Getting Enough to Drink? (And is it the right stuff?)

___ Having a hard time squeezing eight in? Add a glass to your morning routine. (Drink it right after you brush your teeth).

___ Don't wait until you?re parched to steal a sip -- by then you may already be dehydrated. Keep a water bottle handy (at your desk, in your purse, in the car) as a constant reminder to drink up. Staying hydrated helps relieve headaches, muscle cramps, constipation, fatigue and bladder infections.

___ Jazz up your go-to glass of water with flavorful garnishes, like a slice of orange or lime.

___ Sip milk for a calcium boost that also counts toward your daily fluid intake.

___ Pass on fruit "drinks" in favor of actual fruit and veggies; they pack more vitamins, minerals and fiber and a lot less sugar. Plus, produce with high water content -- like cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon and peaches -- can keep you just as hydrated.

___ Serve yourself soup (look for low-salt, non-cream-based broths) -- another fantastic fluid source.

___ Limit sugary sodas and Venti Latte Whatchamacallits; they pack excess calories and caffeine without many useful nutrients for baby. Healthier alternatives: 100 percent fruit juice or antioxidant-packed green or white tea.

___ To remember how many glasses you've had (your foggy preggo brain can make this difficult sometimes) put eight rubber bands around your trusty water bottle. Remove one after you've sipped a whole bottle's worth of aqua, so you can keep track all day long.

Copyright © Parents.com 2007.