A recent study from Penn State highlights a concerning gap in hydration awareness among pregnant women in the U.S. Many are not aware of or meeting the recommended daily water intake of 1.9 to 3 liters, which is crucial for preventing negative birth outcomes such as low amniotic fluid and disrupted fetal development.
Surveying 137 pregnant women, researchers found that 63% were unaware of hydration guidelines, and 67% were not meeting them. Common barriers included lack of thirst and forgetting to drink. However, 69% of participants showed interest in using digital tools to track and improve their hydration.
The study suggests that smart water bottles, which track daily water intake and sync with smartphone apps, could be an effective solution. The ongoing Healthy Mom Zone study aims to develop personalized digital interventions to address these hydration challenges and improve maternal and fetal health.
