Eating well and exercising are certainly important for a healthy pregnancy however living in Arizona places a big focus on the importance of fluid intake. During pregnancy the body requires 50% to 75% more circulating intravascular volume. The purpose of this is to allow for better circulation to the developing pregnancy for both the delivery of nutrition and oxygen. It is therefore extremely important to concentrate on taking in an appropriate amount of liquids throughout the pregnancy especially with the dry desert climate of Arizona.

Relying on thirst as an indication for the need of taking more fluid can often put one "behind the eight ball". Many common symptoms of pregnancy such as low-grade headache, menstrual-like uterine cramping, extreme fatigue despite adequate rest and unexpected "chills" are secondary to early signs of dehydration in pregnancy. These symptoms occur long before actual thirst comes into the picture. Ignoring these signs may result in overt premature contractions and possibly a premature birth for the baby.

What is an adequate amount of fluid to be taken during pregnancy? This is a very difficult question to answer because "one size does not fit all". A good rule of thumb is to consume approximately one quart of liquids every 4-6 hours throughout the day. In this way, appropriate hydration could be maintained. Oftentimes Moms fall into the trap of being reassured that they must be drinking enough because they are always going to the bathroom. This is an unreliable indicator of appropriate hydration since the baby's head may be often carried low in the pregnancy putting pressure on the bladder make one feel that they always have to urinate. Therefore, in order to insure better health for mom and baby, particularly here in Arizona a conscious effort must be made to consume an appropriate amount of fluids.

Water is not only good for you to drink but also good for you to surround yourself with. What I am talking about here is good old fashion swimming pool activity! The term that we use in Perinatal Medicine is subtotal immersion therapy. Being immersed into water up to your neck and just sitting there or performing exercise provides many physiologic advantages to a pregnant mom. The water acts to push fluid underneath the skin back into the intravascular space thereby reducing swelling and edema. This is a perfect way to help reduce the swollen feet and legs that often accompany late pregnancy! The aches and pains of the musculoskeletal system in late pregnancy often contribute to poor sleeping and quality of life.

The center of gravity that is typically somewhat toward the front of the body in a nonpregnant person tends to shift toward the backside as pregnancy progresses. This shifts the weight bearing responsibility toward the hips the back of the knees and heels, areas that are not necessarily ready for this kind of stress. The result is that moms often feel like they have bruised heels, serious lower back pain, hip pain and leg cramps. By putting the body under water, the effects of gravity on the musculoskeletal system are somewhat eliminated. This allows for the muscles that are spasming in an effort to keep the spine straight to somewhat relax and relieve the pressure. The baby, which usually sits way down in the pelvis is lifted up out of the pelvis because of the effects of the water and its "antigravity effect." The baby moving out of the pelvis allows for the deep pelvic pressure to be relieved and the swelling to be resolved.

The effect of the water pushing fluid from the skin into the intravascular space also improves the circulation to the baby dramatically. Physicians have reported improvement in the production of fetal urine which represents an improvement in fetal oxygenation in utero as a result of subtotal immersion therapy. Therefore, by getting in a pool and sitting there and or exercising for 1/2 an hour twice a day during the cool parts of the day has many beneficial effects for both mom and baby.

So, there you have it, drink lots of water, stay cool and sit in the pool...Doctor's Orders!

About the Author:

Michael R. Foley, M.D.
Medical Director
Phoenix Perinatal Associates
an Affiliate of Obstetrix Medical Group of Phoenix, PC

Re-print permission granted to Marian @ BeHereSoon.com by Dr. Michael Foley.Originally written in 2001 by Dr. Michael Foley for special delivery section of Marty Hames @ Azfamily.com

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