Many women notice that one of the first symptoms of pregnancy that they experience is thirst. Sometimes it feels like no matter how much you drink, you’re still incredibly thirsty. What causes this excessive thirst? Let’s find out!
What causes pregnancy thirst?
There are actually many reasons why you might feel super thirsty while pregnant. Some common and harmless, while others can be a bit more serious.
A few common reasons why you may be craving liquids all the time are:
- Hormonal changes. Fluctuations in your hormones can play a huge part in your body‘s ability to regulate its fluid levels.
- Nausea or vomiting. If you’re constantly nauseous and potentially expelling the fluids that you’re taking in, you may need to drink more to replace the fluids that are being lost.
- Extra blood. During pregnancy your blood levels double. Our blood is made up of 51% water, therefore if your body is making twice as much blood, you’re more easily dehydrated and your body’s demand for extra fluids is higher.
- Increased metabolic rate. As your body works harder to support and grow your unborn baby, it extends more energy and requires more fluids to function properly.
- Gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is one main reason that it’s very important to keep your medical provider aware of your drinking habits. If you are excessively thirsty all the time, it could be because you’re struggling with gestational diabetes.
- The need for amniotic fluid. If your amniotic fluid levels are low, it can help to drink extra water. Staying hydrated can actually raise your amniotic fluid levels. This isn’t always the case, but sometimes it does help!
How much water should I drink every day?
There’s no magic number, everyone’s bodies and everyone’s needs are different. Some women live in a very dry climate, while others live with high humidity. Some pregnant women are experiencing the heat of summer while others are experiencing a cool winter. No matter what, it is a good idea to get at least 8 to 10-8 ounce glasses per day.
Some people find that number to be overwhelming. In that case, I encourage you to purchase a large cup of some kind. Snag one with a handle so it can easily be brought everywhere with you. Having a full cup of water with you constantly encourages you to drink more. Fill your cup, add some ice, and take it with you everywhere! I guarantee you you’ll start automatically drinking more water.
What if I hate the taste of water?
Some people find that adding things to your water makes it more fun and less overwhelming. You could try:
- Ice water
- Flavored drink packets
- Flavored mineral packets
- Electrolyte drinks
- Sip on water throughout the day, instead of chugging a glass all at once
- Coconut water
- Keeping a hydration journal where you log every glass that you consume in a day.
- Eat water rich foods, such as watermelon and cucumbers.
- Set yourself a reminder on your phone to get a drink every hour.
- Try to limit drinks that can dehydrate you, such as soda and coffee. They can counteract the benefits of drinking water and do more harm than good.
In addition to drinking water, you can also add other fluids such as juice, milk, and teas. Be careful about green tea and black tea. Those tea’s contain some caffeine. Be careful about herbals tease as well, some contain herbs that are not safe for pregnancy. Be sure to run them by your doctor or midwife before diving in.
Benefits to staying hydrated
Aside from just helping you feel better, staying hydrated can also:
- improve your mood
- Improve your energy levels
- Assist in the development of your baby’s spinal cord and brain
- Ease constipation
- Reduce swelling
- Reduce your chances of premature labor
- Help prevent urinary tract infections
How to know if you’re dehydrated
Some women think something is wrong with them when they’re actually just feeling dehydrated. Dehydration can sneak up on you, especially during pregnancy. Dehydration and pregnancy can look like:
- Not remembering the last time you went pee
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry mouth and skin
- Fatigue
- Uterine contractions
- Dark or stinky urine
If you’re feeling any of these symptoms, slowly sip on a glass of water and try to get the whole thing down within a 15 minute window. Repeat this until you feel better. It’s important to listen to your body when it tells you what it needs. That’s really all that the symptoms of dehydration are. Your body is just asking you to give it what it wants. Speak to your healthcare provider if any of these symptoms persist after you feel hydrated again.
In conclusion, dehydration in pregnancy is no joke. The issues stemming from dehydration can range from just feeling like garbage to potentially harming your baby. It’s very important that you do your best to stay as hydrated as possible. These healthy habits will also benefit you later on when breastfeeding! Your breastmilk production will increase as you take in more fluids. Be sure to mention any questions or concerns about hydration to your doctor or midwife. they will be able to better help you determine what your specific needs are.