Which benefit does hydration provide specifically during pregnancy?

Hydration plays a crucial role in supporting increased blood volume during pregnancy, which is essential for both the mother and developing fetus. As the body adjusts to support the growing baby, blood volume can increase by up to 50%. Proper hydration helps maintain this expanded volume, ensuring that there is sufficient circulation to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the fetus while also accommodating the mother's own needs.

Increased blood volume is vital for numerous physiological functions during pregnancy, including the regulation of body temperature, waste removal, and overall cardiovascular health. Staying well-hydrated helps prevent issues such as dehydration and low blood pressure, which can arise from the body's increased demands, especially as pregnancy progresses.

Other options may address various aspects of pregnancy health, but they do not specifically connect to the important physiological change of increased blood volume caused by hydration.