What it is
How much water? More than before, less than the internet says. Your blood volume rises about 50 percent by the third trimester. Dehydration in pregnancy shows up as headache, dizziness, dark urine, constipation, and Braxton Hicks contractions that will not quit.
What's typical
Most guidelines land around 8 to 12 cups of fluid a day in pregnancy, more in heat, and more again while nursing. Pale yellow urine is the simplest sign you are getting enough. Electrolytes matter mostly when you are vomiting or sweating hard. Thirst is a late signal, so many mothers drink by habit.
What's known
ACOG and the Institute of Medicine both give the 8 to 12 cup range. Studies on dehydration and Braxton Hicks are thin, but midwives know the link well and often ask about it first. Electrolyte drinks are marketed hard to pregnant women. Most are sugar with a little salt.
What helps
- Keep a bottle you like within reach and refill it at set points: waking, each meal, bed.
- Add lemon, cucumber, or fruit if plain water turns your stomach.
- If you are cramping and have not peed in hours, drink two glasses and lie on your side.
When to call someone
- Nowno urine for eight hours, fainting, or regular contractions before 37 weeks that do not stop after drinking and resting.
- Todayyou cannot keep fluids down for 24 hours, or you have pain when you pee.
- At your next visityou are always thirsty and peeing a lot, which can be a blood sugar sign.
Who helps
Related
- Hydration while breastfeedingNourishment and Traditions
- Braxton Hicks and practice contractionsPregnancy: Your Body
- Nausea and vomiting in pregnancyPregnancy: Your Body
- Headaches and migrainesPregnancy: Your Body
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — How much water should I drink during pregnancy, expert view
- Institute of Medicine — Dietary Reference Intakes for water, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulfate
- NHS — Dehydration
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