Not drinking water

[MinesALatte]

I’m 29 weeks tomorrow and have barely drunk more than about 20 glasses of water for the whole of my pregnancy and now I’m a bit worried. Water, bizarrely, gives me headaches and so I just can’t drink it. I have decaf tea throughout the day, probably 6-7 cups, take my pregnancy vitamins with 150ml of orange juice and then that’s kind of it. I just don’t get thirsty. Am I doing damage to the baby?

You're definitely drinking well below the recommended daily intake for fluids whether you are pregnant or not- conversely I can't get enough water and am constantly guzzling it (26 weeks pregnant)

Dehydration during pregnancy can cause lower levels of amniotic fluid - I know this because I'm Having twins and one twins sac was half the size of the other so I upped my water intake and now they are the same size. Pretty sure the recommended daily intake is 8 glasses.
Low levels of amniotic fluid can cause issues during pregnancy

Obviously dehydration can also affect milk supply when you start breastfeeding I think the recommended intake then increases to about 13 glasses

And then there is the fact you need a high fluid intake to account for the extra blood you are pumping and also clean body of toxins.

I'd be careful about what else is in decaf drinks

What about low sugar fruit squashes with water as a substitute for the tea?

Also you are probably getting the headaches because you are having a withdrawal from your decaf tea and it's nothing to do with the water itself?

I think tea counts towards your daily water consumption doesn't it? And unless I've read it wrong you're still drinking 6-7 cups a day?

Do you like sparkling water? Why do you think water gives you a headache? Could it be the temperature (too cold?) I'd tell your midwife about the headaches and see what she suggests.

I think there was an NHS guidance thing that said 4-6 cups of tea was equivalent to 1litre of water but recommended intake during pregnancy is over litres so you'd still Need to add other drinks to this to reach the recommendation

*recommended intake is over 2 litres

I had the same problem with water until recently. Can you try other fluids OP? Milk, hot water with lemon, other infusions...? I found sparkling water easier to take.

Thanks all, the headaches with water has been an age old thing for me, pre-pregnancy as well as during. I’ve tried all sorts of temperatures and no idea what it is. I mentioned it to a doctor once and they didn’t believe me so have been a bit embarrassed to mention it again.

Will I have done some damage? I’m quite worried now and not seeing my midwife until mid December now.

I get so thirsty in pregnancy! Have you tried squash/cordial or some fruit/mint in the water to make it tastier? I'd say it's worth trying to up your water intake even if it's just to avoid the preggo/post birth constipation

I did get some lime cordial the other day but just keep forgetting and just always go for a tea. I’ve just had some now though and will make sure for the next 11 weeks I drink lots

I’m so worried now though so worried I’ve done damage. I keep being told I have a small bump

Please don't worry! First of all, liquid intake refers to all liquid, so the juice and decaf tea count too. Watery fruit, veg and food count.

Do you have signs of dehydration? How were fluid levels at 12 and 20 week scan? Honestly, they would have noted any issues with amniotic fluid at that point. They would also have informed you of issues with fundal height at regular appointments.

Read here, but all sounds OK. Drink more if you can and see your midwife if you're still concerned.

www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/nutrition-pregnancy/how-much-water-should-i-drink-pregnancy#:~:text=You%20need%20to%20drink%20six,water

@MinesALatte

A small bump doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong but they may refer you to a scan at some point if the bump doesn't grow as it should? Perhaps mention it to the midwife and try and drink something else/more

Fizzy water is a good one or fizzy water abs fresh orange?

Thank you for the reassurance @Livingmagicallyagain

No mention of fluid levels at 12 and 20 weeks so guessing all was ok

I eat a few portions of fruit a day so hopefully getting something from there too.

I’ve definitely not felt signs of dehydration, and even my wee hasn’t been that dark so I’ve not worried, but it just occurred to me today about water intake

Keep drinking lots of liquids. Personally I don’t drink decaf as I was told decaf is worse than caffeine options. I just stick to 2 cups of normal coffee a day then try (mostly fail) to drink water during the day. I don’t feel thirsty either so it’s hard to remember.
You could try squash, fruit and barley is supposed to be good. Just remember that the last bit of your pregnancy your supposed to up your liquid intake to 3 litres a day.

I can’t drink water since I’ve been pregnant. I used to happily drink my 2 litres a day but if I drink any drink that is flat (ie bit fizzy), I throw it up. Odd, I know!

I’ve been drinking sparkling water with cordial, or just the sparkling water on its own. Does that make it any easier for you?

Wow I can't imagine this I went the opposite way and drank 5 litres a day! I just couldn't stop being thirsty - I was panicked about that!

Try an app that reminds you to drink - even if it's half a glass each time.

Is your wee dark coloured?

@doadeer nope! I saw my midwife the other day and gave my first wee of the day as the sample and it wasn’t dark and they didn’t say anything either!