While most of us understand the importance of staying hydrated, dehydration during pregnancy can have significant repercussions for both you and your baby. In hectic times, periods of fatigue, or when feeling unwell, it can be easy to neglect drinking water, but lacking proper hydration may exacerbate your condition. According to the NHS, dehydration happens when the body loses more fluids than it consumes.
Common pregnancy-related issues like sweating and nausea can affect your hydration levels, making it essential to drink enough fluids each day, particularly water. This article will explore the symptoms of dehydration and signs that indicate a need to boost your water intake. Furthermore, we will recommend some top water bottle choices to help you stay hydrated.
What is the recommended water intake during pregnancy?
Experts recommend striving for approximately 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) of liquids each day. However, individual hydration requirements can vary widely, so this should only be viewed as a general guideline. Pregnancy tends to elevate the body’s fluid needs, meaning women usually have to drink more water than before conception.
It’s advisable to choose water over sugary drinks or juices. Water has no calories, making it an ideal companion for a healthy lifestyle. It hydrates efficiently without introducing excess sugars or fats. During pregnancy, hydration is crucial as it plays a role in creating the amniotic fluid that surrounds your growing baby, while also supporting overall bodily function.
You might think that missing a glass or two of water doesn’t matter much, but even mild dehydration can lead to decreased energy levels, something you’ll want to avoid if pregnancy fatigue is already weighing you down.
Dehydration symptoms during pregnancy
If your body is signaling that it needs more fluids, it will exhibit various signs and symptoms indicating the need for increased intake. Below are common signs of dehydration to watch for, as suggested by the NHS.
• Increased thirst
• Dark-colored, strong-smelling urine
• Dry mouth, lips, and tongue
• Feelings of dizziness or faintness
• Going to the bathroom less frequently than usual
• Fatigue
• Sunken eyes
If you notice signs of dehydration that don’t improve with additional water consumption, seeking medical advice from your healthcare provider or midwife is essential.
Consequences of inadequate water consumption during pregnancy
While mild dehydration is unlikely to cause severe problems, it may leave you feeling unwell. Thankfully, returning to proper hydration usually happens quickly—typically within 24 hours of consistent fluid intake. However, it’s important to realize that serious dehydration can lead to significant health risks for both you and your baby.
The American Pregnancy Association warns that “Dehydration during pregnancy can result in serious complications, including neural tube defects, reduced amniotic fluid, insufficient breast milk supply, and even premature labor.”
The best drinks for expectant mothers
Water: It is no surprise that water is regarded as the best beverage for pregnant women, even if many struggle to drink enough. To help you in this endeavor, we’ve compiled this guide! Water should always be your primary choice during pregnancy. It effectively nourishes your body while supporting immune function and is essential for developing the placenta, which delivers vital nutrients to your growing baby.
Milk: A great source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, milk is crucial for your baby’s bone, teeth, and muscle development. If cow’s milk isn’t your preference, there are hydrating alternatives like oat, soy, and almond milk.
Fruit-Infused Water: If plain water doesn’t excite you, consider enhancing the flavor by infusing it with slices of fruit like lemon, lime, cucumber, or berries. This method adds a refreshing taste without extra sugars, making hydration easier. A helpful tip is to prepare your infused drink the night before to develop a stronger flavor.
Herbal teas: Sipping on one or two cups of herbal tea can be a delightful way to enrich your daily fluid intake. Most herbal teas are safe during pregnancy, with ginger and peppermint teas being favorites among expectant mothers. However, it is best to avoid nettle and sage teas.
Coconut Water: A naturally refreshing source of electrolytes, coconut water can help maintain your body’s hydration levels, especially beneficial during pregnancy. For those experiencing morning sickness, it can provide relief and help combat fatigue.
Decaffeinated Beverages: If you can’t part with your morning tea or coffee, there’s no need to eliminate it completely. Opting for decaffeinated varieties is a smart choice to reduce caffeine consumption. It’s recommended to limit caffeine intake to no more than 200 mg per day during pregnancy.
How to stay hydrated despite discomfort from pregnancy symptoms
Many pregnancy symptoms, including excessive sweating, diarrhea, and nausea, can contribute to feelings of dehydration. If liquids make you uncomfortable, try sipping small amounts throughout the day instead of consuming large volumes at once. This approach may help the water settle better in your stomach and reduce irritation. If you’ve lost significant fluids due to illness, consider asking a pharmacy for rehydration sachets. If you have any concerns, consulting a healthcare professional is always wise.
The best water bottles for pregnant mothers:
Stanley cups are certainly trending! They are among the most desired water tumblers currently on the market, particularly favored by parents for their double-wall vacuum insulation. Whether you fill your Stanley cup with cold water, warm lemon water, or hot herbal tea, this tumbler keeps the drink at the perfect temperature for extended periods. Moreover, many appreciate its dishwasher-safe design, as the thought of cleaning another water bottle is often daunting for parents.
Our review: “Initially, I had reservations about Stanley cups. I’m usually wary of popular items because they often fail to meet expectations based on their price. However, as a busy mother of three, I often put hydration at the bottom of my to-do list. I started to feel extremely fatigued and had headaches, leading my doctor to recommend that I increase my water intake. After I got this Stanley Cup, I’ve been drinking nearly two liters of water daily, which is a considerable improvement. I love the stylish design and carry my Stanley everywhere, helping me stay hydrated, and I’ve noticed several health benefits already!”
