Cold water during pregnancy is a topic that is often discussed because it relates to the health of both the mother and the baby.
Some believe that drinking cold water may have negative effects on the mother or fetus, while others argue that it is safe and may even be beneficial.
Therefore, for expecting mothers and those supporting them, it is important to understand the difference between myths and facts based on scientific evidence.
Here are some common myths and facts about cold water during pregnancy, as well as the importance of proper hydration during pregnancy that every expectant mother should know.
The Importance of Hydration During Pregnancy
Water is an essential component for everyone, especially during pregnancy.
An article published in PLOS Digital Health states that hydration status in pregnant women is closely linked to pregnancy outcomes, including birth weight.
Inadequate fluid intake may increase the risk of dehydration, reduced amniotic fluid volume (oligohydramnios), and other complications.
During pregnancy, fluid needs increase significantly due to several physiological changes, including:
1. Increased Blood Volume
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that pregnancy triggers a significant increase in blood plasma volume, by more than 1 liter, or approximately 45% compared to pre-pregnancy levels.
This rise in plasma volume plays an important role in ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are properly delivered to the fetus, while also helping maintain stable blood pressure and circulation in the mother.
However, the body’s ability to adapt depends heavily on adequate fluid intake.
When the body is dehydrated, these adaptive processes can be disrupted, potentially affecting blood circulation, metabolism, and overall hydration balance.
2. Helps Support Amniotic Fluid Formation
An article in The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine explains that adequate water intake plays an important role in maintaining the volume and condition of amniotic fluid.
In addition, the mother’s body naturally continues to produce amniotic fluid, which acts as a protective cushion for the fetus throughout pregnancy.
This fluid helps regulate temperature, provides protection against pressure or impact, and supports the growth and development of fetal organs.
Sufficient fluid intake during pregnancy is therefore essential to help maintain optimal amniotic fluid levels.
Inadequate hydration may reduce amniotic fluid volume, which can potentially affect fetal growth and development.
3. Supports Kidney Function
An article in the Journal of Clinical Medicine states that during pregnancy, adaptations occur in the urinary system, including increased renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
These adjustments significantly raise the mother’s fluid requirements. The kidneys work more efficiently to remove metabolic waste from both the mother and fetus, maintain electrolyte balance, and prevent the accumulation of harmful substances in the body.
Meanwhile, an article in the Indonesian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that daily water intake for pregnant women ranges from 2,180–3,000 mL per day, depending on hydration status and gestational age.
This is why maintaining adequate fluid intake is considered important for supporting maternal health and fetal development.
Myths and Facts About Cold Water During Pregnancy
Cold water during pregnancy is often associated with various myths in society. However, most of these beliefs do not have strong scientific evidence.
Below are some common myths and facts based on credible scientific sources.
1. Myth: Causes the Baby to Be Born Large
One of the most popular myths about cold water during pregnancy is that it can make the baby larger than normal at birth.
This belief is based on the assumption that cold water can directly affect metabolism or fetal growth.
In reality, there is no scientific evidence showing that the temperature of drinking water influences a baby’s birth size.
An article in the Indonesian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology explains that maternal hydration status is associated with birth weight, but this does not mean that water consumption directly causes larger babies.
Cold water contains no calories, so it does not contribute to fetal weight gain. A baby’s birth weight is mainly influenced by other factors such as genetics, maternal health conditions, nutrition, and gestational age.
2. Mitos: Causes the Fetus to Become Ill
The belief that drinking cold water can make the fetus cold or sick is not supported by scientific evidence.
An article in Obstetrics & Gynaecology explains that once consumed, cold water does not remain at its original temperature for long. Instead, it quickly adjusts to the body’s internal temperature through the body’s natural thermoregulation process.
This means that water of any temperature does not affect the mother’s core body temperature or the fetus’s temperature in the uterus.
The fetus develops in amniotic fluid, which maintains a relatively constant temperature and is protected by the mother’s biological systems, including the placenta, which helps keep the uterine environment stable.
Fetal health issues are generally influenced by factors such as infections, maternal medical conditions, or genetics, and are not related to the temperature of beverages consumed during pregnancy.
3. Myth: Dangerous for Pregnant Women
In society, there is still a belief that pregnant women should completely avoid cold water because it is feared to cause health problems for both the mother and the baby.
This advice is generally based on traditional beliefs rather than medical considerations or strong scientific evidence.
In fact, drinking cold water during pregnancy is allowed, especially for mothers who were already accustomed to it before pregnancy.
The more important factor to consider is the quality of the water, it should be clean, safe, and suitable for consumption, regardless of its temperature.
What should be avoided is not cold water itself, but sugary cold beverages or carbonated drinks, as they may contribute excess calories or increase the risk of elevated blood sugar levels.
To help meet daily hydration needs during pregnancy, AQUA Gallon can be a practical choice for home use.
Why AQUA? Because not all water is AQUA. AQUA is 100% safe from physical, biological (pathogens), and chemical contaminants through a controlled purification process.
With a large 19-liter capacity, AQUA Gallon helps ensure a continuous supply of drinking water throughout the day for direct consumption.
