Drinking enough
Your body needs a lot of fluids
Make sure you drink enough, because during pregnancy, your body needs water not only as a means of transport, but also for the formation of extra blood and amniotic fluid, and to provide for the unborn baby. Ideals drinks would be mineral water, fruit juices mixed with water, vegetable juices, fruit and herbal teas.
Foods to avoid
Expectant mothers should avoid drinking pure fruit juices, fruity drinks and fizzy drinks as they contain plenty of sugar and unnecessary calories. Of course, you should also completely abstain from alcohol, for the sake of your baby’s health.
The consumption of real coffee and black tea should be reduced to a maximum of 2-3 cups a day, as too much caffeine may have adverse effects for mother and child. It is better to drink decaffeinated coffee or herbal tea instead.
Even if you do not feel thirsty, you need fluids
Some useful tips for those who are not able to drink that much: drink beverages that you like at regular times of the day; for example, first thing in the morning, during your lunch break and then in the early evening. Drinking is simply a matter of training – people just often forget to do it.
Even if you are not thirsty, you need fluids. As such, always have a bottle of mineral water or a pot of tea close at hand, whether on your desk or on your kitchen table. Bear in mind that your fluid requirement will increase even more while breastfeeding.
Fluid requirement
| Non-pregnant woman | Expectant mother | Breastfeeding mother | |
| Drinks | 1410 ml | 1470 ml | 1710 ml |
| Solid food | 860 ml | 890 ml | 1000 ml |
| Total | 2270 ml | 2360 ml | 2710 ml |
| Increased demand | +90 ml | +440 ml |
