Thirsty in Early Pregnancy? Here’s Why

Being really thirsty early pregnancy is totally normal. Your body is building up its supplies for the big job ahead.

Find yourself reaching for your water bottle more than usual?

You might be experiencing another one of the many delights of early pregnancy.

Yup, added thirst is another symptom to add to the list.

But why do we get so thirsty early in pregnancy?

And, if we’re TTC, could it be one of the first signs that a BFP is coming our way?

Read on to find out.

In this article: 📝

Is being thirsty a sign of early pregnancy?

Thirst alone isn’t a sign that you might be pregnant.

But if you’re experiencing a bunch of early pregnancy symptoms, like nausea, tiredness, or tender breasts, thirst might be another nudge in that direction.

Some people experience thirst like they’ve never felt before when they’re pregnant, and that can be totally normal.

When you’re pregnant, your body needs extra fluids to support the growth and development of your baby.

Why am I so thirsty early pregnancy?

There are a few reasons your body is calling out for more fluids right now.

Here are the possibilities:

1. You simply need more fluids when you’re pregnant

You’re forming amniotic fluid to protect your baby, building up blood supply and getting nutrients to your baby.

Plus, your waste disposal system needs to work pretty hard right now.

All of this requires extra fluids.

No wonder you need a little more juice to run this operation. Stick to the 8×8 rule.

That’s 8 medium-sized glasses of 8 ounces each a day.

2. Your blood flow has increased

When you’re pregnant, your body is pumping around extra blood to help with all the new functions it’s taken on.

In fact, your blood plasma levels increase by as much as 50%.

More blood needs more water.

Keeping hydrated helps your body perform all those extra tasks.

3. Hormones, hormones, hormones

Yep, they have a part to play here too.

The pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone can have an effect on your body’s fluid levels.

4. You’re peeing more

Although thirst is especially common in the first trimester, you can also experience it in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, when your uterus is pressing against your bladder.

Those frequent bathroom trips mean you’re going to have to replenish your supplies more often than usual.

When should I worry about thirst during pregnancy?

While it’s normal to be more parched at this time, excessive thirst can be a sign that something’s up.

Some possibilities include:

Dehydration

According to The American Pregnancy Association, dehydration during pregnancy can cause a number of complications, including low amniotic fluid and trouble with the development of your baby’s brain or spinal cord.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Feeling overheated
  
• Dark-colored pee
  
• Not needing to pee that often
  
• Headache and dizziness
  
• Constipation
  
• Dry mouth

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy and often goes away after your baby is born.

While it’s more common later in pregnancy, there’s a possibility it’s the reason you’re feeling thirsty early in pregnancy.

If you wake up needing water multiple times in the night, stay thirsty no matter how much you drink, or you have a constant feeling of dry mouth, it’s important to check in with your doctor.

It’s entirely possible to have a healthy pregnancy with gestational diabetes.

You just need to manage it with the help of your healthcare provider.

HELLP Syndrome

This rare condition is a type of preeclampsia that affects your liver enzymes.

Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, and extreme fatigue.

If this sounds like where you’re at, talk to your doctor.

An early diagnosis can help you get the support you need to have a healthy pregnancy.

How can I quench my early pregnancy thirst?

The answer to this one is pretty simple: drink up!

Even if that does mean more frequent trips to the bathroom.

Setting reminders on your phone to drink more can be useful.

And it doesn’t have to be just water, either.

Ice lollies, smoothies, coconut water, or even sucking on ice cubes can all be great thirst quenchers.

You can also:

• Consume foods with a high water content, like fruits or veggies 🍉
  
• Avoid excessively sweet or salty foods 🍟
  
• Steer clear of high-intensity exercise 🧘🏾‍♀️

Some people in early pregnancy are thirsty at night, so keep a glass of water by your bed to save you midnight trips to the kitchen.

And know that you’re not alone on this journey.

Join our community to share your experiences.

We’re in this together.