Pregnant women are generally advised to drink between 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces, or about 1.9 to 2.8 liters) of water daily to support their increased hydration needs
. This range accounts for the body's higher demand during pregnancy to aid digestion, maintain amniotic fluid, circulate nutrients, and remove waste
. More specifically, hydration guidelines suggest pregnant women consume about 3.0 liters (around 10 cups or 80 ounces) of total water daily, including beverages and water from food
. This is higher than the 2.7 liters recommended for non-pregnant women, reflecting the additional physiological demands of pregnancy such as increased blood volume and amniotic fluid production
. Additional fluid intake is particularly important during the second and third trimesters, with recommendations to increase water intake by approximately 11.5 ounces (340 ml) in the second trimester and about 15 ounces (450 ml) in the third trimester to match increased calorie needs and fluid requirements
. Experts emphasize that staying well-hydrated throughout pregnancy helps prevent complications such as uterine irritability, preterm labor, and low amniotic fluid levels, and supports fetal development
. If a woman experiences vomiting, constipation, or hot weather, she may need to increase her fluid intake beyond these general guidelines
. In summary, aiming for about 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) or roughly 2 to 3 liters of water daily is recommended for pregnant women, with adjustments based on individual factors such as trimester, activity level, climate, and symptoms
