Can You Drink Hot Water While Pregnant?

As a pregnant woman, you frequently get tons of advice on almost every health concern. One of the most common advice is to drink warm water during pregnancy, at least 8-12 glasses daily to keep yourself hydrated, which is certainly correct. Water is vital to the overall health of your pregnancy and should be taken in an adequate amount during pregnancy to support fetal circulation, a higher blood volume, and amniotic fluid development. While it is healthy to drink water daily, how about drinking hot water during pregnancy? We are sure almost every pregnant woman faces this question once in their pregnancy journey. If you are among the smart people having this dilemma, the following post will answer all your near and dear questions related to drinking hot water during pregnancy.

Is Drinking Hot Water During Pregnancy Safe?

Drinking water in the correct quantity is extremely important when you are pregnant, for the proper development of your baby. The right amount of water will ensure that you are energised and detoxified, aside from being hydrated.

Drinking warm or hot water has plenty of benefits and helps combat dehydration, fatigue, and infections (1). However, ensure that the water isn’t scalding hot because it can burn the lining of your mouth, which makes it harmful whether you’re pregnant or not. Dehydration is usually the gateway for a host of issues, such as nausea and cramps, and it can even cause preterm labour.

Benefits of Drinking Warm Water While Pregnant

As mentioned above, staying hydrated during your pregnancy is something you must prioritise. The following are five of the most important benefits of staying hydrated during your pregnancy (2).

1. Helps With Detoxification and Digestion

Drinking warm water will aid in digestion by clearing out all the toxins from your body. It also cleans out the digestive tract, allowing your body to absorb nutrients better. These nutrients are then easily passed on to the baby. Warm water is also said to dissolve fat and oil droplets.

2. Reduces Morning Sickness

Most mothers will attest that morning sickness is one of the hardest aspects of pregnancy. Nausea is caused by dehydration, and this kickstarts a vicious cycle where nausea will put you off wanting to drink water. To break the cycle and keep yourself comfortable, it is imperative that you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

3. Relieves Constipation

With so many changes occurring in your body and in your diet when you are pregnant, you will most likely find yourself battling constipation, which is a common issue during pregnancy. Warm water is a good combatant for constipation and will help you have regular bowel movements.

4. Maintaining Bronchial Health

One of the things that your doctor will tell you is that you must avoid unnecessary medication during your pregnancy in order to keep your developing baby’s health intact. This means that you must take care of your general health and avoid situations that will cause common illnesses like the flu. During winter months, it is especially important that you consume warm water in order to keep certain conditions like throat infections, cough, cold, and flu at bay.

5. Better Hydration

Drinking warm water will result in better hydration, which will help your body perform its functions with ease. With your body’s hormone levels changing, your system will need all the hydration it can get to continue its normal functioning. Adequate hydration helps you combat common pregnancy issues like oedema, morning sickness, cramps, and dizziness.

Does Drinking Warm Water in Pregnancy Harm Your Baby?

While hot water will not harm your baby directly, very hot or scalding water can cause burns in your mouth and throat. This can cause a lot of pain and restrict the type of food you can eat. A reduction in food intake can cause you to become weak and reduce the amount of nutrition reaching your developing baby. The burns may also get infected and may need medication for healing. These medications, in turn, could cause harm to your baby, as any changes in the mother’s body can have a direct impact on the fetus.

How Much Hot Water Can You Drink During Pregnancy?

While staying hydrated is crucial, many expectant mothers wonder about the safety of consuming hot water. Understanding the right balance ensures you can enjoy a warm beverage without any undue concerns.

• The amount of water you need can change based on factors like your weight, the climate, and your activity level.
• Aim to drink eight to twelve glasses of water daily to stay well-hydrated and support your body’s essential functions (3).
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can also help lessen water retention, which is common in pregnancy.
• If you exercise, remember to have extra water afterwards to replace the fluids you lost through sweat.
• It’s a good habit to sip water consistently throughout the day, rather than waiting until you feel thirsty. For personalised advice, always consult your doctor to determine the right water intake for you.

