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If you're pregnant and feel like you can’t stop drinking water, you're not imagining it. That constant need to sip — whether it’s day or night — can catch you off guard, especially if it doesn’t seem to go away.
While it’s common to feel a little thirstier during pregnancy, extreme or unquenchable thirst can sometimes point to something else. In this article, we’ll break down what causes thirst in pregnancy, how to know if it’s normal or excessive, how much water you actually need, and when to talk to your provider.
Let’s get into what your body’s trying to tell you — and how to stay hydrated the right way.
Yes, pregnancy can definitely increase your thirst. From the earliest weeks, your body starts making big changes to support your growing baby. Blood volume increases. Hormones shift. And your kidneys start working overtime. All of this adds up to one thing: your body needs more fluids [*].
It can be — some people do notice increased thirst as one of the first subtle signs that they might be pregnant. But it’s not a sure thing. Lots of everyday things can make you thirsty: hot weather, salty food, or just being a little dehydrated [*].
If you think pregnancy might be the cause, look for other early signs like fatigue, nausea, and a missed period before jumping to conclusions [*].
Yes, it’s usually normal to feel more thirsty — especially in the second and third trimesters [*]. Your body is literally building another human, and that takes a lot of water.
But there’s a difference between increased thirst and constant, excessive thirst that doesn't go away no matter how much you drink. If your mouth always feels dry, or if you’re waking up multiple times at night just to drink water, it might be time to take a closer look [*].
Feeling like you’re constantly refilling your glass? Pregnancy can turn up your thirst as your body works overtime to support your growing baby.
Here’s why you might be feeling extra thirsty — and why it usually isn’t something to worry about:
During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by nearly 50% [*]. That means your body needs more fluid to keep everything flowing smoothly, and your thirst naturally increases to meet the demand [*].
Pregnancy hormones like progesterone and hCG can influence how your body balances fluids and electrolytes [*]. This can make you feel parched even when you’ve been sipping water all day.
Frequent urination is totally normal in pregnancy (thank you, baby-on-bladder). Every time you go, your body loses fluid — and signals that it needs a refill [*].
Your body burns more energy while supporting your baby, which means you also lose water more quickly and need to replace it [*].
Simple but important — extra heat or movement means extra sweating, which ramps up your need to rehydrate [*].
If your thirst feels off the charts — especially if you’re also peeing a lot, feeling dizzy, or just can’t quench it — one of these conditions could be the reason:
This form of diabetes happens only during pregnancy and can affect how your body processes sugar [*]. One of the most common early signs? Extreme thirst. You might also notice fatigue, blurry vision, or needing to pee constantly [*].
What it feels like: Many describe it as a dry mouth that never goes away — even right after drinking. If this sounds familiar, ask your provider about testing. Most people get screened between 24–28 weeks, but earlier testing is sometimes needed [*].
Not to be confused with gestational diabetes, this is a very rare condition where your body has trouble regulating fluids due to low levels of a hormone called ADH. The result: excessive thirst and excessive urination — often liters per day [*].
If you’ve had bad morning sickness, diarrhea, or a fever, you might simply be low on fluids. Even mild dehydration can cause dry mouth, dizziness, and increased thirst [*].
Most healthcare providers recommend about 8 to 12 cups (64–96 oz) of fluids per day during pregnancy [*]. But that number isn’t set in stone. You may need more if you’re:
Tip: Pay attention to your pee. If it’s light yellow or pale, you’re likely well-hydrated. If it’s dark or you’re not going often, it might be time to up your intake [*].
Yes — overhydration is rare but possible. Drinking too much water too quickly can dilute the sodium in your blood, leading to a condition called hyponatremia [*].
It’s more likely to happen if you’re forcing yourself to drink massive amounts of water “just in case.” Instead, aim to drink steadily throughout the day. Don’t try to meet your hydration goals all in one go.
Here are a few practical ways to stay hydrated — and feel more comfortable while doing it:
Keep a water bottle nearby and sip throughout the day. Chugging large amounts at once can overwhelm your system (and your bladder) [*].
Coconut water, fruit-infused water, or pregnancy-safe electrolyte drinks can help restore minerals like sodium and potassium, especially if you’ve been sweating or sick [*].
Fruits and veggies like cucumbers, oranges, watermelon, and celery are super hydrating — and can be more refreshing than plain water sometimes [*].
Salty snacks and sugary drinks can throw off your body’s fluid balance, making you feel thirstier [*].
Many pregnant people say that cold water hits differently. Ice chips, smoothies, or chilled coconut water might feel more satisfying than room temp [*].
If your mouth or throat feels dry even when you're drinking, especially at night, try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air [*].
Call your healthcare provider if [*]:
These could be signs of gestational diabetes, dehydration, or another condition worth checking out.
Dry mouth that doesn’t go away, constant need to drink, and frequent urination are the big red flags [*].
Yes, especially as your kidneys filter more fluid. But if you’re waking up multiple times a night just to drink, talk to your provider [*].
Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, constipation, overheating, and even low amniotic fluid if it becomes chronic [*].
This might be a sign that you need electrolytes, not just water — or that your body isn’t absorbing fluids properly. It could also point to gestational diabetes [*].
Occasionally is fine, but it’s high in sugar and sodium. Opt for low-sugar electrolyte options or coconut water more regularly [*].
Nope, total myth. There’s no scientific link between thirst and your baby’s sex [*].
Thirst is totally normal in pregnancy, and in most cases, it just means your body is working hard to support your growing baby. But if that thirst feels constant or excessive — especially if paired with other symptoms — don’t ignore it. It’s always okay to ask your doctor, even if it turns out to be nothing.
The best approach? Stay hydrated, listen to your body, and make small adjustments that help you feel your best.
Pregnancy comes with all kinds of surprises — including feeling way thirstier than usual. Just like staying hydrated is essential for your health and your baby’s development, taking steps now to protect your baby and family’s future health is just as important. At MiracleCord, we’re here to support you through every stage — from decoding your body’s signals to preparing for delivery.
Cord blood banking is one of those decisions you can’t make after the moment has passed. Your baby’s cord blood can only be collected within minutes of birth — and it is a lifesaving resource for treating over 80 conditions. Don’t wait until it’s too late to explore your options.
Learn how cord blood banking can help protect your family’s lifelong health with our Free Information Kit, or call us today at 888.743.2673 to get started before your due date sneaks up.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.The materials and information contained on the MiracleCord website is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended to, and does not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis, and should not be used as such. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. If you are seeking personal medical advice, you should consult with a licensed physician. Always consult with a qualified health care provider regarding a medical condition.
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