help you avoid complications during your childbearing journey!

Pomegranate & Blueberry Bliss
What you will need:
 ​Small box of plump blueberries
1 to 2 cups fresh pomegranate seeds
Still Water
Ice
Make it into a fruit infused iced tea by adding AuthenTea Blueberry Black Tea.
Preparation:
​ In a 2- to 2 1/2-quart pitcher, combine water, Pomegranate seed and blueberries.  Cover and chill at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours. Add ice cubes just before serving.  Add blueberries to skewers as an added touch for each glass.