Myths About Drinking Hot Water While Pregnant

When it comes to drinking hot water during pregnancy, it’s easy to encounter conflicting advice and old wives’ tales. These myths can often cause unnecessary worry. Let’s clarify the facts by debunking some of the most common misconceptions.

• Myth: Hot water causes birth defects. While extremely high core body temperature (hyperthermia) can be a risk, the temperature of your drinking water is not high enough to cause internal harm or birth defects.
• Myth: You should avoid all hot beverages. It is perfectly safe to enjoy warm drinks. The key is to ensure the liquid is at a comfortable, warm temperature that you can sip easily, not scalding hot.
• Myth: Hot water can induce early labour. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that drinking warm or hot water can trigger contractions or premature labour.
• Myth: It leads to dehydration. Warm water is just as hydrating as cool water. For some, it can even be easier to drink in larger quantities, aiding in meeting daily hydration goals.
• Myth: It harms the amniotic fluid. Your body regulates its internal environment effectively. Drinking warm water is processed normally and does not negatively impact the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby.

Precautions to Take

There are certain precautions you may take if you are still worried about the intake of warm water. Here are a few:

• Make sure that the water you consume is boiled for long enough to ensure that all the bacteria and germs are killed off.
• Do not drink water from places you are unsure of. Carry a bottle of water with you from home wherever you go.
• Make sure the water you drink has no occurrence of lead, which can be an issue if you live in an old house that still uses lead pipes.
• Ensure you use filtered water to boil and not regular tap water. It is best to be safe when it comes to prenatal health.
• Drink the right amount of water but at frequent intervals. Drinking too much water too fast can put too much pressure on your kidneys.
• Drink one cup of water for every hour that you are awake.
• If plain water is not something you enjoy drinking, then add a couple of slices of lemon or a few pieces of watermelon to your water for added taste.
• Incorporate liquids into your diet. Soups and fresh fruit juices are great sources due to their water content. Make sure that the juice is made at home and that it is sugar-free.
• Do not consume caffeine, soda, or processed fruit juices with too much sugar. These substances act as a diuretic, which is counterproductive.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and going out when it is hot. You will need a large quantity of water, and put unnecessary pressure on your body.

Ensure that you keep yourself hydrated, especially during your pregnancy, when the hormonal imbalance can cause serious dehydration (4). It is imperative to recognise your body’s needs.

FAQs

1. Can I drink hot water with honey while pregnant?

Yes, you can certainly drink hot water with honey during pregnancy. Remember to consume hot water and honey in moderate amounts only to be safe during pregnancy.

2. Can a pregnant woman have a miscarriage from drinking hot water?

Currently, no scientific evidence suggests a relationship between drinking hot water during pregnancy and miscarriage. However, it is important to drink hot water cautiously as it can cause burns or scalding in the mouth.

3. Is it beneficial to drink hot water with ginger during pregnancy?

Yes, drinking hot water in pregnancy mixed with a little ginger can relieve you from nausea and vomiting, thanks to ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties (5).

4. Does drinking hot water affect blood pressure during pregnancy?

There is no direct link between drinking hot water during pregnancy 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters and significant changes in blood pressure. However, staying adequately hydrated with water at any safe temperature is crucial for maintaining stable blood pressure, which is especially important during pregnancy.

“Can I drink cold water during pregnancy? This is another frequent concern for expectant mothers.” Yes, it is perfectly safe to drink cold water during pregnancy. There is no scientific or medical evidence to suggest that cold water is harmful to you or your baby. If you have any concerns or apprehensions related to the consumption of hot water during pregnancy, the best option is to consult your doctor. Make sure you are comfortable with the amount and temperature of water you are consuming and stop if you are feeling uncomfortable.

Also Read:

Alcohol During Pregnancy
Dehydration while Pregnant
Coconut Water When Pregnant
Consuming Water during Pregnancy
Drinking Sparkling Water in Pregnancy

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Sources References

1. National Library of Medicine – Nutrition Column An Update on Water Needs during Pregnancy and Beyond

2. Cleveland Clinic – Are There Health Benefits to Drinking Hot Water?

3. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – How much water should I drink during pregnancy?

4. American Pregnancy Association – Dehydration During Pregnancy

5. Johns Hopkins Medicine – Ginger Benefits