Pros
- Variety of color options
- Reusable straw
- Ergonomic handle
| Weight: | 1.4 lbs |
| Dimensions: | 3.86 L x 5.28 W x 12.3 H in. |
| Insulation: | |
| – Hot | 7 Hours |
| – Cold | 11 Hours |
| – Ice | 48 Hours |
| Capacity: | 1.2 L |
- Made from 90 percent recycled 18/8 stainless steel
- Fits in car cup holders
- Dishwasher safe
Best pregnancy water bottle for women who dislike H2O
For many, ingesting water can feel tedious due to its often bland taste. Enter the Air Up bottle, featuring a unique approach to elevate your hydration routine. This bottle uses aroma to trick your senses into thinking you’re drinking flavored water, while it actually contains plain, healthy, sugar-free water. This method is particularly beneficial for those who struggle to consume regular water, unlike many store-bought flavored options packed with calories and sugars.
Our evaluation: “I had no idea about Air Up bottles until they became a must-have hydration item at my son’s school. He urged me to get one, which piqued my interest to try it as soon as it arrived.
“Honestly, I was skeptical because I usually prefer plain water. However, after experimenting with various flavor pods, I was pleasantly surprised, especially by the watermelon flavor, which quickly became a favorite.
“While finding the right flavor pod may require some trial and error, this concept offers a fantastic alternative for those fond of flavored water while aiming for a healthier option. I would gladly recommend this water bottle.”
Pros
- Comes with five flavor pods for you to try different options before settling on your favorites.
- BPA-free and constructed from stainless steel
- Utilizes patented scentaste technology (which uses scent to simulate flavored water).
Cons
- The flavor intensity might be lower than that of traditional flavored waters, although we still found them enjoyable.
| Weight: | 452g |
| Dimensions: | Height: 260mm |
| Insulation: | |
| – Hot | Not applicable |
| – Cold | 14 hours |
| Capacity: | 600 ml |
- Keeps drinks cold for 14 hours
- Made from high-quality stainless steel
- Sip spout made from food-safe silicone
- Each pod can flavor about five liters of liquid
Best maternity water bottle for sports
Whether attending a prenatal yoga class or enjoying a casual walk, the Chilly’s sports flip bottle ranks among our favorites. We admire its sleek and stylish design, and while it offers slightly less capacity than some other bottles mentioned, this makes it lightweight and easy to refill throughout the day. Designed to maintain cold beverages for up to 24 hours, we recommend replenishing it multiple times a day to ensure you stay well-hydrated.
Pros
- Available in two sizes and five colors.
- Includes a removable stainless steel telescopic straw.
- Features a flip sports lid to reduce spills and leaks.
- Retains cold drinks for up to 24 hours.
Cons
- Not dishwasher-safe and should be cleaned after each use.
| Weight: | 420 g |
| Dimensions: | 7.55 x 7.55 x 21.5 cm |
| Insulation: | |
| – Hot | Not applicable |
| – Cold | 24 hours |
| Capacity: | 500 ml |
- Equipped with a carry loop for convenient attachment to bags or easy handling.
- Removable straw.
- Antimicrobial materials help prevent odors.
- Quiet rubber base for discreet placement.
Best compact water bottle for pregnancy
Even though it’s usually advised to drink around eight glasses of water each day, this doesn’t mean you need to lug around a large water bottle. This water bottle stands out for its various size options. Compact designs make it easy to carry, fitting neatly in bags, backpacks, or even bigger pockets, making them ideal for staying hydrated while on the go—whether you’re running errands, taking a stroll, or simply enjoying a break.
Pros
- Variety of sizes and colors available
- Includes two replaceable lids
- Keeps drinks hot for as long as 12 hours and cold for 24 hours
- More than 10,000 positive reviews on Amazon
Cons
- A few reviews mentioned leaking, though most did not.
| Weight: | 227 g |
| Dimensions: | 7.3 x 7.3 x 17.4 cm |
| Insulation: | |
| – Hot: | 12 Hours |
| – Cold: | 24 Hours |
| Capacity: | 350 ml/500 ml/620 ml/750 ml/1000 ml |
- Dishwasher safe
- Vacuum insulation technology
Highly recommended water bottle for pregnant women with hourly reminders
Adjusting to a new routine, such as boosting water consumption, can be challenging—especially when it comes to keeping track of your hydration goals. That’s why we advocate for this bottle! It assists with both aspects by offering convenient time markers to remind you to hydrate and track your progress. Additionally, the motivational messages along the bottle provide encouraging boosts, motivating you to stay healthy for yourself and your baby.
Pros
- Inspirational design featuring motivational sayings and time markers
- Light in weight
- Easy single-click flip lid
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- No insulation (this water bottle does not retain temperature like some other options included in our review)
| Weight: | 131g |
| Size: | Multiple options |
| Insulation: | None |
| Volume: | 500 ml/700 ml/1000 ml/1500 ml/2000 ml |
- Wrist strap included
- Designed to be leak-resistant
- BPA-free plastic
Sale Price: £8.39
We are fans of this water bottle tailored for moms-to-be who enjoy infused drinks. Elevate your chilled water experience by adding lemon, cucumber, or a variety of other fruits and herbs for an invigorating, natural flavor. Infused water is a delightful alternative to staying hydrated without unnecessary sugars or artificial additives. Additionally, this bottle has a specific compartment for your fruit or tea, making cleanup a breeze.
Pros
- Multiple design options available
- Includes time markers
- Compartments for infused fruits and tea
Cons
- Made from plastic (though BPA-free)
| Weight: | 210 g |
| Dimensions: | 7 x 7 x 28 cm |
| Insulation: | Not applicable |
| Volume: | 1L |
