How much water should you drink during pregnancy?

[Manisha Rawat]

Especially during hot summer months, you’ll want to make sure you stay adequately hydrated. Here are just some of the benefits of staying hydrated during your pregnancy:

Decreases constipation/hemorrhoids
Reduces swelling
Softens skin
Increases energy
Keeps you cooler
Decreases risk of urinary tract infections
Decreases risk of preterm labor and preterm birth

A pregnant woman needs, on average, approximately 10 cups (2.3 liters) of fluid per day. This includes the recommended three to four glasses of milk or calcium-fortified soy beverage.

Since you need more water during pregnancy, how much is enough? It’s recommended that you drink 8-12 glasses of water a day, or 2.3 liters. If your trips to the bathroom are frequent and your urine is pale or colorless, you're drinking is on track.