The Ultimate Cheat Sheet On Pregnancy Hydration

Dehydration is more common than you think. One popular study discovered a whopping 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration, which means there's a good chance you -- dear reader -- are thirsty right now. While "eating for two" is common pregnancy idiom, we want you to start thinking about drinking for two. Proper hydration will not only make your muscles and brain function better, it's better for baby, will help subdue uncomfortable pregnancy side effects and keep your pregnancy skin healthy and radiant! 9 things you have to know about hydration while pregnant 1) Gulping water in your third trimester increases amniotic fluid for your baby, which makes helps protect the baby's umbilical cord. 2) Aim for 8-12 eight-ounce glasses of water daily at a minimum. If you're exercising or the weather is hot, aim for more. 3) Drinking water helps prevent and cure constipation (and hemorrhoids), a common problem for many expecting Mamas. 4) In the third trimester, drinking ample water and applying an aloe leg gel made to relieve swollen legs and feet helps alleviate edema by aiding blood circulation. Adios, cankles. 5) If your face is parched, reach for a gentle cleanser, pregnancy safe toner and toxin-free moisturizer twice a day. Bonus points if you include a pregnancy safe facial product that contains hyaluronic acid, a powerful ingredient that holds 1,000 times its weight in water! 6) If pregnancy brain is making you forget to hydrate, sign up for one of these handy apps that alerts you when you need to drink more! Check out Waterlogged for iOS or Water Your Body for Android phones. Keep a log of how much water you're drinking, and turn it into a daily challenge! 6) Water helps deliver nutrients to your baby by helping form the placenta. Drink up, Mama! 7) Dehydrated skin means dry skin, and dry skin increases the chance of stretch marks! To give skin an extra boost, moisturize daily with a pregnancy-safe belly butter or stretch mark oil. 8) If you're feeling scaly, check the ingredients in your body wash. Sulfates, the stuff that makes skin care products foam, is notorious for leaving skin and hair dry. The best body wash for pregnancy will be sulfate-free and made with natural ingredients. 9) Listen to your body. It'll let you know you're dehydrated. Feeling overheated or have dark urine? These are signs you may need that extra glass of water. What are your favorite ways to stay hydrated while pregnant during these hot summer months? Share your tips below!