Do you need more water? Humans are 45-75% made of water–depending on several factors, While pregnant, you should drink around 3L of water every day, which really makes a great case for a new big dumb cup for sure! I personally loved to swim during pregnancy as it took some pressure off of my low back, & have heard that float therapy can also even help a breech baby turn head down. We know that water immersion (aka: the midwife’s epidural) is ranked second only to epidurals for pain relief in labor, and that sterile water injections can be used for pain relief for back labor. Unfortunately, the only people with access to water birth in this area are those who choose to birth at home right now though. More water is essential for lactation too!
Water water more water, yes, and below are my 3 big things you need to focus on during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum when it comes to water.
Here are 3 foci about water for you:
- Drink more water than you think you need during pregnancy and nursing. You will probably be really thirsty anyway, but keep drinking water–because dehydration is no fun!
- Hydrotherapy is a great option for pain relief in pregnancy & labor. Full immersion gives the best relief, but getting in the shower can help some too.
- If we want more options, we have to demand them! If you want the chance for a water birth or sterile water injections for back-labor relief, speak up now & keep talking about it to everyone you know.
